Urinary tract infections in women
Introduction
Urinary tract infections in women are very common. They manifest themselves as urinary burning, the need to urinate more often, pelvic pain or persistent discomfort.
They can be simple and punctual, but some women experience repeated infections, altering their quality of life.
⚠️ A poorly treated urinary tract infection can spread to the kidney (pyelonephritis), leading to complications.
📌 An accurate workup helps identify the cause and prevent recurrence.
Common symptoms
The main signs of urinary tract infection are :
1️⃣ Urinary burning (dysuria)
- Burning or tingling sensation during urination
- Persistent discomfort after urination
- Urine sometimes cloudy or foul-smelling
2️⃣ Frequent urination (pollakiuria)
- Need to urinate very often
- Low urine volumes
- Discomfort in daily activities
3️⃣ Pelvic or suprapubic pain
- Feeling of tension, heaviness or pressure
- Aggravated pain during or after urination
4️⃣ Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Pinkish or reddish discoloration
- May indicate severe inflammation
5️⃣ Fever or chills (signs of pyelonephritis)
- Never neglect: risk of kidney infection.
Why are urinary tract infections more common in women?
✔ Female anatomy
The shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to ascend.
✔ Sex life
Certain relationships can encourage bacteria to migrate into the bladder.
✔ Hormonal variations
Post-partum, menopause, cycle fluctuations → weakening of the urinary mucosa.
✔ Urinary hygiene or habits
Wiping, under-hydration, urine retention.
✔ Medical factors
Prolapse, diabetes, vaginal dryness, constipation, bladder emptying disorders.
Possible causes of urinary tract infections
1️⃣ Classical uropathogenic bacteria
- Escherichia coli (80-85%)
- Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus...
2️⃣ Vaginal dryness / estrogen deficiency
- Often after menopause → modification of protective flora.
3️⃣ Bladder emptying disorders
- Urine residue
- Perineal hypertonia
- Prolapse
4️⃣ Sexual activity
- Recent report
- Changes in vaginal flora
- Use of spermicides, certain condoms...
5️⃣ Urinary calculi
- Local irritation
- Partial obstruction → superinfection
6️⃣ Urological history
- Surgery
- Recent probe
- Repeated infections
Diagnosis
An accurate assessment can distinguish between simple, recurrent, complicated infections and those linked to an underlying disorder.
✔ 1. Medical interview
- Context of appearance
- Recurrences
- Triggering factors
- Hydration mode
- Sex life
- Gynecological history
✔ 2. Clinical examination
- Search for pelvic pain
- Signs of vaginal dryness
- Prolapse or anatomical anomaly
✔ 3. Further tests
- ECBU: essential in case of suspicion or recurrence
- Rapid urine test (strip)
- Ultrasound in case of pain, fever or relapse
- Gynaecological check-up for dryness or dyspareunia
- Bladder emptying analysis if retention suspected
📌 In the event of recurrence, a more thorough workup may be required.
Possible treatments
Treatment depends on mechanism, severity, duration and impact on quality of life.
1️⃣ Targeted antibiotics
- Adapted according to ECBU results.
- Short duration for simple infections.
2️⃣ Treatment of contributing factors
- Vaginal dryness: local treatment
- Emptying disorders: perineal rehabilitation or mechanical correction
- Constipation: specific management
- Urinary calculi: laser or endoscopic treatment
3️⃣ Non-antibiotic approach
- Regular hydration
- Cranberry (as indicated)
- Vaginal probiotics
- Appropriate hygiene gestures
- Post-report urination (recommended)
4️⃣ Recurrence prevention
- Changing habits
- Local hormone treatments (post-menopause)
- Prophylactic antibiotic therapy (selected cases)
- Regular follow-up
Why consult Pr Haab?
- Recognized expertise in women's functional urology
- Complete, personalized assessment
- Integrated management: urology, perineum, gynecology
- Solutions for active, post-partum and peri-menopausal women
- Caring, non-invasive approach preferred
Do you suffer from incontinence?
Requirements
Patient pathway
Each patient benefits from personalized support, from the first consultation to post-treatment follow-up. This includes a precise assessment, a clear presentation of the different treatment options and a progressive approach to treatment, tailored to each patient’s individual situation.
Do you suffer from urinary burning or repeated infections?
Don’t let these symptoms set in.
📍 Cabinet Urologie Paris Opéra – Paris 17ᵉ
📅 Face-to-face consultation or teleconsultation
📞 Book an appointment today