Urinary tract infections - symptoms and signs, treatment. Acute complicated pyelonephritis

The urinary system plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body.

Filtration of blood by the kidneys, removal of excess fluid with metabolic products, maintenance water-salt balance in the body, regulation blood pressure– not all processes that can be disrupted when inflammation occurs.

Can affect both adults and children, causing functional disorders and significantly reducing quality of life.

Urinary tract infections

The concept “” (UTI) unites the group inflammatory diseases organs of the urinary system, which develop when an infectious pathogen enters the body.

The organs of the urinary system include:

  • kidneys are a paired organ responsible for filtering blood and;
  • ureters - hollow tubes through which urine flows into the bladder;
  • the bladder is a hollow organ, a smooth muscle reservoir in which urine accumulates;
  • (or urethra) is a tubular organ that removes urine from the body.

Despite the fact that the urinary tract is normally sterile, any of the organs can be susceptible to the development infectious process. A special feature is that in most cases inflammation is transmitted between organs ascending (from the urethra up to the kidneys) or downward path(from infected kidneys to bladder).

Classification of the disease

There are several classifications of infectious diseases of the urinary system.

By localization:

  • infections of the upper urinary tract, these include inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis), ureters;
  • lower urinary tract - bladder (cystitis) and urethra ().

According to the nature of the disease:

  1. Uncomplicated. Leak without structural changes in the tissues of the urinary apparatus, in the absence of obstructive uropathy or other concomitant diseases.
  2. Complicated. Occurs against the background of difficulty urinating, when using instrumental methods research or treatment (catheterization).

Depending on the location of infection by the pathogen:

  1. Hospital. Also known as hospital-acquired or nosocomial. They develop when an infectious pathogen enters the body while in a medical institution.
  2. Out-of-hospital. Develop in outpatient setting under circumstances favorable to infection.

According to the nature of symptoms:

  1. Clinically significant infections. They are characterized by obvious, often intense symptoms.
  2. Asymptomatic infections. Clinical picture manifests itself weakly, the symptoms slightly worsen the patient’s quality of life.

Factors contributing to the development of the disease

Infections urinary tract They are widespread diseases and are among the top five most common infectious diseases. Here are some signs:

The course of UTI is characterized by a number of features depending on the gender and age of the patient:

IN age group From 20 to 50 years of age, women are more likely to experience UTI problems. But in the category after 50 years, the situation changes: at this age, the frequency of “male” diseases (prostatitis, adenoma) increases, which can cause complications and spread of infection to the organs of the urinary system.

Pathogens and ways of their penetration into the body

They can provoke the appearance and development of inflammation in the organs of the urinary apparatus. different types microorganisms:

  • bacteria ( coli, ureaplasma, gonococci, streptococci, trichomonas, listeria, staphylococci);
  • mushrooms (yeasts of the genus Candida);
  • viruses (herpetic viruses, papillomaviruses, cytomegalovirus).

The most common causative agent of UTI is the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). This bacterium is classified as opportunistic and is a normal component of the intestinal microflora.

If neglected hygiene procedures, improper washing of the perineum (from anus forward), in case of a fall protective forces body (in case of hypothermia, presence of viral diseases), severe forms dysbacteriosis, E. coli begin to actively multiply throughout the skin and can migrate to the urethral mucosa, developing on which it causes inflammation.

There are several possible ways penetration and spread of pathogens in the urinary tract:

  1. Contact. Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal), migration along the skin from the anus, catheterization,.
  2. Hemorrhagic and lymphogenous. Entry of the pathogen through the system of body fluids (from the blood or lymph) in the event of the presence of infectious foci in the body. For example, carious teeth, sore throat, sinusitis, pneumonia (against the background of neglected viral infection a pathogenic pathogen can penetrate the bladder mucosa - develops).
  3. Descending. Movement of the pathogen from the kidneys through the ureters, bladder to the urethra.
  4. Rising. Infectious inflammation spreads from bottom to top: from the urethra to the kidneys.

