Vivoo's nitrite parameter analyzes the presence of nitrites and leukocytes in your urine.
Related: 10 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy
Leukocyte and Nitrite
Leukocytes are a type of white blood cell which plays a key role in the body’s defense system. Leukocytes can be present in our urine at different periods. High numbers of it in urine can signal the occurrence of several metabolic activities in the urinary system. In these situations, your body may be attempting to manage variations from the optimal hygiene of your urinary system. When the urinary system encounters a different situation from normal, the body responds by increasing the number of leukocytes in the urine.
Nitrate, on the other hand, is a chemical substance normally found in your urine. Nitrates and nitrites are both nitrogen compounds. The distinction between the two is in their chemical structures: nitrates contain three oxygen atoms, whereas nitrites are composed of two. Nitrates in urine are typical and harmless. However, having nitrites in your urine might indicate that changes are occurring in your urinary system. If microorganisms are present in the urinary system, microorganisms convert nitrate to nitrite, resulting in an increase in nitrate levels in the urine.
Presence of Nitrites in Urine
Optimal hygiene in the urinary system may be reduced when pathogens coming from the digestive system (for example, bacteria) or from sexual intercourse (for example, fungi) enter the urethra and multiply in the urinary system. The presence of nitrites in the urine usually indicates the presence of unwanted microorganisms in your urinary system. These germs can be found in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, ureters, kidneys, and urethra. These germs enter and grow quickly in the urinary system. Certain microorganisms include an enzyme that converts nitrates to nitrites, which therefore means that the presence of nitrite in your urine suggests the existence of microorganisms in your body. Some people are unaware that they have undesirable germs in their urinary system. Vivoo makes it simple to track the nitrate level in your body, and its tests can help you examine your urine for the presence of certain microorganisms.
The presence of leukocytes in urine generally suggests that the urinary system is defending itself from microorganisms and that precautions should be taken to protect it. But even in the absence of microorganisms, we can detect leukocytes in urine in instances. As a result, it is critical to monitor the presence of leukocytes in the urine on a regular basis.
There are certain factors that increase the probability of increased nitrite and leukocyte levels in the urine:
- Sexual intercourse
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unhygienic toilet habits
- Pregnancy
- Bacterial contamination of the genitals
- Urine retention
Urinating before sexual intercourse, washing the genitals before sexual intercourse, bathing, changing underwear often, and wiping the genitals from front to back after urinating are all examples of genital hygiene practices, and have been linked to reduced levels of nitrite and leukocytes in the urine.
Symptoms
There are many signs that indicate the presence of nitrites and leukocytes in the urine. While some people exhibit severe symptoms, others may exhibit minor symptoms. When urinating, the initial symptom is a painful and burning feeling. Frequent urination can also indicate the presence of nitrites and leukocytes. The most common symptoms of increased nitrite and leukocyte levels in urine include:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning feeling when urinating
- Foul-smelling urine
- Urinating only a small amount despite the feeling of urgency
- Increased urgency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Side and lower back pain
- Long-term pelvic pain
- Painful sexual intercourse
Possible Results
With Vivoo, you can quickly detect the presence of leukocytes and nitrite in your urine, and take any necessary precautions using the advice from the Vivoo App immediately after detecting microorganisms in your body.
Vivoo analyzes your urine sample for leukocytes and nitrites to determine if you are likely to experience any of the above conditions. Here are the possible results you can get during your test:
Great: No presence of nitrites and leukocytes in your urine.
Score: 10/10, Label: Great, Value: Nitrite: Negative, Leukocyte: 0 Leu/?L
Moderate: Presence of nitrites and leukocytes in your urine.
Score: 9/10 to 6/10 Label: Moderate, Value: Nitrite: Negative/Positive, Leukocyte: 25-100 Leu/uL
Weak: The higher presence of nitrites and leukocytes in your urine.
Score: 5/10 to 1/10 Label: Weak, Value: Nitrite: Positive, Leukocyte: 500 Leu/uL
You can take precautions in your daily life to avoid the occurrence of microorganisms in your urine. Because the presence of microorganisms in the urinary system can cause advanced damage, you can take the following steps to limit the occurrence of these microorganisms. If you receive a weak or moderate score on Vivoo, you may want to consider adopting the following changes in your daily habits and lifestyle:
- Emptying your bladder completely when you urinate
- Urinating after sexual intercourse
- Avoiding the use of soap for cleaning the genital area
- Changing sanitary pads frequently
- Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothing
- Bathing on a regular basis and wearing clean clothing: It may seem obvious, but washing every day and wearing fresh, clean clothes are two of the most vital strategies to keep the urinary system at its optimal.
- Keeping the genital area dry: Wearing wet swimsuits or underwear for an extended period might create an environment conducive to excessive bacterial development and can potentially lead to increased numbers of microorganisms in the urinary system.
- Wearing breathable fabric: Tight-fitting clothing can restrict air circulation and cause excessive perspiration and dampness, so wear more breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Eating a healthy diet: A tasty and nutritious diet rich in fresh, natural foods can help you keep pathogens out of your urinary system.
- Drinking plenty of water: Water keeps you hydrated and may aid in the removal of harmful bacteria.
- Maintaining cleanliness by washing your genital area before and after sexual activity.
- Not waiting too long to urinate: If you have the desire to urinate, don't wait too long because this might put pressure on your bladder.
- Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom to avoid bacteria from entering your urinary system.
- Avoiding meals that irritate your bladder: Coffee and alcohol are two common drinks that can aggravate sensitive bladders.
If nitrites are detected in the urine, you can minimize the harmful impact of microorganisms by eating foods like cranberries and cranberry juice. This is because cranberries include a chemical that can help protect your urine and make it more difficult for microorganisms to adhere to your urinary system.
