What is an urinary infection?
The urinary tract infection is an infection caused by pathogens (bacteria, parasites, fungi), which can be located in any part of the urinary tract - urethra (urethral infection or urethritis), urinary bladder (bladder infection or cystitis), kidneys (kidney infection or pyelonephritis).
How does urinary infection occur?
In most cases, the urinary infection is caused by Escherichia coli. However, there are other bacteria that can cause a urinary tract infection (Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Neisseria) or parasites (Trichomonas, Schistosoma).
Other determining causes may be:
In adults: kidney stones, urinary catheters, diabetes, low immunity (colds, antibiotics), malformations of the urinary tract, poor sexual hygiene.
In children: vesicoureteral reflux, blockage of urine in the urinary tract, strong soaps or bath foams that can irritate the urethra.
What are the symptoms of urinary infection?
Among the most common symptoms of urinary infection are:
- Continuous urge to urinate and passing a small amount of urine
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Feeling of heaviness or tenderness in the lower abdomen
What can you do to prevent urinary infections?
- Hydrate yourself properly.
- Use only cotton underwear, which allows the skin to breathe. Underwear made of synthetic materials keeps humidity, creating exactly the optimal conditions for the development of infections.
- Choose your intimate hygiene products carefully. Many of the products you use can irritate the urethra and lead to an infection. Use only dermatologically tested products. We recommend Uractiv® Sensitive Intimate Gel, a product specially designed for daily care, which contributes to keeping the natural balance of the external intimate area. Uractiv® Sensitive Intimate Gel soothes irritations and restores the genital mucosa, reduces the discomfort and the unpleasant smell, ensures the optimum pH of 3.5 and keeps the balance of the genital flora.
- Do not put off going to the toilet. Refraining from urinating favours the occurrence of urinary infections.