Newborns are prone to developing UTIs due to possible birth defects, underdevelopment or late formation of some parts urinary system(urethral valves, ureteric orifice). The occurrence of infectious and inflammatory diseases is possible due to improper use of diapers.

Manifestation of symptoms

Clinical manifestations of UTI may already appear at initial stage diseases. But also a process infectious inflammation long time may be asymptomatic.

A urinary tract infection can present with various symptoms:

  • pain in the pelvic area, lower back, side;
  • itching in the urethra;
  • burning sensation, pain, difficulty urinating;
  • uncharacteristic liquid discharge from the bladder (transparent, serous, greenish-purulent);
  • hyperthermia, chills, fever;
  • change in odor and color of urine.

In children, especially younger age, the symptoms of UTIs may be even more vague than in adults.

Children under 1.5-2 years old cannot indicate the location of pain, they become more tearful and restless.

Parents may notice increased urination, traces of urine unusual color on the diaper, increased body temperature.

Diagnostic methods

A preliminary diagnosis is made after an analysis of the patient’s complaints by a therapist or. To confirm the diagnosis and compile a complex therapeutic measures prescribe:

  • general clinical analysis blood and urine;
  • biochemical analysis of blood and urine (metabolic indicators such as certain enzymes characterize the activity of the kidneys);
  • or PCR analysis (to determine the nature of the causative agent of the disease);
  • instrumental research methods (cystoscopy, X-ray contrast studies, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder).

Timely and comprehensive diagnostics allows you to identify the disease at an early stage and prevent the spread of the inflammatory process.

Methods of therapy

The main goal of therapeutic measures for urinary tract infections is to suppress the infectious-inflammatory process and eliminate the pathogen. Drugs used in the treatment of UTIs different groups antibacterial agents:


To prevent the development of fungal infections, antimycotic agents (Fluconazole) are added.

Included medical complex prescribed (to restore urinary function), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, combination drugs plant origin(Canephron).

Renal drugs are widely used herbal teas, teas, . Additionally, physical therapy sessions may be prescribed.

During treatment, it is necessary to follow a diet with limited consumption of sour, spicy, salty foods, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, coffee and chocolate. These foods, by changing the pH of urine, can cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the urinary system.

Consequences of the disease

Urinary tract infections, affecting the mucous membrane, can cause serious consequences for the entire body. Painful sensations frequent urge urination greatly impairs the patient’s quality of life.

If treatment is incorrectly selected or the doctor’s orders are not followed, the UTI returns again, causing severe relapses.

Against the background of progressive pyelonephritis, it can develop renal failure, deformation of the ureters (prolapse of the kidney), impaired excretion of urine (reflux). Having a UTI while carrying a child can cause spontaneous abortion at any stage.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures to prevent UTIs consist of lifestyle adjustments and following certain rules:

  • timely treatment of infectious foci in the body;
  • compliance with hygiene standards;
  • prevent hypothermia of the body;
  • empty your bladder on time;
  • using condoms during sexual intercourse.

Urinary tract infections are not a strict indication for hospitalization of the patient, ambulatory treatment shows high efficiency with timely consultation with a doctor.

But without fulfilling medical purposes By ignoring the symptoms of the disease, you can cause the disease to spread to neighboring organs, provoke the transition of UTI to a chronic form.

Which enter the urinary tract, urethra, or prostate. As a result, prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis may develop. Most often the disease occurs in older people. IN childhood girls are more susceptible to infection than boys of the same age. Among girls, the peak period is 2-3 years, for boys - from birth to six months.

Causes of the disease

The source of infection is intestinal bacteria that have entered the human genitourinary system for any reason. Gastrointestinal bacteria enter the urethra, and through it to other internal organs, begin to multiply and reach the bladder. If inflammation of the bladder occurs, then we can talk about cystitis.

Women are more susceptible to the disease because between the urethra and anus the distance is too small, which makes the penetration of bacteria much easier than in men. That is why it is most common, since if the girl does not wash herself properly, there is quite high risk bacteria entering the urethra.

