In: Anatomy and Physiology
Mary went to the doctor complaining of stomach cramps. After the doctor examined her he determined that she has peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum). He asked if she has had a UTI recently and she said yes. Why would a UTI in females lead to peritonitis but not in males? Fully detail the differences and possible pathogen pathway.
In women the urethra is fairly short and straight, making it easier for germs to travel into the bladder. For some women, urinary tractinfections relate to changes in their hormonal levels. Some are more likely to get an infection during certain times in their menstrual cycle, such as just before a period.
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal and pelvic cavity (the peritoneum), caused an infection. The peritoneum is a thin, clear membrane that normally covers all the abdominal organs and the inside walls of the abdomen.
Most often, peritonitis results from an infection stemming from a perforation of the bowel. A ruptured appendix or diverticulum are two sources of such an infection. Other causes include perforations of the stomach, intestine, gallbladder, or appendix. Pelvic inflammatory disease in sexually active women is also a common cause of peritonitis. The condition can also develop after surgery if bacteria infect the abdomen during an operation. Finally, peritonitis can also result from injury and bleeding, or from inflammatory diseases such as lupus.