The bacteria that cause urinary tract infection

At my workplace, it is nothing unusual to discuss urinary tract infections and foul-smelling discharge or to share personal experiences of intimate problems. In fact, it is probably a prerequisite when I think about it. Because if we are to break taboos, be groundbreaking, and contribute to a Pussytive future where women's intimate health is at the center, we need to practice what we preach. This demands something from us. Absolutely. We need to be authentic, sincere, and perhaps to some extent transparent. Maintaining this honesty requires courage and is based on trust and a sense of confidence. And it is precisely this atmosphere of safety, joy, and trust in a Pussytive spirit that we strive to create for women. But to truly be that change, we must also practice what we preach. Because there is so much taboo and shame surrounding women's genitals that it is more than enough, which makes it enormously important that we relate to the topic of intimate health with genuine pride as naturally as we discuss the latest episode of our favorite series or compare who has the most dramatic commuting story. Many who work with us are drawn into our "Pussytive" sphere of intimate health, making our place a safe haven to share intimate experiences, hoping that the future will offer women better options. This week, I had a lively conversation with one of our partners about urinary tract infections, as we have both endured about 1000 of them (at least it feels that way), and urinary tract infections have both shaped and tormented us during much of our youth. I really needed someone during that time who shared my experiences and understood what I was going through. Back then, it was also impossible to even "Google" an answer. Sharing our experiences and knowledge is a superpower. So, I hope that you who read this can benefit from some knowledge about the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and understand why it is so important to recognize the symptoms and quickly get a diagnosis. And who knows, maybe you can also become part of our Pussytive movement ❤️ with one foot in science and the other in a more enlightened future where we talk about intimate health as effortlessly as when we share our best recipes or life hacks. BACTERIA THAT CAUSE URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS The most common bacterium that causes urinary tract infections is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally resides in the gut. Other bacteria that can cause UTIs include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. These bacteria can enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra, and begin to multiply, leading to infection. COMMON SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION Symptoms of urinary tract infection can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Common symptoms include: 🌸 A burning sensation when urinating. 🌸 Frequent or intense urge to urinate, even when the bladder is empty. 🌸 Cloudy, bloody, or strongly smelling urine. 🌸 Pain in the lower abdomen. VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test provides immediate answers on whether you have a urinary tract infection. You can find our NEW self-test for urinary tract infection here ESCHERICHIA COLI (E. COLI) – THE MOST COMMON CULPRIT When we talk about urinary tract infections (UTIs), most of us immediately think of the most common culprit: E. coli. This bacterium is the primary cause of urinary tract infections in humans. E. coli is normally part of our gut flora and lives in harmony with our body without causing any trouble. But problems arise when E. coli bacteria enter the urinary tract, where they do not belong. In this new environment, they can cause a range of issues, from mild to severe urinary tract infections. What makes E. coli particularly interesting is its sensitivity to many types of antibiotics, making treatment relatively simple and effective in most cases. KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE – MORE THAN JUST A HOSPITAL BACTERIUM There is another, less talked about culprit in this context that deserves some attention – Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium, which sounds more like a character from a science fiction novel, is actually a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, including urinary tract infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae is part of our body's normal flora, meaning it usually lives in our intestines without causing problems. The problem arises when it leaves the gut and enters the urinary tract, where it does not belong. Once there, it can cause anything from mild to severe infections, including urinary tract infections. Why is Klebsiella pneumoniae particularly interesting? Because it can be especially difficult to treat. It is known for its ability to resist many common antibiotics, making treatment options more limited and sometimes more complicated. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a big difference in combating this bacterium. Next time you hear about urinary tract infections, remember that there are more players in the game than just E. coli. Klebsiella pneumoniae may not win any popularity contests, but it is definitely a bacterium worth knowing. STAPHYLOCOCCUS SAPROPHYTICUS – DISCREET BUT POWERFUL There is another important, albeit more discreet, player that deserves our attention: Staphylococcus saprophyticus. This bacterium plays a significant role in the ecosystem of urinary tract infections, especially among young, sexually active women. By nature, Staphylococcus saprophyticus is part of the normal microflora on our skin and in our urinary tract. However, it becomes problematic when it crosses its boundaries and invades the bladder, which can lead to infection. Compared to E. coli, it accounts for a smaller proportion of UTI cases, but its contribution is nonetheless important to acknowledge. ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS – FROM GUT TO TROUBLE Enterococcus faecalis may not be the first bacterium that comes to mind when we talk about infections, but its role in hospital-related infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), is significant and requires attention. This bacterium, which normally thrives in the calm environment of the gut, proves to be more than just a passive resident of the body's microbiome. When it moves from its home in the gut to other, more sensitive areas like the urinary tract, its ability to cause disease becomes clear. Enterococcus faecalis is a master at adapting and surviving in different environments, making it a formidable opponent in hospital settings where it can spread and cause infections. Its ability to resist multiple types of antibiotics only exacerbates the problem, leading to complicated and difficult-to-treat infections. Read the blog about symptoms and ways to prevent urinary tract infections here BACTERIA AND BLOOD THAT REQUIRE TREATMENT Some urinary tract infections, especially those involving specific bacterial strains or when blood is present in the urine, require immediate medical treatment. E. coli and other bacteria can become resistant to certain antibiotics, making it important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. When it comes to urinary tract infections (UTIs), urine analysis is an important tool to diagnose the infection and understand its severity. Four common indicators often examined in urine during a urinary tract infection are leukocytes, blood, nitrites, and proteins. Let’s go through what each of these indicates and why it is important to know their presence in urine. You can find the VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test here THE ROLE OF LEUKOCYTES IN URINARY TRACT INFECTION Leukocytes (white blood cells) are central to the body's immune defense. They play a crucial role in fighting infections. When bacteria or other pathogens invade the urinary tract, the immune system sends leukocytes to the site of infection. This is part of the body's natural defense mechanism. The presence of leukocytes in the urine, a condition known as leukocyturia, often indicates an inflammatory process, usually the result of a bacterial infection. 🌸 Leukocytes and urinary tract infections Leukocytes in urine can be an important indicator of a urinary tract infection. A high concentration of leukocytes may suggest an active infection requiring medical treatment. During and after treatment of a urinary tract infection, urine tests for leukocytes can be used to monitor how well the treatment is working. 🌸 Normal leukocyte values in urine In healthy urine, there should be very few or no leukocytes. A small amount may be considered normal, depending on the laboratory's reference range and analysis method. Generally, up to 5 leukocytes per microscopic field in centrifuged urine is considered within the normal range. 🌸 VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test is sensitive enough to detect the presence of leukocytes in very small amounts, specifically as low as 9 leukocytes per microliter of urine. The test's accuracy for detecting leukocytes is 97.6%, making it a reliable tool for early diagnosis of urinary tract infection. This high accuracy is important because even a relatively low concentration of white blood cells in urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A sensitive test can help diagnose urinary tract infection at an early stage, which is critical for starting appropriate treatment quickly. Detecting leukocytes in urine is therefore an important step in diagnosing and managing urinary tract infections. BLOOD IN URINE – A WARNING SIGNAL NOT TO IGNORE Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is a condition that requires careful attention and can indicate various health problems. Normally, urine should not contain visible blood. 🌸 Macroscopic Hematuria When you can see blood in your urine, it is called macroscopic hematuria. It looks like the urine is red, pink, or has a brownish tint and can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Other symptoms that often accompany it include a burning sensation when urinating or a constant need to go to the bathroom. 🌸 Microscopic Hematuria Sometimes there is blood in the urine that is not visible to the naked eye. This is called microscopic hematuria and is only detected with laboratory analysis. It can be a sign of an underlying disease or condition that requires medical attention. 🌸 Detection of hemoglobin in urine VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test can detect very small amounts of free hemoglobin – as little as 0.05 mg/dL or 5 erythrocytes per microliter of urine. It helps identify urinary tract-related problems early, even when ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is present in the urine. Ascorbic acid can interfere with many urine tests, but VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test is reliable even when ascorbic acid is in the urine. The test has an accuracy of 96% for detecting blood in urine, making it a valuable tool for early detection of urinary tract-related conditions. If you have symptoms suggesting a urinary tract infection or are concerned about blood in your urine, you should contact a doctor for further investigation and treatment. NITRITES IN URINE – A CRUCIAL SIGN OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION Nitrites are chemical compounds that can be present in urine and are important because they can indicate the presence of certain types of bacteria. These bacteria, called E. coli, are often the cause of urinary tract infections. 