Symptoms and Causes of Urine Infection

Symptoms of Urine Infection

Urinary tract infection can cause different signs and symptoms depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected:

Urinary tract infection in the bladder (cystitis):

Stinging or burning with urination.
Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen.
Frequent urination.
Feeling the need to urinate even though the bladder is empty.
Blood in the urine: when bacteria inflame the bladder, the bladder may bleed.

Urinary tract infection in the kidneys (pyelonephritis):

Fever.
Chills.
Pain in the lower back or side.
Nausea or vomiting.

Urinary tract infection in the urethra (urethritis):

Burning sensation when urinating.
Dense secretions.

Causes of Urine Infection

Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is prepared to fight against these invading microorganisms, these defenses sometimes fail. When this happens, the bacteria can proliferate into a urinary tract infection, most often affecting the bladder, although it can also spread to the kidneys and become even more serious.

Urinary tract infection affects mostly women because their urethra is shorter than men's. However, there are other factors that increase the likelihood of urinary tract infection. However, there are other factors that increase the likelihood of urinary tract infection. Some of these factors affect only women, but others affect men as well:

Active sexuality. Sexual activity involves movement of germs that can enter the bladder.
Menopause. The amount of estrogens produced by the body decreases and this in turn generates alterations in the urinary tract, making it more prone to infections.
Some contraceptives. Diaphragms or condoms without lubricant or with spermicide can promote bacterial growth.
Problems emptying the bladder. If it does not empty completely, it can lead to infections.
Moisture in the genital area, keeping the area moist for a long time after bathing in beaches and swimming pools may favor the appearance of fungal infections.
Depressed immune system. If a person has a weak immune system, the body will not have the ability to adequately defend itself against bacterial invasion.
Urinary tract obstructions. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can cause urine to become trapped in the bladder and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Catheter use. The use of a catheter to eliminate urine are risk factors associated with urinary tract infections. This includes people who are hospitalized, those with neurological problems that make it difficult to control the ability to urinate, and those who are immobile. However, in patients requiring bladder catheterization, the use of intermittent catheterization performed by the patient with catheters adapted for this purpose reduces complications and improves quality of life.
Procedure on the urinary system. Urinary surgery or an examination of the urinary tract involving the use of medical instruments may increase the risk of urinary tract infection.
Lack of intimate hygiene or excessive hygiene. Both not washing the genital area and excessive washing can increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Washing the intimate parts compulsively can irritate the area and favor the appearance of urine infections. On the other hand, in the case of women, it is important to always wash from front to back.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria often cause urinary tract infections in women. This bacterium is a natural part of the intestinal flora and is present in fecal excrement. When passed into the urinary tract through defecation, it causes urinary tract infection in the bladder (cystitis). It usually affects women because it is easier for it to contaminate the vagina due to its proximity to the rectum and, subsequently, the urethra and bladder. Proper intimate hygiene is essential to prevent infection, being advisable to wipe from front to back, never from back to front, so as not to drag germs.