18 Causes of Urinary Tract Infections and Other Info

18. Influence of Genetics on UTIs

Some people are born with a genetic predisposition for UTIs. This can take many forms. Individuals with a family history of bladder inflammation or kidney infections are far more likely to have UTIs. Many children are born with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a typically asymptomatic condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys. VUR is a key risk factor for the movement of bacteria from the urethra to the bladder, resulting in more frequent UTIs.