APunit6discussion.docx - Describe the causes of an UTI in...

Describe the causes of an UTI in both genders.

Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop it. All women
are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the
anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.
Infection of the urethra (urethritis). This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to
the urethra. Also, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such
as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis.