rUTI in Women - Do Variations in Labial Anatomy have an effect

Dear All,

rUTI in women is such a common condition that we think we know all about its causation and modes of treatments. But newer facts continue to surface and we are left wondering at the magnitude of knowledge yet to be unearthed.

Although there are many causes of recurrent UTIs, this study by Arif Aydin* et al (2020) showed that vaginal pH imbalance and labium minor anatomy in the lower third prominence form based on the Banwell classification (type 3) may be among the significant causes.

Do variations in labial anatomy have an effect on recurrent urinary tract infection?

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00192-020-04310-8 (PDF available)

According to this study, there are two different theories about why the labial anatomy may cause UTI:

-          Direct ascending transmission due to the proximity of type 3 labia minora to the anus

-          Due to genital cleaning with water after toileting, the labia minora are wetted by water used for anus cleaning, which is significant for colonization.

Daily vaginal discharge is important for a healthy vagina. Labia minora which is described as type 3 appear closed; however, this situation may vary for reasons such as the number of births, frequency of sexual relations, weight increases and variable vaginal discharge.

Though the authors do not propose labial surgeries for rUTI, labial Anatomy need be given importance in causation of rUTI in women. Though there are several classifications for the Anatomy of Labial Minora, the authors prefer the Banwell Classification over other Classifications.

The various Classifications available are provided in the PDF .

I am sure when dealing with rUTI in women; this aspect will also be given its due importance.

With Warm Regards,

Venu  

 

View Document
You want to add your comment? Please login
Login