Because the female urethra is shorter than a male’s, bacteria have a much quicker path to the bladder, which makes women more vulnerable to these infections. So how does the shower factor in? Urine itself can contain bacteria, and when released in a warm, moist environment like a shower, those bacteria don’t always wash away immediately. Instead, they may cling to tiles, drains, or the shower floor. If you often shower barefoot—or if someone else steps in soon after—you could be exposed again.
