Forecast

The prognosis is generally not bad, because if one is treated early, the infection can be stopped very effectively by means of antibiotics. However, if urethritis or cystitis is left untreated, it can ascend into the kidneys and cause a very painful inflammation of the renal molars. In addition, the woman’s ovaries and uterus can become inflamed, which can even lead to infertility.

In men, the testicles and epididymis can become inflamed. This can also lead to infertility. Inflammation of the prostate is also possible.

Particularly in children and urinary tract infections, great care must be taken. If a urinary tract infection develops in very small children or infants, the bacteria can also rise up into the kidneys. This is very dangerous, as they are not yet fully mature and can impair their development through an infection. Therefore the fallopian tubes should react as early as possible to any inflammation.

Consequences of bacteria in urine

If bacteria are detected in the urine, this can have many consequences. If no further symptoms occur, no treatment is normally required. Pregnant women are an exception to this rule due to their particular risk of more serious urinary tract infections.

Even an uncomplicated urinary tract infection usually heals without consequences. For various reasons, however, frequently recurring urinary tract infections can also occur. A potentially dangerous consequence of a urinary tract infection is pyelonephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys.

This can lead to kidney damage or sepsis. The man’s prostate lies directly below the bladder. The urethra runs through the centre of the prostate.

This is why pathogens can easily spread to the prostate gland in a urinary tract infection. If the prostate gland becomes inflamed as a result, this is known as bacterial prostatitis. It can be acute or chronic.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, problems urinating and sexual dysfunction. Prostatitis can be treated with antibiotics. This prevents chronicity and most complications. The symptoms usually subside quickly after treatment.

Prophylaxis

You can do a lot yourself to ensure that no bacteria appear in the urine in the first place. It is important, especially as a woman, that you wipe backwards in the toilet. You should never wipe from the back to the front, as this transports the intestinal bacteria towards the entrance of the urethra.

If the immune system is somewhat weakened or the wall of the urethra is otherwise irritated, it is easy for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Furthermore, unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided as much as possible, especially if it involves new sexual partners. You run the risk of catching not only sexually transmitted diseases like HIV or hepatitis, but also bacteria that irritate the urinary tract.

Catheters should be changed regularly and special attention should be paid to hygiene for bedridden people. In addition, one should be regularly examined for urinary or kidney stones and, if necessary, these should be removed surgically. It is also important to drink a lot.

If you feel the first signs, you should consult a doctor immediately. In this way you can avoid inflammation of the renal pelvis and also avoid severe symptoms. Furthermore, the better the immune system, the less likely it is to become ill.