Recurrent urine infections are more common for women to suffer because the urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum. Therefore, it facilitates the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract. 50% of women will suffer urinary infections throughout their lives and 25% will experience a repeat infection. Most recurrences are caused by a bacteria you are probably familiar with, Escherichia. coli ( E.coli ). In times of the year such as summer, factors such as temperature changes between the bathing water and the outside, increased sweating, sand and humidity in swimsuits favor the growth of microorganisms and bacteria, which affects areas such as the belly. and the vaginal area.
Types of urinary infections. Which are the most recurrent?
Cystitis
It is a urinary infection that affects the bladder and is the most common infection of the urinary system and the entire body after respiratory infections. In a normal situation, they may disappear within 24 or 48 hours after starting treatment.
Symptoms of cystitis
- Intense and constant need to urinate
- Painful and burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy urine and strong odor
- Pelvic discomfort
- Feeling of pressure in the lower belly area
- Slight fever
Urethritis
It is the inflammation, swelling and irritation of the urethra , the tube that carries urine from the body. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses.
Symptoms of urethritis
In women:
- Abdominal pain
- burning pain when urinating
- Fever and chills
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual relations
In men:
- Blood in urine or semen
- burning pain when urinating
- Penis discharge
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Penis tenderness, itching, or swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area
- Pain during sexual intercourse or ejaculation
How often is a urine infection considered chronic?
A urinary infection is considered chronic when the infection remains over time or reappears frequently, when the infection appears every month, despite having been treated with a correctly established antibiotic. When the infection becomes chronic, it is generally due to poor bladder emptying, the existence of kidney stones or waste after urination, among others.
What can cause recurrent urinary tract infections?
- Frequent sexual relations: it usually causes more urinary infections, since urethral massage, favored by intercourse, can facilitate the ascension of bacteria to the bladder. Sexually active women will be more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections.
- Types of contraceptives: the use of vaginal diaphragms as contraception may increase the risk of developing these types of infections.
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, menopause or aging are different stages that women experience, that is, there is a continuous hormonal change in all of them. In any of these stages, infections may appear due to alterations in vaginal pH.
- Menopause: at this stage of the woman there may be a greater predisposition to more infections, due to urinary incontinence, vaginal atrophy, diabetes, previous gynecological surgery and the presence of pelvic organ prolapse such as cystocele or dropped bladder. .
- Genetic factors: it is common for a woman with repeated urinary tract infections to have her mother suffer from them very frequently. Today it is known that people with blood group B (group B and AB) have a greater susceptibility to urinary infections due to Enterobacteriaceae . gram negative, such as E. coli , more than those other women with blood groups A and O.
- Compromised health conditions: diabetes, chronic kidney failure, immunosuppressed states, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments can promote repeated infections.
- Inappropriate antibiotic treatments: when you find yourself in a situation of inadequate antibiotic treatment, it can favor the appearance of a recurrent urine infection, due to the alteration of the vaginal and intestinal microbiota .
Tips to prevent urinary tract infections
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water will help dilute your urine, therefore causing you to go to the bathroom more frequently, allowing bacteria to be expelled from the urinary tract before any infection can occur.
- Avoid tight underwear: the intimate area needs to have adequate perspiration, because it will help avoid infections. So, it will be better to wear loose underwear made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton.
- Dry intimate area: after the beach or pool it is best to keep the vaginal area as dry as possible, avoiding wearing wet swimsuits for many hours, as this is the perfect setting for bacteria to cause infections. Therefore, it is best to change clothes after bathing.
- Neutral soaps for the intimate area: a good soap should be chosen for the intimate area, since scented ones can irritate the sensitive area, increasing the risk of bacteria appearing.
- Go to the toilet before and after sexual intercourse: it is very important to urinate once the sexual act is over, as it reduces the possibility of bacteria becoming lodged near the urethra.
Vitae solution
At Vitae we care about your health, and unfortunately lately there are many more infections and especially during the summer. That is why, at Vitae, we want to help with several of our products: UrinVita , ImmunoVita and Vulbiotic .
It is a natural food supplement based on pomegranate extract, grape extract, cranberry and rosemary. Thanks to its content of proanthocyanidins and procyanidins, it contributes to the well-being of the urinary system.
Extracts of pomegranate, grape, cranberry and rosemary have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activity and a protective effect on the urinary tract. Furthermore, the synergy of these components helps to break up and prevent the adhesion of bacterial biofilms .
ImmunoVita is a natural food supplement formulated from latest generation yeast beta-glucans to increase defenses, strengthening the immune system naturally. It is composed of beta-glucans , vitamin D3, vitamin B6 and Zinc, ingredients that contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system, helps reduce tiredness and fatigue and protect cells against oxidative damage.
Vulbiotic is a food supplement based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus crispatus and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) that contribute to restoring the vaginal microbiome , favoring the balance of the vaginal microbiota and its role as a natural barrier against genitourinary infections.
