Urinary infections are one of the most prevalent health issues today and can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
While both genders are susceptible to this health problem, women are particularly vulnerable, with nearly 30 times the risk of developing urinary infections compared to men. This increased risk is due to the shorter urethra in women, which allows bacteria to more easily reach the bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
The urinary system is divided into the upper urinary tract, which includes the kidneys and ureters, and the lower urinary tract, consisting of the bladder and urethra. Infections of the upper urinary tract are considered complicated and often require hospitalization.
Urinary infections are categorized as:
Symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s daily life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for urinary infections can help maintain urinary system health and prevent serious complications.
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. Urethritis in women is usually caused by bacteria that commonly inhabit the intestines or genital tract, but it can also be caused by bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Symptoms of urethritis in women include:
Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, is a common infection that occurs in the lower part of the urinary tract, usually in the bladder itself. This infection causes inflammation of the bladder’s lining and, similar to other urinary infections, is often the result of bacteria invading the urinary system.
Symptoms of cystitis in women include:
Pyelonephritis is also most commonly caused by a bacterial infection and affects one or both kidneys. It usually results from the spread of bacteria from the lower parts of the urinary tract to the kidneys. The most common cause of kidney inflammation is the bacterium Escherichia coli, and the infection can develop as either acute or chronic.
Symptoms of pyelonephritis in women include:
The previously mentioned bacterial infections are the most common causes of urinary infections. Inflammation of the urinary tract typically begins when bacteria enter the urethra and move into the bladder. Since urine contains components that prevent bacterial growth, the urinary system is normally protected from infections. However, if the immune system weakens or if the bacterial load becomes too high, a bacterial infection can develop. The bacteria that enter the bladder multiply rapidly, causing inflammation of the urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys.
Many microorganisms can cause this health issue. The most common microorganism responsible for urinary tract infections is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is found in the digestive system. E. coli can easily spread to the urethra and adhere to the lining of the urinary system. This often occurs during sexual intercourse, when the urethra in women partially opens, or due to improper wiping after urination or defecation, although there is no proven cause of bacterial translocation from the digestive tract.
Diagnosing urinary infections typically involves several steps, and the procedure may vary depending on symptoms, medical history, and other factors. Most commonly, a doctor will first conduct an interview with the patient to determine the symptoms. Following this, the diagnostic methods may include:
Although clinical research does not fully support it, following these guidelines may have a positive impact on preventing urinary infections:
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, often referred to as “good bacteria,” which are naturally present in the body, particularly in the digestive tract. They play a crucial role in maintaining gut flora and supporting the digestive system, but they can also positively impact the urinary system.
Urinary infections are commonly caused by harmful bacteria, and taking certain probiotics can help restore the balance of the urinary tract microbiome and prevent infections. Probiotics for urinary infections can be highly beneficial in preventing urinary tract diseases in women.
Probiotics can assist with urinary infections by:
High-quality probiotics can improve quality of life—especially for women. One such probiotic that is increasingly mentioned is Bacillus coagulans, specifically the patented probiotic strain LactoSpore from the world-renowned raw material supplier Sabinsa. LactoSpore is known for its stability and ability to survive under extreme conditions, making it widely used in medicine, the food industry, and the chemical sector. This probiotic strain helps maintain the balance of microflora in the urinary tract, preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, Bacillus coagulans may contribute to reducing inflammation in the urinary tract, which can lead to symptom relief.
In addition to its positive effects on urinary infections, LactoSpore brings several other benefits. In 2012, a study was conducted with 40 participants exhibiting symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, divided into two groups—probiotic and control. The results showed that participants in the probiotic group experienced a significant improvement in reducing vaginal discharge and alleviating symptoms such as itching, pain, redness, and burning. This research confirmed the efficacy of Bacillus coagulans, which demonstrated highly promising results.
Bacillus coagulans also has positive effects on intestinal diseases. Recently, another placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blind study was conducted, involving 40 participants aged 18 to 65, divided into two groups. The study reported significant improvement in symptoms compared to those using a placebo. Symptoms for which LactoSpore proved effective include bloating, cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, stomach rumbling, nausea, vomiting, headache, and anxiety.
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