 Uropathogenic E. coli ( UPEC ) is one of the main causes of urinary tract infections . It is part of the normal flora in the gut and can be introduced in many ways . In particular for females , the direction of wiping after defecation ( wiping back to front ) can lead to fecal contamination of the urogenital orifices . Anal intercourse can also introduce this bacterium into the male urethra , and in switching from anal to vaginal intercourse , the male can also introduce UPEC to the female urogenital system . For more information , see the databases at the end of the article or UPEC pathogenicity . 