Urinary tract infection. Symptoms:

Very frequent urge to urinate, even if the amount of urine is only a couple of drops;

Burning pain when urinating in the bladder area;

The occurrence of painful symptoms during sexual intercourse, which can also be caused by a disease such as a urinary tract infection;

Symptoms indicating infection include a strong odor, sometimes with the presence of blood;

Painful sensations around the pelvic area;

Stomach ache;

General malaise and weakness;

If an upper urinary tract infection occurs, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea may occur.

Diagnosis of the disease "Urinary tract infection"

Symptoms characteristic of an infection may also indicate diseases of another kind, so it is worth contacting a general practitioner initially, who will refer you to a highly specialized specialist. This is usually a urologist or nephrologist. For the most accurate diagnosis, the patient is prescribed urine tests. When infected, the number of bacteria greatly exceeds the norm, sometimes an increase in the number of leukocytes is observed, which may indicate a beginner inflammatory process.

But at some stages of the disease, a urine test for bacteria does not show any results confirming the infection, so in parallel general analysis bacteriological is prescribed

Treatment of urinary tract infection

Based on the test results and after interviewing the patient, the doctor prescribes treatment appropriate for this stage. Typically, a hospital stay is not required - and treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. But if there is an infection of the upper genitourinary tract, which occurs in a severe form or against the background of reduced immunity, then the patient is sent to hospitalization.

The main goal of treatment is to achieve complete emptying of the bladder and normalize the outflow of urine. For this purpose, antibiotics are prescribed. Rate at more mild flow the illness lasts up to seven days. In parallel with painful sensations Painkillers, such as ibuprofen, are prescribed.

If we're talking about about the top genitourinary tract, then the course of treatment, depending on the complexity of the disease, lasts up to two weeks.

Special attention treatment is given to pregnant women, since if left untreated, intrauterine infection of the child may occur, which can lead to negative consequences.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not the most pleasant of diseases and cause extreme discomfort, so it is not surprising that UTI sufferers want to get rid of the infection as quickly as possible. Fast treatment is also important to prevent further development of UTIs, which may develop into more serious illnesses. Sometimes UTIs go away on their own within four to five days. There are also several home treatments for UTIs, but for the fastest and most effective treatment We strongly recommend that you seek help from a urologist.


Attention: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult a urologist.

Steps

Medical Treatment for UTIs

    Recognize the symptoms. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a fairly common and unpleasant disease that causes extreme discomfort. UTIs include an upper urinary tract infection (kidneys and ureters), a lower urinary tract infection (bladder and urethra), or both.

    Know the differences between the symptoms of an upper and lower urinary tract infection. Present in various infections different symptoms. Analyze your symptoms so that you can clearly describe them when you go to see your urologist. Symptoms of lower urinary tract infections include: needing to urinate much more frequently, cloudy or bloody urine, back pain, very cloudy urine. unpleasant smell and poor health.

    Know when to ask for medical care. 25-40% of mild cases of UTI go away on their own, but this is not a reason to avoid going to the doctor. You may be at risk if you do not seek medical help promptly. Many people have complications with UTIs - remember this. If you develop a UTI, fever, or other symptoms worsen, you should make an appointment with your doctor right away.

    Take a course of antibiotics. Since a UTI is a bacterial infection, a doctor-prescribed course of antibiotics is the quickest and most effective way treatment of urinary tract infections. Antibiotics are especially recommended for women suffering from frequent cases UTI. Long courses of antibiotics will help prevent reappearance infections.

    Complete the course of antibiotics. Take a one to seven day course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Most women receive a prescription for a 3-5 day course. Men may need a course of antibiotics for 7-14 days. Although the symptoms of a UTI usually go away after three days of starting antibiotics, the urethral infection itself usually doesn't go away until the fifth day. For men it may take longer.

    Be aware of possible complications. In severe cases, UTIs are possible serious complications which can lead to kidney failure or toxemia (blood poisoning). They are quite rare and usually affect people with existing health problems, such as diabetics. If you have a weakened immune system, you are more susceptible to complications and infections.

