Urine is a sterile liquid, meaning it contains fluids, salts, and waste products, but no infectious microorganisms. However, any part of the urinary tract (kidney, bladder, or urethra) can become infected due to various causes, leading to a urinary tract infection.
Most infections are caused by bacteria, although they can also be caused by viruses or fungi. Escherichia coli is the bacterium responsible for the vast majority of urinary tract infection cases, normally residing in the colon, although it is not the only one. Other bacteria such as Klepsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis or Pseudomona can also cause urinary tract infections.
There are different types of urinary infections:
- Bacteriuria: presence of bacteria in the urine
- Lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis (bladder inflammation), urethritis (urethral inflammation), or prostatitis (prostate inflammation)
- Upper urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis (when it affects the kidneys)
- Recurrent: relapses if they reappear caused by the same microorganism, or re-infections if caused by a different one
- Chronic: the infection by the same microorganism does not completely disappear despite treatment
The most frequent symptoms that may indicate a urinary tract infection are:
- Urgent and sudden need to urinate
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Redness of the vulva and vaginal itching in women
- Pain or heavy sensation in the pubic area
- Cloudy or abnormal urine color
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Fever, chills, or pain in the side or back if the kidneys have been affected
Among the most common causes of urinary tract infections are:
- Lack of hygiene in the genital area
- Sexual intercourse, as it promotes the introduction of bacteria into the bladder. Urinating after sexual activity reduces the risk of infections because it helps eliminate possible bacteria present
- Urinary retention, causing urine to accumulate for longer than usual and more microorganisms to appear
- Wet swimsuits, which retain cold and humidity, optimal conditions for microorganism proliferation
- Tight clothing or lycra underwear, which do not allow perspiration
- Wet swimsuits, which retain cold and humidity, optimal conditions for microorganism proliferation
- Kidney stones, which hinder the outflow of urine and can injure the urinary tract
- Diabetes, which hinders the outflow of urine and can injure the urinary tract
Treatment for urinary tract infections is based on antibiotics, if caused by bacteria, antivirals, if caused by viruses, or antifungals, if caused by fungi. The doctor will assess the necessary medication for each treatment. Additionally, medication can be taken at home orally, and treatment usually lasts less than two weeks, depending on the type of infection and the chosen drug.
A series of recommendations can be considered to reduce the possibility or prevent a urinary tract infection:
- urinate when needed
- drink enough water every day, at least 2 liters
- maintain good intimate hygiene, especially after sexual intercourse
- eat acidifying foods with a high purine content, such as meat, fish, or seafood, among others. Our diet can be reinforced by taking food supplements containing L-methionine, the only urinary acidifier recommended by European urology guidelines, which help us maintain acidic urine.
