Bladder Infection Causes

Avoid these bladder infection causes and you may be able to reduce the frequency you develop them or prevent infection altogether. The primary cause of a bladder infection is the transfer of E. coli bacteria into the urethra. This can happen when the following incidences happen:

Wiping From Back to Front
Because bladder infections are caused by bacteria often found in and around your anus, you'll need to wipe front to back instead of back to front in order to keep the bacteria where they belong-which is far from your urethra. If you get frequent bladder infections, take note of your wiping habits and try to keep your urethra squeaky clean.

Sexual Intercourse
Are you surprised? Don't be. Bladder infections are caused by the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, and all that activity down there can easily help the transport of bacteria from one nether-region to the other. Of course you don't want to stop having sexual relations, but there are ways to avoid getting a bladder infection after engaging in intercourse. First of all, always void your bladder as soon as possible after engaging in sexual intercourse. Secondly, wash up after sex using mild soap and warm water. If you feel your urethra is getting irritated during intercourse, take a break in the action, giving your urethra time to heal.

Using a Diaphragm or Spermicidal Agents
If you use either of these methods of birth control, you are at higher risk for contracting a bladder infection. Both forms of birth control irritate the urethra and can increase the chance of bacterial infection, so try to remember to wash up with mild soap and warm water whenever you feel irritation coming on.

Wearing Panty Liners or Tight Underwear
Try wearing light, cotton panties that breathe and minimizing the days you wear a panty liner if you get frequent bladder infections. Tight undies that don't breath and panty liners both promote the growth of bacteria and irritate the urethra.