    Home Remedies

    1. Drink plenty of water. Antibiotics are the only thing that truly cures UTIs, but given the fact that UTIs often go away on their own after a few days, there are things you can do to ease symptoms and prevent reinfection. The simplest one is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, about a glass of water per hour.

      Drink cranberry juice. Drinking cranberry juice is often listed as a home remedy for UTIs. Although there is not enough evidence that cranberry juice actually fights infection, it can prevent it. If UTIs recur, take supplements with high content cranberries Just like with water, drinking plenty of fluids helps cleanse your system.

      Take vitamin C. Consuming vitamin C when UTI symptoms first appear will help stop the infection in its tracks. early stages development. Vitamin C restores acid balance urine, fighting harmful bacteria in the bladder, and also helps strengthen immune system.

      Avoid consuming irritants. Some of the foods we eat can be irritants, the effects of which are magnified if you have a UTI. The most harmful are caffeine and alcohol. Not only do they irritate the bladder, but they also lead to dehydration, which makes it harder to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.

    • Get rest and drink plenty of water.
    • Do not have sex while being treated for a UTI. You may introduce new bacteria and reduce your chances of a full recovery.
    • Take ibuprofen along with other medications for pain relief.
    • Drink plenty of water and take medications prescribed by your doctor.
    • Do not use lotions or massage oils as lubricants unless they are specifically designed for that purpose. The chemical ingredients in these products can cause UTIs.
    • Use a heating pad to reduce discomfort. Although a heating pad will not cure a UTI, it can relieve the symptoms of the infection. The heating pad should be warm, but not hot, and should be applied to the lower abdomen to relieve pain, pressure, and other discomfort associated with a UTI.
    • Cranberry juice and pills will temporarily relieve the pain, but your condition may worsen afterward. Add a teaspoon to a glass of water (240 ml) baking soda and drink; After an hour, drink a glass of water with a slice of lemon. Alternate drinks every hour until your bladder pain subsides.

    Warnings

    • If you do not notice a significant improvement in your symptoms within 24 to 36 hours of starting to use home remedies to treat a UTI, seek medical attention immediately.
    • Even if home remedies help relieve most of the symptoms of the infection, we still recommend that you take a urine test to check your body for any remaining bacteria.
    • Even the mildest cases of UTI can develop into fatal kidney infections if left untreated.
    • Be careful with cranberry juice - it is very acidic and sour foods and drinks can irritate an already inflamed bladder.
    • It is better to drink cranberry juice for prevention. With a urinary tract infection in the acute stage, it can only worsen the situation.

Urinary tract infection(IMS) is characterized by the presence of microorganisms in the urinary tract above the bladder sphincter, which normal conditions are sterile.

Significant bacteriuria is the number of live bacteria (so-called colony-forming units - CFU) of one strain per ml of urine, indicating UTI. Depending on the form of the IC, these are:

1) ≥103 CFU/ml in a woman with symptoms of bladder inflammation in a midstream urine sample;

2) ≥104 CFU/ml in a symptomatic woman acute pyelonephritis(OP) in a urine sample from the middle portion;

3) ≥105 CFU/ml in case of complicated UTI in a midstream urine sample;

4) ≥102 CFU/ml in a portion of urine, collected by a one-time insertion of a catheter into the bladder;

5) any number of CFU in urine obtained during suprapubic puncture of the bladder.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria- this is significant bacteriuria (≥105 CFU/ml in an average portion of urine or ≥102 CFU/ml in a portion of urine collected by a one-time insertion of a catheter into the bladder) in a person without subjective and objective symptoms of UTI. The presence of leukocyturia in a patient without clinical symptoms not enough to diagnose IMS.

Complicated IMS is:

1) every UTI in a man;

2) UTI in a woman with an anatomical or functional disorder that obstructs the outflow of urine, or with a decrease in the level of systemic or local defense mechanisms;

3) IMS caused by atypical microorganisms.

Uncomplicated UTI occurs in women with a normal genitourinary system and without violations of local and systemic protective mechanisms (that is, without risk factors for UTI →see below) and is caused by microorganisms typical for UTI.

