Burning and pain during urination
By far, the most common pathogens of a urinary tract infection are intestinal bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli)—a facultative pathogen. If intestinal bacteria enter the urethra, they can cause inflammation of its mucous membrane. If they ascend to the bladder, they can cause bladder inflammation (cystitis) in its mucous membrane. All of this is grouped under the general term urinary tract infection.
Typical symptoms of urethral inflammation include pain and burning in the urethra, especially during (usually involuntary frequent) urination. If the bladder is also affected, cramp-like pain above the pubic bone may occur, sometimes with blood in the urine. A weakened immune system and/or hypothermia (e.g., from swimming in cold water) can increase the likelihood of a urinary tract infection.
Women suffer from urinary tract infections more often than men
In women, only a few centimeters separate the anus from the vaginal vestibule, where the urethra opens. This shortens the path for intestinal bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli), the usual cause of a urinary tract infection, compared to men. In men, the urethra ends at the glans, which is far from the anus. Additionally, the area around the vulva, especially the vaginal vestibule, is warm and moist—conditions in which bacteria thrive better than on the relatively dry glans. Another difference is that the male urethra is much longer than the female urethra, making it harder for bacteria to reach the bladder. Lastly, prostate secretions have antibacterial properties.
Urinary tract infections in young women: Honeymoon Cystitis
Urinary tract infections are very often a result of sexual activity, aptly described by the term “Honeymoon Cystitis.” The vaginal entrance is located right next to the urethral opening (both open into the vaginal vestibule of the vulva). Therefore, close sexual contact can transfer intestinal bacteria to the urethral opening. Additionally, sexual intercourse can cause mechanical stress on the delicate skin of the vulva, leading to microtears at the urethral opening. These microtears can easily harbor and promote the growth of intestinal bacteria. Certain contraceptive methods, particularly spermicides or diaphragms, also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. UTIs in earlier years (especially in early youth) increase the likelihood of recurring infections later in life.
Increased risk of urinary tract infections after menopause
During and after menopause, UTIs become a recurrent problem for many women. With menopause, estrogen production decreases significantly, reducing the number of beneficial Döderlein bacteria in the vagina. This allows more facultative pathogenic bacteria from the intestine to colonize the vagina, from where they have a short path to the urethra.
Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy
During pregnancy, not only does a woman’s body change, but her organs also adjust their functions to support the pregnancy. For example, the urine produced by the kidneys contains fewer infection-preventing substances than that of a non-pregnant woman. Additionally, the growing fetus exerts pressure on the urinary tract, weakening its resistance to bacteria. Previous chlamydia infections and being overweight can also increase the risk of a urinary tract infection during pregnancy.
A urinary tract infection in men should always be taken seriously
Men are much less likely to suffer from a urinary tract infection than women. However, when they do, there is often an underlying organic cause, typically related to the prostate. An enlarged prostate can obstruct urine flow from the bladder, allowing bacteria to multiply in the residual urine. Conversely, a UTI can also affect the prostate.
Other causes of UTIs in men include sexual intercourse with an infected partner, anal intercourse, and changes to the foreskin.
People with diabetes mellitus are more prone to urinary tract infections
Women and men with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than non-diabetics. The chronic metabolic disorder impairs the function of various organs and bodily mechanisms, including the immune system, making diabetics more susceptible to infections. Poorly controlled diabetes results in higher blood glucose levels, and consequently, higher glucose content in the urine, which promotes bacterial growth. Additionally, some antidiabetic medications can have UTIs as a side effect.
All these factors also explain why diabetes can lead to infectious balanitis (inflammation of the glans) in men.
The key to prevention: Careful intimate and anal hygiene
Colonization of the skin and mucous membranes with the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli (a facultative pathogen) cannot be entirely prevented. However, it can be effectively controlled, reducing the risk of a urinary tract infection. A proven and effective measure is thorough intimate and anal hygiene of the entire anogenital area. A cleansing lotion that protects the skin barrier, such as Deumavan Washing Lotion, should be used for cleaning. Afterward, and even in between (e.g., after using the toilet), it is advisable to protect the entire anogenital area with a rich ointment. Women should carefully include the vaginal vestibule, where the urethral opening and vaginal entrance are close together. Deumavan Protective Ointment is recommended; it can be applied as a thin layer of fat that is easily absorbed by the delicate intimate skin.
Deumavan Protective Ointment keeps the intimate skin smooth and supple, strengthening its resistance to external influences—both mechanical stress (e.g., during sexual intercourse) and the pathogens of urinary tract infections. The barrier effect of the thin layer of fat also reduces skin contact with the pathogens of UTIs and other infections.
If sexual contact repeatedly leads to a UTI, it is essential that both partners follow the rules of careful intimate and anal hygiene. Additionally, there is a simple but very useful basic rule: after each visit to the toilet, the anogenital area should be cleaned from “front to back” towards the anus, not the other way around.
An antibiotic is not always necessary
Uncomplicated UTIs often resolve on their own. Drinking plenty of fluids and frequent urination help flush the pathogens out of the urinary tract. Kidney and bladder teas are well-suited for this purpose. Heat, such as applying a hot water bottle, is also soothing. There are also various over-the-counter medications that support the healing of a UTI.
