Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection is caused by the proliferation of bacteria from the digestive system (e.g., E. coli or enterococcus) into one of the various parts of the urinary system. It can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys as well as the prostate in men. Cystitis, which affects the bladder, is the most common. Although men can contract UTIs, they are much more common in women.

Urinary tract infections are not transmissible, but the spread of germs during sexual relations can contribute to them. Many factors increase the risk of contracting a UTI, including advanced age (fecal and urinary incontinence), anal intercourse, sexual activity, diaphragm or spermicide use, menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, menopause, prostate disease, immunosuppression, recent urological surgery, antibiotic use, and structural abnormalities. According to a study published in the journal Nature Microbiology, recurrent urinary tract infections may also be due to an imbalance in the microbiome.

There are many symptoms of urinary tract infection. These are the most common:

• More frequent urination (pollakiuria)
• Urgent, uncontrollable urge to urinate (urinary urgency)
• Painful sensation or acute burning when urinating (dysuria)
• Lower back pain
• Tightness and pressure in the lower abdomen
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

It should be noted, however, that a person can suffer from a urinary tract infection without showing any symptoms.

There are simple ways to prevent urinary tract infections:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Do not hold back from urinating.
• Maintain good hygiene.
• Change sanitary protection regularly during menstruation.
• Avoid constipation.
• Urinate right after intercourse and wear undergarments made of non-synthetic fabric, such as cotton.

To screen for a urinary tract infection, your health care professional may ask you for a urine sample for laboratory testing. The laboratory may also perform a urine culture to confirm the presence of infection-causing bacteria and ensure that treatment is effective.

Urinary tract infections are generally treated with antibiotics.