Final answer:
Genitourinary fistulas are commonly caused by trauma during childbirth or surgery, particularly in cases of obstetric fistula. Other contributing factors to urogenital infections include fecal contamination and conditions like an enlarged prostate or hormonal changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causes of the formation of genitourinary fistulas include trauma during childbirth or surgery, such as in the case of obstetric fistula, which can occur when tissue separating the bladder from the vagina is ruptured. This condition often leads to chronic incontinence and disproportionately affects women in rural and poor communities who lack professional medical assistance during childbirth. Another factor contributing to urogenital infections is fecal contamination due to the proximity of the anus to the urethra, with Escherichia coli being a common bacterium leading to urinary tract infections. Conditions like an enlarged prostate gland in males or hormonal changes, particularly shifts in estrogen levels in females, can also increase susceptibility to these infections.