What Is Urogenital Flora?
Urogenital flora is a micro-ecosystem of bacteria that live in the urogenital tract — the combination of the urinary and reproductive systems. This flora helps you maintain a healthy balance in the tract, preventing infections and other health problems.
The bacterial community comprises several species, varying according to a person's age, health conditions, and several other factors. The most common bacteria found in the urogenital tract are:
- Lactobacillus
- Escherichia coli
- Peptostreptococci
- Corynebacteria
- Streptococci
In women, a balanced urogenital flora is key to maintaining a healthy vagina. These bacteria are responsible for producing the slightly acidic environment of the reproductive system, which helps keep harmful microorganisms away. Yet, this balance can sometimes get disrupted, resulting in a condition called "mixed urogenital flora."
What Is Mixed Urogenital Flora?
Mixed urogenital flora refers to an unusual growth of multiple types of bacteria in your urogenital tract. This can lead to several health problems and cause symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection (UTI). It can occur in men and women alike, although it's often associated with women due to its close link with bacterial vaginosis.
As most people know, a single type of bacteria overgrowing in the urogenital tract (a clear symptom of a UTI) isn't uncommon. It's estimated that about 50% to 60% of adult women get at least one UTI over the course of their lives. However, when a urine test shows that multiple bacteria are overgrowing, it can be a sign of more severe health problems or a contamination issue.
Mixed Urogenital Flora Meaning in a Test
If you get a mixed urogenital flora test result, there are three main possibilities. The first and more serious one involves an infection or other health problem that arises from the unusual presence of several microorganisms in the urogenital tract.
For example, mixed urogenital flora could mean that you have a UTI that's caused by one type of those bacteria, like a lactobacillus UTI. Another possibility is bacterial vaginosis — a bacterial imbalance inside the vagina. Similarly, yeast infections are also caused by alterations in the vaginal micro-ecosystem.
However, getting a mixed urogenital flora result from your urine test could also mean that nothing is wrong. As mentioned above, the urogenital flora naturally contains several microorganisms that provide protection against harmful pathogens. As such, your case may need to be supervised by a doctor to distinguish if the result stems from a health problem or natural urogenital tract balance.
Finally, mixed urogenital flora is often the result of contaminated urine samples. Due to the closeness between your urogenital tract and your anus, sometimes bacteria can get across during a urine test. Manipulating your genitals with your hands during urine collection can also cause the same phenomenon.
Treating Mixed Urogenital Flora
The treatment for mixed urogenital flora — if it needs any treatment at all — will depend on its exact cause. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatory medications to eliminate the excess microorganisms. Unfortunately, there's no best antibiotic for mixed urogenital flora, as the exact medication will depend on which bacteria are overgrowing.
Similarly, doctors may recommend lifestyle and diet changes along with using barrier protection methods during sex. Probiotics may also help restore vaginal and urinary flora. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 is one of the most popular choices for this, as it has been widely studied and proven to be successful in restoring microfloral balance.
Preventing Mixed Urogenital Flora
Preventing mixed urogenital flora, like most flora-related problems, begins with maintaining good genital hygiene. This includes gently and regularly washing the area with soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals, and practicing safe sex. Similarly, taking probiotics can help you ensure a healthy and balanced urogenital flora.
However, if your mixed urogenital flora result stems from a contaminated urine sample, you'll need to revise your urine collection technique. To get a clean sample, you need to collect mid-stream urine only (meaning you don't collect the first and last part of urine that comes out), using your hands as little as possible. If you still find yourself accidentally contaminating samples, make sure to check with a doctor for more precise instructions.
Conclusion
Mixed urogenital flora can arise from three causes: overgrowth of multiple bacteria, the natural balance of your urogenital microorganisms, and sample contamination. While a mixed urogenital flora test result usually doesn't indicate something serious, it's best to seek a doctor's advice to ensure you're not at risk of developing infections like UTI.
Key facts
- Mixed urogenital flora is a common result of urine cultures.
- Many types of bacteria are present around the urethra, genitals, and anus, and they can be detected in urine tests.
- Having mixed urogenital flora doesn't mean you have an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mixed urogenital flora?
A test result that shows mixed urogenital flora doesn't automatically mean you have a UTI or other infection. The area around the urethra, genitals, and anus is always populated by a wide variety of bacteria, or flora. Those bacteria can show up in urine tests.
Does mixed urogenital flora mean I have a UTI?
The flora is typically a balanced mix of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. If the different types are balanced, the "good" bacteria prevent the "bad" bacteria from causing problems. A finding of mixed urogenital flora is normal if you don't have accompanying symptoms of infection.
While an overgrowth of some of these bacteria can lead to infections, their presence is not necessarily a sign of a UTI. If you don't have symptoms of a UTI or other infection, then the bacteria in your urogenital area are unlikely to cause health problems.
What is the normal range for mixed urogenital flora?
A normal bacterial count is typically less than 10,000 CFU/mL of any single type of bacteria. Having multiple kinds of bacteria present is normal, and if the count for each type is under the 10,000 CFU/mL, that is not an indication of infection. If one particular bacteria type has a higher-than-normal count, that can indicate an infection.
How to treat mixed urogenital flora?
If you don't have an active UTI or other type of infection, you don't need any medicine to manage mixed urogenital flora. If you have an infection, your doctor can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.
Can I prevent infections from mixed urogenital flora?
If harmful bacteria get into the urinary tract and proliferate there, they can cause infection. You can reduce the chance of urogenital flora moving into the urinary tract and causing infection by using appropriate hygiene measures:
- Wash your genital area with mild soap and warm water.
- Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
- Wash your hands before replacing menstrual products such as tampons and pads.
- Empty your bladder completely when you urinate.
- Urinate after sexual contact.
- Wear clean underwear made of breathable fabrics.
- Drink plenty of water.
