Generally referred to as "that nuisance and burning urination", the urinary tract infection can be summarized as the infection caused by bacteria in the urinary tract.
Many people use the term to describe cystitis (bladder infection), which is very common in women. However, it is important to know that cystitis is a bladder-only (or lower urinary tract) infection, that is, it is a type of urinary tract infection. The term urinary tract infection expresses an infectious condition that can occur anywhere in the urinary system (such as the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters).
Maria Letícia de Azevedo, a nephrologist at Santa Lucia Hospital and director of the Brasília Clinical Kidney Disease (CDRB), explains that urinary tract infection is the presence of pain and burning urination caused by the body's reaction to the presence of bacteria, viruses or even bladder and urinary fungi, which are usually sterile ?.
Women of reproductive age, according to the nephrologist, are the group with the highest incidence by age group.
The problem deserves a lot of attention. Patrícia de Rossi, gynecologist and obstetrician at Conjunto Hospitalar do Mandaqui, in São Paulo (SP), points out that more than half of women will have a cystitis throughout their lives, especially from the beginning of their sexual life.
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Types of urinary tract infection and its symptoms
You can basically talk about three types of urinary tract infection:
Cystitis
This is the most common type. Maria Leticia explains that happens when germs are in the bladder and urethra. Symptoms are burning urination, increased urination. In most cases of cystitis, the infection would cure even without antibiotics. However, these are indicated as they shorten the duration of symptoms.
Pyelonephritis
According to Maria Leticia, this is when germs are found in the ureters and kidneys. In addition to the symptoms of cystitis, there may be fever, body tremors, feeling unwell and pain in the back (where the kidneys are). All cases of pyelonephritis deserve treatment to prevent the infection from spreading into the bloodstream.
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Asymptomatic bacteriuria
Patricia highlights this type of urinary tract infection that happens when there are bacteria in the urine without causing symptoms. "It's relevant in pregnancy because it increases the chance of preterm birth and low birth weight babies," he says.
Causes of Urinary Infections
Patricia says the bacteria come from the woman's own intestinal flora.
Urinary tract infection happens when a bacterium enters the urinary system (through the urethra) and begins to multiply. Normally, the urinary tract manages to expel such foreign organisms, but sometimes this defense fails and then the bacteria begins to grow inside the urinary tract, initiating an infection.
The causes vary greatly depending on where the infection occurs, but some factors show why urinary tract infections (especially cystitis) are more common in women:
1. Anatomical peculiarities of women: women have a shorter urethra close to the anus, so the very anatomical particularities of the female urinary tract already enable them to have more urinary infections.
2. Sexual intercourse: during intercourse, of course, the vaginal flora changes; and when the body cannot expel foreign organisms, they can rise into the urethra reaching the bladder and causing infection.
3. Gestation: At this stage, naturally there is an increase in bacteria. It is noteworthy that, in the case of pregnant women, the infection is usually asymptomatic (without symptoms), so it requires a lot of attention from the professional.
4. Menopause: In this phase hormonal fall occurs, besides, the immunity also low? factors that together make women more prone to this type of infection.
5. Hold urine: This is common for people who spend a long time without going to the toilet at work or on a trip, for example. The? Pee stopped? in the bladder creates the perfect environment for the proliferation of bacteria.
6. Low fluid consumption: Taking little water daily is an aggravating factor.The person thus pee less and the? Stopped urine? enables the proliferation of bacteria.
7. Other factors: existence of some calculus in the urinary tract; existence of a vaginal discharge; presence of genital warts that alter the vaginal flora; Low immunity (which can occur due to various health problems) are other factors that may favor urinary infection.
Problem Diagnosis
Patricia points out that the symptoms of cystitis are very characteristic:
- Pain on urination (dysuria);
- Frequent urge to urinate (polyuria);
- Urgent urge to urinate (voiding urgency);
- Pain in the lower abdomen;
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) is observed in some cases;
- Just like smelly urine.
Pyelonephritis, according to the gynecologist and obstetrician, has signs of systemic infection, such as:
- Fever;
- Malaise;
- Nausea and vomiting.
? This condition is serious and needs medical attention soon ,? recalls Patricia.
The gynecologist explains that, taking into account the symptoms, the tests are diagnostic aids and, depending on the case, may even be dispensed with. ? The most commonly used are simple urine testing and urine culture. In selected cases and in pyelonephritis are also necessary blood tests ?, says.
Treatments for urinary tract infections
Patricia explains that urinary tract infection should be treated with antibiotics. There are several medications and regimens, depending on the patient's characteristics and the severity of the case. For cystitis, there are from single-dose treatments to seven-day regimens ?, he says.
"Painkillers and / or anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control bladder pain and discomfort," adds the gynecologist.
• A very important guideline is to take the antibiotic for the time prescribed by the doctor, as improvement of symptoms does not mean that the infection is completely cleared. Can the interruption lead to a relapse ?, points out Patricia.
