Urogenital infections in pregnancy

Urogenital infections in pregnancy can have a significant impact on the health of the mother and her unborn child. These infections can affect the urinary tract and genitals, causing unpleasant symptoms and potential complications.

Find out with Barza what causes the most common urogenital infections and how they can affect your pregnancy if not detected early and treated properly!

What are the common causes of urogenital infections

Normally, the urinary tract is a sterile environment, free of bacteria. Urinary tract infections can occur when intestinal bacteria get into the urinary tract. Causes include:

Short urethra

Women’s urethra is shorter than men’s, and is therefore closer to the vaginal opening and anus. This allows intestinal bacteria to migrate to the urethra and enter the urinary tract.

Poor hygiene

Poor hygiene of the genital area can encourage the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

Sexual relations

Sexual activity, especially anal intercourse, can facilitate the transfer of intestinal bacteria to the genital area and urethra.

Constipation

When there is a bowel movement disorder or persistent constipation, faeces can put pressure on the bladder or urethra. This can encourage the backflow of bacteria into the urinary tract.

Bladder dysfunction

Certain medical conditions, such as neurogenic bladder or overactive bladder, can cause incomplete emptying of the bladder. This can lead to urine stagnation and increased risk of urinary tract infections.

Diabetes mellitus

Women with diabetes have an increased risk of developing such infections more easily, as the sugar in the urine can cause bacteria to multiply.

What are the most common urogenital infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections seen during pregnancy. It can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Bacteria that end up in the urinary tract can cause symptoms such as:

• burning when urinating;
• frequent need to urinate;
• pelvic pain.

Vaginal candidiasis

Candida albicans infection, known as vaginal candidiasis, is a common fungal infection during pregnancy.

Hormonal changes and increased levels of sugar in vaginal secretions may favour its development. Common symptoms include:

• vaginal itching;
• burning sensation;
• white, cheese-like secretion.

If you have symptoms that make you think you might have this infection, you can get tested quickly at home.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital herpes can also occur during pregnancy. These infections can be passed from mother to child during birth and can cause serious complications.

We recommend specific Veneris tests for quick diagnosis.

How pregnancy affects urogenital infections

Undiagnosed and untreated urogenital infections during pregnancy can lead to:

• development of hypertension;
• premature birth;
• delivering a baby with a lower than normal weight.

One in 10 pregnant women who experience such an infection will have no symptoms. For this reason, even if you have no symptoms, it’s important to prevent getting sick by getting tested frequently.

How you can prevent the development of urogenital infections in pregnancy

• through proper hygiene of the genital area;
• through urination, as it helps to empty the bladder completely when you go to the bathroom;
• by avoiding tight clothing, which can retain moisture;
• by using condoms during sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections;
• through regular antenatal check-ups and infection tests.

During pregnancy and beyond, urogenital infections require proper attention and prompt treatment. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such conditions can be managed effectively, avoiding complications.

Dr. Bogdan Ivănescu spoke about uro-genital infections in pregnancy and the importance of their early detection in the Doctor MIT show on Romania TV. What can cause a genital infection and how can Veneris tests help you take care of your sexual health? Find out the answers from Doctor MIT.