A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is an inflammation of the urinary bladder, a type of urinary tract infection. The inner lining of the bladder becomes inflamed (red and swollen) and the urine becomes full of bacteria. Bacteria are the usual cause of infection. Rarely a virus may cause it. Normally there should be no bacteria in the urinary tract.
Bladder infections are more common among women than men because of their shorter urethra, making it easer for bacteria from the anus or genital area to reach the bladder. This can happen during such activities as wiping after using the toilet or sexual intercourse. Most infections of the urinary tract are caused this way.
Bladder infections often occur in young women who have just become sexually active and have sexual intercourse often. In addition, bladder infections can occur anytime the flow of urine is blocked or emptying of the bladder is incomplete due to pregnancy in women.
Bacteria that have traveled up the urethra and into the bladder usually cause bladder infections. The most common bacteria associated with bladder infections in women include: Escherichia coli (about eighty percent of cases), Staphylococcus saprophyticus , Klebsiella, Enterobacter , and Proteus species.
Risk factors include sexual intercourse, use of a diaphragm for birth control, an abnormally short urethra, diabetes or chronic dehydration, the absence of a specific enzyme in vaginal secretions, inadequate personal hygiene and pregnancy.
Possible symptoms of a bladder infection in women include:
- Urinating more often
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate
- A burning, stinging, or pressure sensation during urination
- A crampy pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone or sometimes in the lower back
- A need to urinate more often in the night
- Cloudy urine that smells bad
- Blood in the urine
- Leaking of urine
- Fever and occasionally chills.
To help prevent a bladder infection from recurring, urinate often during the day and empty your bladder completely each time.
In addition, women who tend to have bladder infections often should follow these guidelines:
- Talk to your Doctor
- Drink plenty of water
- Do not delay urinating when you feel the need to urinate
- Keep the vaginal area clean
- Urinate after intercourse. Never combine anal and vaginal intercourse
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid tight clothes in the genital area
- Do not wear a wet bathing suit for long periods of time.
- During pregnancy, tell your doctor if you have a history of urinary tract problems. Your provider may order tests for bacteria in your urine before you have symptoms of infection.
|
