Intestinal microbiota, intestinal permeability and the urogenital tract: is there a pathophysiological link?

Human gut microbiome is related to different clinical conditions and diseases. Recently several hypotheses have been theorized about a link between gut microbiota and genitourinary disease including urinary tract infections, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite several data, underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. The aim of this review is to report the current state of knowledge in relation to urinary tract infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia and intestinal microbiota with a focus on its role in the development of disease and the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.