Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are blood cells responsible for protecting the body from infectious diseases. When there is some infection, the leukocytes fight against it, and then they are expelled through the urine. There is always a tiny percentage of white blood cells present in the urine, but when a higher number is found, it may mean some type of infection in the urinary system. Also, having more white blood cells than expected in the urine for some time can negatively affect the bladder and kidneys. To know the percentage of leukocytes, urine tests are performed, and this is where it can be determined that there is some infection. White blood cells can become activated for several reasons. In this FastlyHealarticle, we tell you what high leukocytes in urine mean.
Table of Contents
High leukocytes in urine: causes
Damage to the urinary system, such as the kidneys, urethra, or bladder, can cause white blood cells in the urine. They can also be activated when there is some kind of foreign material in the body. However, high levels of white blood cells in the urine can have several causes that do not only include diseases. Let’s see them one by one.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women may have high levels of white blood cells in the urine. This is mainly due to contamination of the vagina, which will increase leukocytes and proteins. However, although it may be because of this, it is essential to go to the doctor to rule out a urinary infection, which is also very prone during pregnancy.
Infections
As we have seen, infections increase white blood cells in the urine. Kidney infections usually occur in the urinary tract, and the kidneys expand. People who use a catheter and those with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop these types of kidney infections and, therefore, to have a higher number of white blood cells.
Kidney or urinary tract infections often appear after sexual intercourse since the act can produce the transfer of bacteria in the intimate area that causes a disease in the urinary tract. Many women suffer from cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) after intercourse. Therefore, it is advisable to urinate after sexual intercourse.
Some of the most common infections are:
- Cystitis: is the infection or inflammation of the bladder that causes urinary incontinence and constant urge to urinate. Also, it causes pain or burning.
- Urethritis is an infection of the urethra and is very common when the person has several intimate partners. In women, it usually causes increased vaginal discharge, and in men, urethral discharge.
- Vaginitis: inflammation of the vagina. It usually causes pain during sexual intercourse, itching, or abnormal discharge.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate. It is usually quite annoying, causing general discomfort. It can even cause fever and chills. Men with prostatitis often have difficulty urinating or even complete obstruction of the urethra and perineal pain. Also, urination can be very painful.
- Pyelphrenitis: This is the infection in the kidney. Before it is fully manifested, a fever usually occurs. It is a more severe infection than the previous ones and must be treated as soon as possible. Low back pain, vomiting or nausea, or even diarrhea may appear.
Holding urine for a long time
When you hold your urine longer than you should, your bladder can stop working correctly. Therefore, it is not good to control the urge to urinate. In addition, urine accumulated in the bladder can become infected and cause bacteria that increase white blood cells.
Urinary tract obstruction
A blockage of the urinary tract can also cause an increase in white blood cells in the urine. A tumor can obstruct the pelvis, bladder, or kidney stones, trauma to the area, or the use of unwanted objects. It can also be due to prostate hypertrophy, which can cause obstruction and damage to the urinary system. In this case, in addition to increasing the level of leukocytes, the block can cause bleeding in the urine.
High Leukocytes in Urine: Treatment with Medications
When an infection causes an increase in white blood cells in the urine, the most common is to treat it with medications.
These urinary infections must be treated as soon as possible so as not to become more severe and severely affect the urinary tract. They are usually treated with antibiotics. It is recommended to drink a lot of water to urinate frequently and expel the bacteria that cause the infection as soon as possible.
Extreme hygiene measures
In addition to drug treatment, intimate hygiene is essential. Not only when leukocytes are high but also as prevention. It is the best way to avoid possible urinary tract infections.
In addition, while we are in treatment, we will likely recommend a more thorough intimate hygiene.
Bacteria can also appear from:
- Clothes too tight.
- When we wear other people’s underwear.
- Not cleaning well when we urinate or not correctly washing the area.
- You are not changing our underwear as often as we should. It is also essential to frequently change your panty liner, pad, or tampon when you are having a menstrual period.
It is best to wash the intimate area with warm water and a mild or neutral pH soap so that the room does not become irritated. Use a towel only for that area, and do not rub aggressively. Dry carefully. If you need to wash with wipes, do it with hypoallergenic ones, such as those used for babies, since the others can contain perfume and damage the area. This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to High Leukocytes in Urine: what does it mean? We recommend that you enter our category of Kidneys and urinary system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.