Recurrent UTI is a repeat UTI that occurs after antimicrobial therapy, due to the survival in the urinary tract of the microorganism that was the cause of the primary UTI. In practice, a relapse of UTI is diagnosed if its symptoms occur<2 недель после окончания лечения предыдущего ИМС, и этиологическим фактором является тот же микроорганизм.

Repeated UTI (reinfection) - This is a UTI caused by a microorganism coming from outside the urinary system, which is a new etiological factor. In practice, recurrent UTI is diagnosed if symptoms occur after 2 weeks of previous treatment for UTI, even if the etiological factor is the same microorganism.

Under normal conditions, the urinary tract is sterile, with the exception of the distal part of the urethra, which is inhabited mainly by saprophytic coagulase-negative staphylococci (eg Staphylococcus epidermidis), vaginal rods (Haemophilus vaginalis), non-hemolytic streptococci, corynebacteria and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus). Pathogenic microorganisms colonize the urinary system mainly through the ascending route. The first stage in the development of UTI in an ascending manner is the colonization of the urethral orifice by uropathogenic bacteria. This occurs more often in women whose reservoir of uropathogenic microorganisms is the vestibule of the vagina; The distance from the mouth of the urethra to the anus is also smaller. The next stage is the penetration of microorganisms into the bladder in women, often during sexual intercourse. In people with effective defense mechanisms, colonization ends at the level of the bladder. The likelihood of kidney infection increases the longer the bacteria remain in the bladder. Hematogenous and lymphogenous infections account for ≈2% of all UTIs, but these are most often severe cases occurring in patients in severe clinical condition with weakened immunity.

Risk factors for complicated IC: urinary retention, urolithiasis, vesicoureteral reflux, catheter in the bladder, diabetes mellitus (especially decompensated), old age, pregnancy and childbirth, hospitalization for other reasons.

Etiological factors:

1) bacteria:

A) uncomplicated and recurrent cystitis - Escherichia coli (70–95% of cases), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5–10%, mainly in sexually active women), Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp. and others (≤5%);

b) acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (AP)→see higher, but greater participation of E. coli without S. saprophyticus;

c) complicated IMS - E. coli (≤50%), more often than in uncomplicated UTIs, the participation of bacteria from the species Enterococcus (20%), Klebsiella (10–15%), Pseudomonas (≈10%), P. mirabilis and infections with more than one microorganism;

G) asymptomatic bacteriuria- in women most often E. coli; In patients with a long-term catheter, several microorganisms are usually present in the bladder, including often Pseudomonas spp. and urease-positive bacteria (eg Proteus spp.);

2) microorganisms not detected by standard methods - Chlamydia trachomatis, gonococci (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), viruses (mainly Herpes simplex); transmitted almost exclusively sexually, cause up to 30% of lower urinary tract infections in sexually active women ( and );

3) fungi - most often Candida albicans and other species of the genus Candida, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus; are the cause of ≈5% of complicated UTIs. Fungal UTI most often occurs in diabetic patients receiving antibiotics, with a catheter in the bladder, in patients after manipulation of the urinary tract, especially in patients receiving immunosuppressants. Yeast can be present in urine without being the cause of UTI → .

CLINICAL PICTURE AND NATURAL COURSE

Depending on the natural course, as well as the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the following are distinguished:

2) recurrent cystitis in women →;

3) uncomplicated AP in women →;

5) asymptomatic bacteriuria (asymptomatic UTI) → .

DIAGNOSTICS

The diagnosis of IMS is determined on the basis of subjective and objective symptoms and the results of additional research methods.

Additional research methods

1. General urine analysis: leukocyturia, leukocyte casts (indicative of pyelonephritis), hematuria (often with cystitis in women).

