Probiotics for urinary tract infections

UTIs are one of the most common types of bacterial infection seen by healthcare professionals. They occur when ‘bad’ bacteria, most commonly E. coli, cause an infection in the urinary tract. Infection can occur in the kidneys, or lower down the urinary tract (bladder). Bladder infections are also called cystitis.

Women are susceptible to cystitis as their urethra is only 4 cm long, an easy distance for ‘bad’ bacteria to travel to reach the bladder. They travel from the rectum, ascending via the urethra into the bladder. 

The ‘bad’ bacteria are always present in the genitourinary area but can cause infections like UTI when one or more of the following occur:

• Hormones levels change
• Frequent sexual activity
• Imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the genital region

Pregnancy may also be a time of increased infection as it relaxes and changes the position of the urethra.

Signs and symptoms of UTIs include:

• Frequent urination, as often as every 20 minutes
• Foul smelling urine
• Cloudy urine
• Burning and pain on urination
• Fever and lower back pain, usually when the kidneys are involved

Probiotics

Probiotics are defined as live micro-organisms or ‘good’ bugs which when taken by the host confer a health benefit. Live bacteria are naturally found not only in the gut but also in the genitourinary tract. Studies are looking at the protective role that oral and topical probiotics may play in the prevention of UTI.

Specific strains of bacteria most frequently found in the genitourinary system are thought to prevent infections by:

• Producing substances that prevent the adhesion of E coli and other pathogens to the cell membranes
• Reducing inflammation via the immune system
• Produce mucin, which act as a barrier to ‘bad’ bugs thereby protecting the immediate area

Researchers are looking at women who suffer from UTI and believe that more ‘good’ bacteria in the genitourinary area may lead to fewer UTIs.

It is thought that when low numbers of ‘good’ bugs are found in this area, ‘bad bugs’ may be more able to ascend more freely from the colon/rectum and colonise the urethra and bladder. 

References available on request