The urinary microbiome is a collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in the urinary tract. While many people are aware of the gut microbiome, few realize that the urinary microbiome also plays a critical role in maintaining urinary health. When this balance of microorganisms is disrupted, it can lead to infections and other health problems.
A urinary microbiome infection occurs when harmful bacteria overgrow and overpower the beneficial bacteria. This imbalance can cause symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. However, not all infections present obvious symptoms, which makes them even more dangerous. Left untreated, these infections can spread to the kidneys or lead to chronic urinary tract issues.
New research is shedding light on how crucial the urinary microbiome is for preventing infections and maintaining overall urinary health. Treatments such as antibiotics, probiotics, and lifestyle changes can help restore balance, but early detection is key. Understanding the urinary microbiome could protect you from infections that, if ignored, could lead to severe complications. Take your urinary health seriously—what you don’t know might harm you.