🌸 Diagnostic significance of nitrite levels Nitrate (NO3-) is present in urine in a certain amount. Some bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), common causes of urinary tract infections, have the ability to convert nitrate to nitrite (NO2-). This ability to convert nitrate to nitrite is an important part of the bacteria's metabolism. When a test shows nitrites in the urine, it usually means these bacteria are present. It helps doctors know if a bacterial urinary tract infection is the problem. It is a useful marker to distinguish bacterial infections from other urinary tract problems not caused by bacteria, such as viruses or fungi. When nitrites are indicated, it may mean that antibiotic treatment is necessary, and doctors use this information to choose appropriate antibiotics. 🌸 VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test offers high precision and accuracy VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test detects nitrite as low as 0.05 mg/dL in urine, meaning the test can find even very small amounts of nitrite in urine and is a very sensitive tool to detect even the smallest traces of nitrite with 100% accuracy. Additionally, the test works well even when other substances are present in the urine, such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), at concentrations below 30 mg/dL. This means that even if the urine contains some ascorbic acid, the test will still correctly detect nitrite. Nitrites in urine are an important indicator for identifying and distinguishing different types of urinary tract infections. VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test offers a high degree of precision and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for early detection and proper treatment of urinary tract infections. WHEN PROTEIN APPEARS IN URINE Proteins are fundamental components of our body and play a crucial role in many biological processes. But when these proteins start appearing in urine, it can be an important signal that something is wrong. 🌸 Kidney function and protein Normally, the kidneys are amazing organs that function as the body's natural filtration system. They filter out waste products and excess substances from the blood while retaining the necessary proteins the body needs. When proteins start passing through the kidneys and end up in the urine, it can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning optimally. The presence of protein, also called proteinuria, is often linked to kidney diseases or kidney damage. This condition can be an early sign that something is wrong with these vital organs. Kidney diseases can be serious and progressive, so early detection is of utmost importance to take action and prevent further damage. 🌸 Proteinuria and urinary tract infections Although proteinuria is not the most common sign of urinary tract infections (UTIs), it can sometimes occur in more severe infections, especially if they have spread to the kidneys. The detection of protein in urine in connection with a urinary tract infection can be a signal that a more comprehensive treatment strategy may be necessary, especially if there is a risk of kidney involvement. 🌸 VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test ability to detect protein VagiVital Urinary Tract Infection Self Test can detect albumin, a common type of protein, in urine as low as 7.5 mg/dL (0.075 g/L). The test's accuracy for identifying proteins is impressive with a precision of 88%. This means the test can provide reliable results to detect proteinuria and thereby indicate urinary tract infection. DRY MUCOUS MEMBRANES ARE OFTEN THE CULPRIT IN THE DRAMA Dry mucous membranes can often be a contributing factor to the development of urinary tract infections. When the mucous membranes in the urinary tract dry out, they become more susceptible to invasion by harmful bacteria that can cause infections. This is because the natural defense system in the mucous membranes loses its effectiveness when dry and cannot repel bacteria the same way moist and healthy mucous membranes can. To maintain optimal moisture and promote healthy mucous membranes, VagiVital AktivGel can be very helpful. The crystal-clear and non-sticky gel is completely hormone-free and moisturizes your mucous membranes over time, which in turn reduces the risk of dry mucous membranes and thereby lowers the risk of urinary tract infections. I the clinical studies we have conducted with VagiVital AktivGel, we see very good results after 30 days (4 weeks). The results improve further at the follow-up after 12 weeks. Therefore, we normally recommend daily use for 12 weeks (3 tubes) and then switch to use as needed. In user surveys, most respond that they use the product daily for 30 days. After that, the most common is to switch to use every other or every third day. We always offer our 3-pack AktivGel at a discounted price ❤️ You can find VagiVital AktivGel 3-pack here URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ALWAYS COME AT THE MOST INCONVENIENT TIMES Just as I am reflecting on the importance of spreading knowledge about urinary tract infections, I receive an email from the same partner I had an in-depth conversation with just a week ago. She informed me that she could not attend our planned meeting because she had gotten an urgent doctor's appointment. What was the reason? She strongly suspected she had contracted a urinary tract infection and wished she had our new urinary tract infection test at home for a quick diagnosis. For women who have experience with urinary tract infections, it is also no news that they seem to occur at the most inconvenient times. It seems more like a rule than an exception. The urinary tract infection likes to make itself known on a Friday afternoon after 5 pm or preferably during vacation times in a place far away from civilization. Such is life for some strange reason, but it always feels a little better to share it with someone else ❤️. Take care & Stay Pussytive ❤️ /Fanny Falkman Grinndal Business Manager Nordics Peptonic Medical AB fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se