2. Urine culture:

1) you can assume that uncomplicated cystitis in a woman who is not in the hospital is caused by E. coli or S. saprophyticus and begin treatment without urine culture;

2) urine bacteriological examination should be performed in all other cases of UTI and in women with symptoms of bladder inflammation if standard empirical treatment has been ineffective, a complicated UTI is suspected, or if a current UTI has occurred within 1 month. from the previous episode;

3) test strips are intended only for preliminary research in the diagnosis of UTI based on the detection of nitrites in urine, which are produced from nitrates by Escherichia coli (Enterobacteriaceae). Their sensitivity allows detection of bacteria in quantities >105 CFU/ml. For this reason, and because they do not detect bacteria that do not produce nitrites, test strips cannot replace urine culture if it is indicated.

4) in ≈30% of cases of dysuria caused by infection, the result of standard bacteriological research Urine (culture) is negative (so-called non-bacterial inflammation of the bladder or urethra →see below).

3. Blood tests: leukocytosis, increased ESR, increased concentration of CRP.

4. Blood culture: available positive result for severe forms of IMS.

5. Imaging studies: indicated for complicated UTIs, as well as uncomplicated AP in women, if the symptoms of infection persist or worsen despite standard treatment. Ultrasound of the urinary system- allows you to detect abnormalities of the urinary system (eg nephrolithiasis, urinary retention, cysts, malformations) and complications of UTI (renal and perinephric abscess). Urography is indicated mainly in cases of suspected anomalies of the pyelocaliceal system or ureters. CT scan with contrast agent injection- has the highest sensitivity in detecting perinephric abscesses, allows visualization of focal bacterial inflammation of the kidneys. Renal scintigraphy using DMSA is a study with very high sensitivity when an OP is detected.

Diagnostic criteria

UTI is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms; You should always try to confirm them by doing a urine culture (with the exception of uncomplicated cystitis in women, which is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms only). Significant bacteriuria confirms the presence of UTI in a symptomatic individual.

Differential diagnosis

Other diseases that may cause urination disorders and pain complaints localized in the pelvic area (genital diseases, prostate diseases), renal colic, inflammation of the abdominal organs.

Treatment of clinically significant UTI involves eliminating pathogens from the urinary system through the use of appropriate antimicrobials, selected empirically in the initial period of treatment, and then based on the results of urine culture (if there were indications for its implementation). In any case, attempts should be made to eliminate known risk factors for UTI.

General instructions

1. Bed rest for infections upper sections urinary system with moderate to severe course.

2. Appropriate fluid intake p/o or IV to ensure proper hydration of the patient.

3. In case of fever or pain→ eg. paracetamol.

Antibacterial therapy

Depends on the shape of the IC →see. below.

1. Uncomplicated UTI: good prognosis.

2. Chronic or recurrent UTI in individuals with persistent anatomical or functional disorders urinary tract (eg nephrolithiasis, vesicoureteral reflux): may lead to chronic renal failure.

3. Complications of UTI (→): some (eg urosepsis, especially in older people) are associated with high mortality.

PREVENTION

Recurrent UTIs- this is most often uncomplicated cystitis, much less often uncomplicated AP. Below are methods for preventing recurrent uncomplicated UTI. Recurrence of uncomplicated UTI are separate clinical problem associated with urinary tract abnormalities, immune disorders, or antimicrobial resistance of uropathogenic microorganisms.

Non-pharmacological methods

1. Increase the volume of fluid consumed (including an additional glass of fluid before sexual intercourse).

2. Urinate immediately after the urge occurs or regularly every 2-3 hours, as well as immediately before bed and after sexual intercourse.

3. Avoid using intimate deodorants, cervical caps and vaginal spermicides.

4. Avoid bubble baths and adding chemicals to the bath.

Pharmacological methods

1. Vaginal use of drugs withLactobacillus.

2. Vaginal use of estrogen cream(in women after menopause).

3. Preventive antibacterial treatment(options):

1) treatment if clinical symptoms occur, undertaken by a woman independently according to the rules, as with uncomplicated inflammation of the bladder →see. below. This strategy is recommended when the number of UTI episodes per year is ≤3. Advise the patient to contact the physician if symptoms do not resolve within 48 hours or are unusual.

2) prevention after sexual intercourse- single dose after sexual intercourse. Medicines and doses, since in the case of continuous prophylaxis, either ciprofloxacin 250 mg or cephalexin 250 mg. This strategy is recommended when the number of UTI episodes per year is >3 and there is a clear temporal association with sexual intercourse.