In general, it is generally recommended that a person avoid sexual intercourse for about a week (as the urethra is still injured). Plus, drink plenty of fluids (as soon as she can urinate normally without pain).
It is worth mentioning that an acute infection can be treated by any qualified professional. In cases of chronic recurrent infections (when they occur 4 or 5 or more times a year), the patient should go to a specialist doctor who will investigate the cause of the problem.
Prognosis
According to Patricia, the healing possibilities are good. • In case of no improvement, one should evaluate if the treatment was done correctly. Other possibilities are resistance of bacteria to the antibiotic used or some complication ?, he says.
It is worth emphasizing the importance of treating the problem so that no complications occur. • In the case of cystitis, the risk of not treating basically is discomfort. But there is a possibility of the infection spreading to the kidneys. In pyelonephritis, the infection may become widespread, cause disruption of kidney function, or severe pulmonary complications. In severe cases, it can lead to death? Explains the gynecologist.
How to prevent infection and take care of yourself?
The basic guidelines, according to Patricia, are: take enough fluid to make the urine clear; urinate after intercourse; make correct genital hygiene. ? If the woman has many episodes of cystitis, the doctor can guide additional measures to prevent infection ?, says.
These can be summarized as the main preventive measures:
- Drink enough fluids to clear urine;
- Urinate after sexual intercourse;
- Make correct genital hygiene (but not genital showers);
- Do not hold the pee too long;
- Avoid underwear that is too tight or that retains heat and moisture;
- Change pads or diapers (for older women) frequently;
- Maintain high immunity (through exercise, good nutrition)
- Consult the gynecologist in cases of discharge to treat the problem.
- If urinary infection has already occurred, take the antibiotic correctly as prescribed by the doctor;
- In case of repeated infections, seek medical advice to investigate the cause and treat the problem in the best way.
Urinary tract infection in pregnancy
In pregnancy, women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, especially due to low immune systems and increased protein in the urine (which causes further growth and development of bacteria).
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (when bacteria are detected in the urine test but the pregnant woman shows no symptoms), for example, occurs in 2 to 7% of pregnant women. Acute cystitis, on the other hand, occurs in approximately 1 to 2% of pregnant women; and the occurrence of pyelonephritis is 0.5 to 2%.
As in the case of pregnant women the urinary tract infection is usually asymptomatic, it is essential that the accompanying professional be aware, as a more serious infection can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
Patricia stresses the importance of treating all cases of urinary tract infection, even without symptoms, using safe antibiotics for use in pregnancy.
9 questions about urinary infections cleared up
Check out the answers to some common questions related to urinary infections:
1. Does sex without a condom cause a urinary tract infection?
Sex without a condom does not increase the risk of infection. However, intercourse with or without condoms and the use of spermicides increase the risk ?, explains Maria Letícia.
2. Is it true that the incidence is higher in pregnant women? Because?
The incidence is higher in pregnant women, yes. Hormonal and anatomical changes provide a more favorable environment for bacterial multiplication ?, explains the nephrologist.
3. Does any urge to urinate mean infection or should I further investigate the causes of the problem?
• Burning urination is an important symptom, can be caused by other diseases such as STD (urethritis, genital herpes) or candidiasis. But most of the time (90%) is due to cystitis ?, explains Maria Leticia.
In any case, in the case of this symptom, the doctor should always be consulted so that, if deemed necessary, further investigate the causes of the problem.
4. Is there any way to ease the burning urination?
The use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and some urinary tract pain relievers (such as "Pyridium") alleviate burning, according to Maria Leticia.
Any of these medicines should be indicated by your doctor.
5. Is urinary tract infection contagious?
Maria Leticia points out that urinary tract infection is not contagious. Remember that the bacterium is from one's own body and is not passed on.
6. Is it normal not to menstruate when you have a urinary tract infection?
According to Maria Leticia, urinary tract infection does not cause changes in the menstrual cycle.
7. Do acidic fruits and chocolate make urinary infections worse?
The nephrologist states that sour fruits and chocolates do not cause worsening.
What is generally recommended in the case of urinary tract infection and also as a form of prevention is the adequate consumption of water.
8. Can the color of urine be used as an indicator of the amount of water ingested?
• The color of urine relates to the amount of water we drink. The clearer it means we drink more water; How much darker or more concentrated means that there was less water intake ?, clarifies Maria Leticia.
9. Why is urinary tract infection more common in women?
"UTI (urinary tract infections) are more frequent in women because the biggest risk factor is sexual activity and the anatomy of the female urinary tract, whose urethra is shorter than the male urethra," explains the nephrologist.
With simple daily actions, it is usually possible to prevent urinary infections. But in case of any symptoms (burning or aching to urinate, increased frequency of urination etc.), a trusted doctor should be sought to indicate the correct treatment and, if necessary, further investigate the causes of the problem.
Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Urinary Tract Infections (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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