• What is a urine infection?
• Urine infection: causes and risk factors
• Urine infection: symptoms in women
• Urine infection: symptoms in men
• How to prevent urine infections?

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections and are very common in women (especially from adolescence), although they also occur in men. They usually occur in the bladder and can become very annoying and painful. However, there are ways to avoid them or, at least, to reduce the likelihood of suffering them.

WHAT IS A URINE INFECTION?

A urine infection occurs when an infection occurs somewhere in the urinary system, which includes the kidneys (responsible for filtering blood and making urine), the ureters (tubes that collect urine from the kidneys and lead it to the bladder), the urinary bladder (where urine is stored), and the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside).

The microorganisms that cause urine infection usually enter the urinary tract from outside through the opening of the urethra (the penis in the case of men and the vulva in the case of women), from where they rise to the bladder and can even reach the kidneys.

• In much less frequent cases, microorganisms can reach the kidneys through the blood.

Most of the time the microorganisms responsible for UTIs are bacteria (mainly the bacterium Escherichia coli), but they can also be caused by some viruses, fungi and parasites.

Urinary tract infections are usually classified into two types, depending on where they occur:

• Lower tract infections include infections of the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and prostatitis (prostate infection).
• Upper tract infections are those that affect the kidneys (pyelonephritis). They are less common, but more serious.

URINE INFECTION: CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Having sex is the main factor that facilitates urine infections, because movement makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. In addition, the use of diaphragm has been linked to a greater likelihood of suffering from them, as well as spermicides, which can alter the vaginal flora and make it more vulnerable.

Women have much shorter urethras than men: while theirs measures about 3 cm, theirs measures 20 cm. The short urethra and its proximity to the vagina and anus makes access for microorganisms easier and that is why bladder infections (cystitis) are much more frequent in women.

Another risk factor in women is menopause. The decrease in estrogen that occurs in this period promotes the imbalance of the vaginal flora and makes it easier for recurrent cystitis to appear.

Other factors or situations that increase the risk of a urinary tract infection include:

• Being pregnant.
• Kidney stones.
• Having diabetes.
• Abnormalities or obstructions in the urinary tract.
• A weakened immune system.
• Having poor intimate hygiene.
• Manipulations of the urinary tract (probes, surgeries).

URINE INFECTION: SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

As we have mentioned, bladder infections (cystitis) are more common in women. The main symptoms are:

• Needing to urinate frequently (even if the bladder is empty).
• Burning or a painful sensation when urinating.
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine. It may also have a pink or brownish hue (sign that there is blood in the urine).
• Pain in the pelvis (especially in the central part)
• Urinary incontinence (especially in older people).
• In some cases, fever.

Symptoms of infection in the urethra include burning when urinating and discharge. When infection occurs in the kidneys (pyelonephritis), symptoms are:

• Pain on the side of the lower back.
• High fever.
• Tremors, chills, or night sweats.
• Nausea and vomiting.

In some cases, urine infection is detected in a urine culture, but does not cause any symptoms.

URINE INFECTION: SYMPTOMS IN MEN

The urethra of men is much longer than that of women, which makes cystitis less frequent. In them, it is more common for infections to be related to abnormalities of the urinary tract and require further study by doctors.

Prostatitis is a type of urine infection that causes inflammation of the prostate, causes symptoms similar to cystitis (pain, burning, frequent urination, cloudy urine …) and also:

• Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back.
• Pain in the perineum (the part between the scrotum and rectum).
• Pain or discomfort in the penis or testicles.
• Pain when ejaculating.

On the other hand, the symptoms of urethritis or pyelonephritis are the same in men as those described in women.

HOW TO PREVENT URINE INFECTIONS?

Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics, especially in the most serious infections. However, as the best treatment is a good prevention, take note of these tips and natural solutions that will help you keep urine infections away:

• Drinking plenty of water favors the elimination of bacteria.
• Cleaning from front to back (women) prevents microorganisms from the anus from passing into the vagina.
• Avoid non-breathable underwear.
• After sex, urinate as soon as possible.
• Eating blueberries prevents urine infections because they have nonstick properties that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, as indicated by several studies.

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