The Link Between UTIs and Vulva/Vagina Pain
When women suffering from vulva and vagina pain, visit a Vulva Doctor, the Vulva Pain Specialist will often conduct a urinary tract infection (UTI) test. UTIs are common in women, and many of them experience more than one infection in their lifetime
“A UTI refers to an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI. If an infection is just in the bladder, it can be painful and annoying. But serious health problems can result if it spreads to the kidneys. So, it is crucial to book an appointment with a Vulva Consultant right from the get-go” [1]
So What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
Did you know that urinary tract infections do not always cause symptoms? However, when they do, they can comprise:
• Pelvic pain in women (particularly around the public bone region, and in the centre of the pelvis
• A strong urge to pass water (with the urge not going away)
• Strong smelling urine
• Experiencing a burning feeling whilst urinating
• Frequently urinating, and only passing small amounts of urine
• Cloudy-looking urine
• Urine that appears cola-coloured, bright pink, or red — all signs of blood in the urine
Of note: in older adults, urinary tract infections may be mistaken for other conditions, or completely overlooked by a general practitioner (GP). And this is just one reason why it is very important to ensure you receive a correct diagnosis from a Vulva Doctor.
The Different Types of UTIs
Each kind of urinary tract infection can result in more-specific symptoms. The latter are dependant on which part of the urinary tract is impacted.
Part of Urinary Tract Impacted Signs and Symptoms
Kidneys • Side or back pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Chills and shaking
• High fever
Bladder • Blood in the urine
• Pressure in the pelvis
• Painful, frequent urination
• Lower belly discomfort
Urethra • Discharge
• Burning on urination [1]
So What Could Be the Cause of My UTI Be?
As your Vulva Doctor will explain: “UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, and begin to spread in the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the defences sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold, and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract” [1]
Potential Causes, which your Vulva Specialist may discuss with you, include:
• Infection of the Bladder: this form of urinary tract infection is usually due to the bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli). The latter is often found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Of note: in some cases, other types of bacteria cause an infected bladder
• Having Sex: can also result in a bladder infection, however, people do not have to be sexually active to develop one. Every woman is at risk of acquiring a bladder infection, due to their anatomy. – This is because their urethra is in close proximity to their anus. Moreover, their urethral opening is near their bladder, thus making it easier for the bacteria surrounding their anus, to enter their urethra and to travel to their bladder
• Infection of the Urethra: this form of urinary tract infection can occur when bacteria from the GI tract, spread from the anus to the urethra
• Risk of UTIs: spermicidal agents have been found to increase the risk of contracting a UTI
• Menopause: when women go through the menopause, they experience a drop in circulating oestrogen. This in turn, generates changes in the urinary tract, which can increase the risk of UTIs [1]
Reference
[1]. Mayo Clinic (2023). “Urinary tract infection (UTI).”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20