[Urinary tract infections in gynecology and obstetrics]

Against the background of more recent insights into the general importance of urinary infections, specific reference is made to the demands made, in that context, on gynaecology and obstetrics. An attempt is made to expound the epidemiological chain of causes, ranging from defloration cystitis and including gestational processes as well as all sorts of gynaecological effects up to possible diseases in the menopause. The high probability of secondary diseases in adult age should be the point of departure for conclusions regarding "prophylaxis". Description of a stepwise programme for diagnosis, therefore, is followed by discussion of aspects relating to urine collection, differentiation between significant bacteriuria courses, assessment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, distribution of germs, and demands on monitoring action. Therapies are discussed separately for gynaecological patients and pregnant women. In conclusion, major emphasis is laid on the need for taking widest possible advantage of advisory centres for pregnant women and contraception consultative services for early detection of renal diseases and hypertension as well as for more efficient follow-up or extended medical care for patients whose urinary infections has been (re)discovered and treated by obstetricians or gynaecologists.