The term “urinary tract infections” refers to an inflammatory process localized in various parts of the urinary system.
They distinguish infection of the lower (cystitis, urethritis) and upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis, abscess and carbuncle of the kidney, apostematous pyelonephritis).
In men, urinary tract infections mainly affect the urethra, bladder and prostate gland, and in women, the urethra, bladder, vagina and cervix.
The urinary system of a healthy person
The organs of the urinary system produce and store urine, which is one of our body’s waste products. Urine is formed in the kidneys and passes down the ureters into the bladder. The bladder serves as a reservoir for storing urine, which is then emptied through the urethra. The urethra ends at the penis in men and the area above the vagina in women.
The kidneys are a pair of fist-sized organs located in the lumbar region and serve as the body’s filter, removing waste products from the blood in the form of urine. The kidneys also regulate the balance of various chemicals in the body (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.) and control the acidity of the blood. The kidneys produce certain hormones that are involved in the regulation of blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells and promote the development of strong bones.
The ureters are two muscular tubes that transport urine to the bladder.
Normal urine is sterile and free of bacteria. However, bacteria can enter the urine from the urethra and travel to the bladder.

Common symptoms of urinary tract infections
The main symptoms of urinary tract infections do not differ between men and women.
Common symptoms of urinary tract infections:
- strong and frequent urges to urinate;
- urine cloudiness, change in odor, sedimentation;
- lower abdominal and lower back pain;
- sensation of insufficient emptying of the bladder;
- pain and burning when urinating;
- discharge from the urethra and/or vagina;
- itching and burning in the genital area.
All these symptoms may be joined by nausea, vomiting, and increased body temperature.
The causative agents of urinary tract infections
All urinary tract infections are divided into two types – specific and nonspecific. The first are caused by microorganisms that do not normally occur in the body. The second – representatives of opportunistic microflora that live in small numbers in the urogenital organs and do not cause harm, but with a decrease in immunity begin to actively multiply and provoke inflammation.
The main causative agents of specific urinary tract infections:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacterium that infects the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system and causes urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), endocervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vagina and external genitalia);
- Chlamydia trachomatis – an intracellular parasite, causative agent of urethritis, cystitis, endocervicitis, orchitis (inflammation of the testicle), epididymitis (inflammation of the testicular appendages) and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland);
- Trichomonas vaginalis is a bacterium that commonly occupies the vagina and cervix in women and the prostate, urethra, and testicles in men.

The main causative agents of nonspecific urinary tract infections:
- Escherichia Coli is an opportunistic bacterium that normally occurs in the rectum, but if it enters the bladder, it causes cystitis and pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys);
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus – a bacterium that lives on the skin of the external genitalia and on the mucous membrane of the urinary tract, but if immunity is reduced, it can provoke cystitis and pyelonephritis;
- Klebsiella – conditionally pathogenic bacteria, which is part of the normal intestinal microflora, but, once in the genitourinary system, can cause cystitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis;
- Proteus – a bacterium that lives in minimal quantities in the intestine, but once in the genitourinary tract, causes chronic infections there.
Treatment of urinary tract infections
To treat urinary tract infections, gynecologists usually prescribe antibiotics – medicines that destroy harmful microorganisms. The scheme of intake and dosage is determined by the doctor – taking into account the patient’s anamnesis and the data of laboratory and instrumental examinations.
Depending on the severity of the infection may prescribe drugs in the form of tablets, intravenous and intramuscular injections.
In addition, local antiseptic agents are used, which are used to treat the affected surfaces of the organs.
Urologists can prescribe the patient antibacterial drugs, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve pain and reduce body temperature. Drinking plenty of water is also indicated.

Rules for preventing urinary tract infections
- Maintain good personal hygiene, especially after sexual intercourse.
- Avoid using scented personal care products, which can upset the balance of the microflora.
- Drink enough water to maintain regular urination.
- Do not delay urination to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the bladder.
- Include foods rich in vitamins A, C and E in your diet to support your immune system.
- Wear comfortable, breathable underwear made from natural materials.
- Visit your doctor regularly for checkups and urinalysis.
- Use contraception to avoid contracting infections during sexual intercourse.
- Adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and avoiding bad habits.
Conclusion
Urinary tract infections are a common problem that can significantly affect quality of life if not treated and prevented in a timely manner. It is important to remember that maintaining good personal hygiene, eating right, urinating regularly, and following your doctor’s recommendations can significantly reduce the risk of these infections. If symptoms occur, it is important not to delay a visit to a specialist to diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment. Compliance with the rules of prevention and a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain the health of the genitourinary system for many years to come.