What Causes UTIs?

UTIs During Pregnancy

When a woman is expecting a baby, her body changes a lot. This can make her more likely to get a UTI. These changes are largely due to hormonal fluctuations and physical changes as the baby grows.

Hormonal Changes and UTI Risk During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences significant hormonal changes, notably in levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can alter the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Normally, the vaginal flora contains a healthy balance of bacteria, but hormonal changes can disrupt this balance, making it easier for harmful bacteria to proliferate. This imbalance can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections, including UTIs.

Physical Changes and Their Impact

As the baby grows, the uterus expands and starts to exert more pressure on the bladder. This pressure can make it challenging for pregnant women to completely empty their bladder while urinating. A bladder that isn’t fully emptied regularly is more prone to bacterial growth, contributing to the risk of developing UTIs. Moreover, urine during pregnancy may contain higher levels of sugar, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Additionally, urine during pregnancy may contain elevated sugar levels, which can serve as a breeding ground for bad bacteria to grow.

UTI prevention during pregnancy starts by understanding these hormonal and physical changes, pregnant women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of UTIs. This includes staying hydrated, using the restroom regularly, managing constipation and seeking regular prenatal care.

UTIs and Menopause

As women enter their 40s homones change again and they begin to go through perimenopause, they may notice being more prone to UTIs and other vaginal infections. Post-menopause, the risk goes up again. This is because of changes in hormones, specifically the decline in estrogen levels, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the vaginal and urinary microbiomes.

Hormonal Changes During Perimenopause and Menopause:

• Decline in Estrogen: Estrogen plays a vital role in keeping the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy. As women approach menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which can reduce the natural defenses of the urinary tract against bacteria.

• Changes in Vaginal Flora: The reduction in estrogen can also alter the vaginal flora. A healthy vagina has a balanced mix of microorganisms, but lower estrogen levels can disrupt this balance, making it easier for harmful bacteria to thrive and potentially cause infections.

• Thinning of Urethral and Vaginal Tissues: Lower estrogen levels lead to thinner, less elastic tissues in the vagina and urethra. This physical change can make these areas more susceptible to irritation and infection.

• Reduced Lactobacilli: Estrogen helps maintain healthy levels of lactobacilli, a type of bacteria that helps keep the vagina's pH acidic and less hospitable to harmful bacteria. A decline in estrogen means fewer lactobacilli, increasing the risk of UTIs.

Menopause and Urinary Health:

• Increased pH Levels: Postmenopause, the vaginal pH becomes less acidic, which can lead to an overgrowth of undesirable bacteria, increasing the risk of UTIs.

• Urinary Incontinence: Some women experience urinary incontinence during menopause due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can contribute to UTIs.

Navigating UTI prevention during and after menopause can be more intuitive and less of a hassle than it seems. Keeping up with your water intake is essential – it's like giving your urinary tract a regular rinse to keep those pesky bacteria at bay. Combining this with a diet rich in probiotics (think yogurt or kefir) and low in sugar can do wonders for maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in your body. Also, remember to listen to your body's signals; delaying bathroom breaks isn't doing you any favors, so make sure to go when you need to. As for vaginal estrogen therapy, it’s something to consider discussing with your doctor, as it could help in keeping your vaginal health on track.

The Role of Biofilm in UTIs

What Is A Biofilm?

Biofilms are a significant factor in persistent UTI causes and the development of antibiotic-resistant UTIs. They act like protective shields for bacteria, enabling them to adhere to the bladder wall, which can result in recurrent infections. Biofilms are complex, comprising a matrix that guards the bacteria against external threats, including the body's immune response and antibiotic treatments.

Persistent UTIs often recur due to the presence of these biofilms. Bacteria within biofilms can exchange genetic material, including antibiotic resistance genes, making them more formidable against standard treatments. This genetic exchange enhances their survival and complicates treatment efforts, as antibiotics struggle to penetrate the biofilm and fully eradicate the infection.

Addressing biofilms in UTIs involves ongoing research to develop strategies that disrupt biofilm formation or enhance antibiotic effectiveness

How to Treat a Biofilm

• Get advanced testing, like MyUTI, to identify the bacteria and resistance genes.

• Begin to work with a specialist on a targeted treatment regimen.

• Consider supplements that reduce the bacteria's ability to stick to the bladder wall. 

Diabetes and UTIs

Why Diabetes Makes UTIs More Likely

People with diabetes are more likely to get UTIs. This is because diabetes can make it hard for the body to fight off germs. High blood sugar can also create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow in the bladder.