3) continuous prevention- every day before bedtime or 3 times a week, po cotrimoxazole 240 mg, trimethoprim 100 mg or norfloxacin 200 mg; initially for 6 months. If after this period, UTI recurrences still occur → continue prophylaxis for ≥2 years.

4. Rules for the prevention of UTI associated with bladder catheterization → .

In the female body, the organs of the urinary system function in close connection with the internal genital organs. Therefore, there is such a thing as the genitourinary system, infections of which affect both reproductive system, and the urinary tract.

To the genitourinary organs female system relate:

  • bladder;
  • kidneys;
  • ureters;
  • uterus;
  • ovaries;
  • fallopian tubes.

To infectious diseases of women genitourinary system relate:

  • Glomerulonephritis;

  • Herpes;
  • Trichomonia;
  • Papillomavirus;
  • Hepatitis.

General signs of diseases

The onset of symptoms of diseases of the genitourinary system in women usually occurs after a certain period of time after infection, and depending on what kind of infection has entered the body.

The main symptoms that occur with almost any infectious disease that is transmitted sexually include the following:

  • problems with urination, false urges may occur or, conversely, the need to visit the toilet too often;
  • painful sensations when urinating, pain, burning or itching;
  • swelling;
  • dizziness;

  • pain in the lumbar region, sharp or dull, depending on the nature of the disease;
  • weakness, sleep disturbances, headaches;
  • temperature increase;
  • uncharacteristic vaginal discharge;
  • blood in the urine;
  • various rashes on the external genitalia.

Due to the specific anatomical structure body, diseases in the genitourinary system occur much more often in women than in men.

Women should definitely pay attention to the signals of their own body, even if they are insignificant. For example, with infections of the genitourinary system there is often discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain, and in some cases frigidity or complete absence orgasm.

A disease characterized by inflammation of the bladder is cystitis. The most common cause of this disease is E. coli, which is usually found in the rectum, but enters the urinary system due to the fact that the urethra in women is located very close to the anus.

Cystitis often becomes a consequence of unprotected sexual intercourse, if the sexual partner is a carrier of any bacterial infection.

Main symptoms of cystitis:

  • burning when urinating;
  • impurities in urine;
  • pain in the lower back and general deterioration in health.

Cystitis is usually treated with medications, as well as traditional medicine methods.

Inflammation in the kidneys is pyelonephritis, which also occurs due to a bacterial infection that enters the female genitourinary system. Pyelonephritis usually develops against the background of some other disease, and methods of its treatment depend on the cause.

The nature and severity of symptoms of pyelonephritis usually vary depending on the form of the disease and the type of bacterial infection. But the main signs of this disease are:

  • pain and heaviness in the lower back;
  • stomach ache;
  • frequent urination;
  • in some cases, increased blood pressure levels;
  • weakness and decreased performance;
  • significant increase in temperature.

Pyelonephritis is characterized by acute stages, as well as the remission stage, in which all symptoms, as a rule, recede, with the exception of signs of hypertension and general poor health.

Antibiotics are used to treat pyelonephritis.

Glomerulonephritis

One of the severe and dangerous kidney diseases is glomerulonephritis, which occurs as a result of infection of the body with streptococci, characterized by the following symptoms:

  • impurities of blood in the urine, staining of urine in a characteristic color;
  • swelling and shortness of breath;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • weakness.

These signs are common, but in some cases there may be additional symptoms.

The inflammatory process in the urethra is called urethritis. This disease is quite widespread, and, despite the fact that it does not pose any serious threat to a woman’s life, it still requires timely treatment because it causes severe discomfort.

Symptoms of urethritis:

  • burning and itching during urination, as well as during menstrual bleeding;
  • redness of the external genitalia, sometimes swelling occurs;
  • discharge of pus along with urine.

Many people confuse urethritis with cystitis due to the similarity of symptoms of the diseases.

