Many women notice at the first sign what to expect: the abdomen is swollen, it burns and stings when urinating and after using the toilet, you have the feeling that you have to go back to it. The symptoms of cystitis are usually very uncomfortable.
This means drinking a lot, keeping warm and, in the worst case, taking antibiotics. About one in ten women get cystitis at least once a year. Half of these women suffer from another within a year. Men are less affected.
But why is that? And how can I protect myself from cystitis? The most important questions and answers:
What exactly is a bladder infection?
In uncomplicated cystitis, the mucous membrane of the bladder is inflamed. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria that rise through the urethra into the bladder and multiply there.
A complicated bladder infection is when there is an increased risk of complications - usually in men, people with weakened immune systems or already damaged kidney the case. Then the bacteria can get into the kidneys and cause extremely painful pyelitis with fever, nausea and vomiting.
In men, a urinary tract infection is also often associated with inflammation of the prostate. The doctor must therefore also examine the patient to the effect.
How do I know if I have cystitis?
The following symptoms indicate acute cystitis:
- it burns and stings while urinating,
- the urine is cloudy and smells noticeable; in rare cases blood is seen
- the abdomen hurts and is swollen,
- constant urination, but at the toilet are still few drops,
- some women have difficulty keeping the urine,
- some feel sick, beaten and irritable,
- Rarely do those affected have fever and chills,
- The pain can also radiate in the back.
If any of these symptoms apply, a doctor should be consulted to take a urine sample and examine it for the appropriate bacteria. The physician can then usually rule out that it is a complicated cystitis.
Does a bladder infection go away by itself?
In one-third to one-half women cure bladder infections without antibiotics within a week. It is important during this time to drink a lot (about three liters a day), to keep warm and to empty the bladder when pressure.
As long as the infection is confined to the bladder, those affected can also treat it with the active ingredients ibuprofen or acetaminophen. According to a 2015 study, 70 percent of the women taking ibuprofen were symptom free after one week.
Cranberry products are often recommended to treat or prevent cystitis. However, the scientific data on this is not clear.
If the symptoms do not resolve on their own or if flares become noticeable, it is essential to see a doctor. This usually prescribes an antibiotic, which sets very fast relief. The family doctor is usually the first contact person. In case of complications or recurrent infections, a urologist should be consulted.
more on the subject
Why do I have cystitis so often?
For many women, cystitis is a one-off thing. Others always suffer from the symptoms. There are many reasons for this, an important role is played by predisposition and hormone balance.
Among other things, the fact that women are ill more often than men is due to the fact that the urethral outlet and anus are close together and intestinal bacteria can more easily enter the urethra. The female urethra is four centimeters in length also about 14 inches shorter than the man.
Pregnant women often get bladder infections. Even after menopause and the pill, the vaginal flora can change and germs can multiply more easily. People who wear a bladder catheter are at an increased risk - also people with anatomical changes in the urinary tract, with diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis or urological diseases such as a irritable bladder. In addition, sexually active women are particularly often affected.
Is it true that you can get a bladder infection from sex?
Sexual intercourse increases the risk of cystitis, because intestinal bacteria can easily enter the urethra and cause an infection there. Most of these are called uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), which have developed specialized bladder survival capabilities.
Sperm-killing contraceptive creams and gels as well as diaphragms can disturb the vaginal flora and increase the risk slightly. This also applies to coated condoms, but the condoms without chemical additives can keep certain bacteria away.
Doctors even speak of "honeymoon cystitis" - which means "honeymoon cystitis" that occurs after sex. Affected may also be women, who often have changing sexual partners. According to the guideline on urinary tract infections of the German Society of Urology, the rate of infections with the rate of genital contacts increases up to 60-fold. Whether emptying the bladder after sex can help prevent bladder infection has not been proven.
Does sitting on cold ground cause cystitis?
For decades it has been said that skirts, thin tights and tight underwear could increase the risk of cystitis. But is that true? Cold alone can not cause cystitis, that's for sure. An infection only occurs when germs enter the urethra.
However, women who are sensitive to urinary tract infections should protect themselves from the cold, so keep feet warm and do not sit too long on cold floors. Because coldness weakens the immune system and thus increases the risk of inflammation.
How can I prevent cystitis?
Women who are more likely to develop cystitis, can pay attention in everyday life, which promotes cystitis in them. If these triggers do not stop and bladder infections still occur frequently, there is also the possibility to take medication for prevention: a daily preventive use of the antibiotic nitrofurantoin avoids studies, according to urinary tract infections best.
Even herbal supplements can help. Cranberry products, mannose, capuchin herb, watercress herb and horseradish root or bearberry leaves are said to have a preventive effect (read more here).
Even without drugs, you can protect yourself a little bit from infection. For example, by keeping warm. In summer, it is especially important for susceptible persons to take off their damp underwear immediately after swimming. Then the abdomen does not cool down so much.
