WomensKEY

What is a UTI?: A UTI is an infection that can affect any part of your urinary system or tract, such as the kidneys, ureters (carries urine from kidneys to bladder), and urethra (directs urine out of the body). UTIs are classified as either “upper” or “lower” based on the infection’s location in the urinary tract. What are the Main Types of UTIs?

• Lower UTIs (Cystitis): The most common type, these infections happen in the bladder, causing inflammation known as cystitis. Lower UTIs can also affect the urethra and cause swelling called urethritis. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, pain, or burning during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
• Upper UTIs (Pyelonephritis): A more serious type of infection that affects the kidneys and/or ureters. Symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, back/side pain, and vomiting.

Causes & Symptoms: UTIs are usually caused by bacteria like E. coli, which is one of the more common culprits. Viruses or fungi can also be responsible. The most common symptoms are signs of bladder inflammation, such as:

• Bladder pain or discomfort
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine
• Consistent pelvic pain
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Risks: The factors that increase the risk of contracting a UTI include sexual activity, certain forms of birth control, menopause, and a suppressed immune system. Diagnosis and Treatment: WomensKEY uses qPCR and NGS to comprehensively detect UTI-causing pathogens and any antimicrobial resistance, providing accurate insights for effective treatment. Why do women get UTIs so often?: The federal Office of Women’s Health states that women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men. This discrepancy occurs because women have shorter urethras and their urinary tracts are closer to their vagina and rectum, making it easier for bacteria to enter. Interstitial Cystitis (IC) What is IC?: Also known as bladder pain syndrome, IC is a chronic lower UTI condition that causes constant bladder pressure, a persistent urge to go, and pelvic pain. In the U.S., IC affects between 3-8 million women and up to 4 million men, almost matching the populations of New York City and Los Angeles, respectively. Causes & Symptoms: Despite its prevalence, the exact causes of IC are unknown, but likely come from multiple factors. Symptoms can fluctuate and may be worsened by stress, sexual activity, long periods of sitting, or by eating certain foods. Symptoms include:

• Pelvic area pain ranging from dull ache to severe discomfort
• Frequent/urgent need to urinate
• Bladder pain or discomfort
• Painful or burning urination
• Bloody urine
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Bladder inflammation

Diagnosis and Treatment: Both UTIs and IC share similar symptoms so chronic UTIs can masquerade as IC, causing misdiagnoses. It’s possible to have both at the same time, but each one requires differing treatments, which is why a correct diagnosis is key. Moreover, regular culture tests often fail to distinguish one from the other, illustrating the need for more sensitive, broad-spectrum testing. WomensKEY helps uncover the underlying pathogens and microbial imbalances behind IC, supporting a clear diagnosis and effective treatment by your provider.

What is IC?: Also known as bladder pain syndrome, IC is a chronic lower UTI condition that causes constant bladder pressure, a persistent urge to go, and pelvic pain. In the U.S., IC affects between 3-8 million women and up to 4 million men, almost matching the populations of New York City and Los Angeles, respectively. Causes & Symptoms: Despite its prevalence, the exact causes of IC are unknown, but likely come from multiple factors. Symptoms can fluctuate and may be worsened by stress, sexual activity, long periods of sitting, or by eating certain foods. Symptoms include:

• Pelvic area pain ranging from dull ache to severe discomfort
• Frequent/urgent need to urinate
• Bladder pain or discomfort
• Painful or burning urination
• Bloody urine
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Bladder inflammation

Diagnosis and Treatment: Both UTIs and IC share similar symptoms so chronic UTIs can masquerade as IC, causing misdiagnoses. It’s possible to have both at the same time, but each one requires differing treatments, which is why a correct diagnosis is key. Moreover, regular culture tests often fail to distinguish one from the other, illustrating the need for more sensitive, broad-spectrum testing. WomensKEY helps uncover the underlying pathogens and microbial imbalances behind IC, supporting a clear diagnosis and effective treatment by your provider.

What is BV?: Also known as vaginosis, BV, is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. An imbalance can lead to harmful bacteria outnumbering beneficial ones, which can lead to issues like BV. It affects women of all ages, but is most prevalent among those aged 15-44, making it the most common vaginal condition in this age group. Causes & Symptoms: In a healthy vagina, lactobacilli, the beneficial bacteria that keep the vaginal lining healthy, dominate the microbial environment. When lactobacilli decrease, potentially harmful bacteria can overgrow, disrupting the delicate microbial balance of the vagina and creating conditions for BV. In fact, a recent study indicates in these conditions anaerobic bacteria (like Gardnerella vaginalis or Prevotella spp.) overgrow and contribute to BV. Vaginosis occurs more often in those with an STI, multiple sexual partners, or who use an intrauterine device. Symptoms include:

• Unusual discharge
• Odor
• Discomfort
• Vaginal itching or irritation

Diagnosis and Treatment: WomensKEY’s combination of qPCR + NGS conducts a broad and in-depth detection of microbes in the vagina, enabling a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment to restore a healthy balance to its microbiome.