Urogenital mycoplasmosis often affects female body due to a weakened immune system. As a rule, the disease occurs in the urethra, as well as in the vagina and cervix.

Mycoplasmosis is transmitted in most cases through sexual contact, in particular through unprotected sexual intercourse. With this disease, a combination of ailments such as vaginitis and urethritis is observed, and it manifests itself as follows:

  • uncharacteristic mucous discharge from the vagina;
  • itching and burning sensations of the external genitalia;
  • pain during sex;
  • pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region.

Complications of mycoplasmosis often include ailments such as pyelonephritis, adnexitis, especially severe cases Infertility may develop.

Ureaplasmas are microorganisms that are present in the body of any healthy person. But under certain conditions, their number and activity increases, as a result of which this disease occurs.

A common cause of ureaplasmosis is unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. And this disease can be asymptomatic for a long time, and the first signs appear only under the influence of some factors.

Symptoms of ureaplasmosis:

  • discharge from the genital tract with an unpleasant odor;
  • cutting pain in the lower abdomen;
  • discomfort when urinating;
  • discomfort during sexual intercourse.

This disease requires proper and timely treatment of both sexual partners at once.

Candidiasis or thrush is the most common condition among women. This disease usually appears against the background of some other lesions of the female genitourinary system and is characterized by such signs as strong burning sensation and itching of the genitals, cheesy unpleasant discharge with a sour smell.

Chlamydia as well as many others infectious diseases genitourinary system is very insidious disease, which may be asymptomatic. But if signs do arise, they include:

  • pain in both internal and external genital organs;
  • purulent discharge with mucus and an unpleasant odor from the genital tract;
  • weakness and elevated temperature bodies.

If such phenomena occur, a woman must visit a gynecologist and take a blood test. necessary tests, since the listed symptoms may indicate both the presence of chlamydia and the development of some other equally dangerous disease.

A classic disease of the genitourinary system, which is transmitted through sexual contact, is syphilis.

Symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of the disease. For primary syphilis characterized by enlarged lymph nodes and the appearance of ulcers on the external genital organs or on the cervix ( chancre). The patient also experiences an increase in body temperature, malaise and headaches. Secondary and tertiary syphilis manifest themselves in more serious symptoms and lead to severe complications.

Another serious one infection genitourinary system that occurs during sexual intercourse is called gonorrhea. When infected with this disease, women develop:

  • yellowish discharge from the genitals;
  • intermenstrual bleeding;
  • disturbances of the monthly cycle;
  • pain when urinating;
  • frequent painful sensations lower abdomen.

Women often confuse this disease with thrush or cystitis, so it is important timely appeal seek medical help if minor but unusual symptoms occur.

One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that can be transmitted to a sexual partner is trichomoniasis. In women, this disease causes damage to the vagina. Trichomoniasis can also be contracted through household contact.

Symptoms of the disease:

  • pain during sexual intercourse and urination;
  • yellowish discharge with an unpleasant odor;
  • swelling and redness of the external genitalia.

To treat this disease, as well as other sexually transmitted or infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, antibiotics are used.

The human papillomavirus, which is sexually transmitted, causes a disease called papillomavirus. In most cases, this disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. But such a sign as the appearance of single or multiple pointed growths of papillomas on the genitals, as a rule, indicates infection with this infection. Usually papillomas do not cause discomfort and discomfort, and in many cases are discovered only at an appointment with a gynecologist.

Despite the seeming harmlessness of human papillomavirus infection, you should know that it is very serious and dangerous disease, which could lead to severe consequences for women's health.

conclusions

So, almost all diseases of the genitourinary system in women have similar symptoms and are expressed almost equally. Therefore, it is very important to consult with specialists in a timely manner, get tested and receive treatment. Many running genitourinary infections lead to the following complications:

  • endometritis;
  • cervical erosion;
  • infertility;
  • renal failure, etc.

It is important to maintain careful personal hygiene, do not use other people’s towels and other household items, wear underwear made from natural materials, and also try to behave sex life with only one permanent partner. And if necessary, treat both partners simultaneously to eliminate the risk of re-infection.