What is the male-to-female ratio of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in India?

Male-to-Female Ratio of UTI in India

In India, females have approximately 2-3 times higher prevalence of UTI compared to males, with the female-to-male ratio ranging from approximately 2:1 to 3:1 in community settings.

Gender Distribution in Indian Studies

The available Indian data consistently demonstrates a clear female predominance in UTI prevalence:

• In Meerut City, the UTI prevalence was 73.57% in females versus 35.14% in males, representing approximately a 2.1:1 female-to-male ratio 1.

• In Assam, North-East India, among culture-positive UTI cases, 73.07% were females and 26.92% were males, yielding approximately a 2.7:1 female-to-male ratio 2.

• In the eastern part of Northern India, females had a 60.7% prevalence compared to 39.3% in males, representing approximately a 1.5:1 ratio 3.

Age-Related Patterns

The gender distribution varies significantly with age:

• Young to middle-aged women (18-50 years, particularly 26-36 years) show the highest UTI prevalence 1, 3.

• Elderly males (≥48 years and 51-80 years) demonstrate increased susceptibility, narrowing the gender gap in older age groups 1, 3.

• The male-to-female prevalence difference becomes less pronounced in elderly populations 4.

Clinical Context

This female predominance in India mirrors global patterns:

• Women are approximately 30 times more likely than men under 50 years to develop UTI 5.

• The higher female prevalence relates to anatomical factors, sexual activity, and hormonal influences 4.

• Escherichia coli remains the predominant uropathogen (42.58-55.0%) in Indian community-acquired UTIs 1, 3.