Why are men older than 50 at increased risk of urinary tract infection?

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The most common cause of urinary tract infection is invasion into the urethra of Escherichia coli, a type of bacterium that normally inhabits the bowel. — urinary tract infection The most common cause of urinary tract infection is invasion into the urethra of *Escherichia coli*, a type of bacterium that normally inhabits the bowel.

Men older than 50 are at an increased risk of urinary tract infections primarily due to the enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.12

As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra, leading to a progressive obstruction of urine flow. This obstruction often results in the inability to void completely, meaning the bladder is never fully emptied. The urine that remains in the bladder becomes stagnant, creating an environment where infection can easily set in. If this condition is left untreated, the resulting urinary obstruction can lead to further complications, including bladder and kidney damage.12