A bladder infection is a distressing, painful and potentially serious condition that requires medical attention. The bladder is normally sterile, without bacteria or other infectious agents. A bladder infection, or cystitis, is a common urinary tract infection that results when infectious organisms enter the bladder. Women are 30 times more likely to develop a bladder infection than men, but both sexes are affected, explains Dr. Andrew Weil.
Signs and Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pelvic pain in women, rectal pain in men, a strong urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination of small amounts and pink or bloody urine. Fever may also develop.
Causes and Risk Factors
Women are more prone to bladder infection due to their anatomy. The urethra, the tube that leads to the bladder from the outside, is shorter than a man's and in closer proximity to the anus. E. coli, normally found in the intestines, is the most common bacteria that causes infection. Sexual intercourse can increase the risk of infection. Wiping from back to front after urinating or having a bowel movement can bring E. coli to the urethral area, explains MayoClinic.com. Not getting enough fluids, underwear made of synthetic fabrics and holding urine can also cause infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Bladder infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics, according to the University of Pennsylvania Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Antibiotics kill infectious organisms in the bladder, and prevent the spread of infection to the kidneys. During the first few days of treatment, a medication called Pyridium may be used. Pyridium reduces the pain and spasms associated with bladder infections. Symptoms usually clear up in a few days, but antibiotics need to be taken until finished to prevent the infection from recurring.
Complications
When treated correctly and promptly, bladder infections are usually easily resolved. Serious complications can occur if bladder infections are left untreated. Pyelonephritis, or acute or chronic kidney infection, can permanently damage the kidneys. In pregnant women, bladder infections can result in low birth weight or premature delivery. Infections that spread to the blood, called sepsis, are life threatening.
Prevention
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, evidence shows that unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry extract can prevent bladder infections. MayoClinic.com recommends drinking plenty of fluids, urinating after sexual intercourse and avoiding potentially irritating feminine products, such as douches and hygiene sprays. Men should always wash the penis during bathing, especially if uncircumcised. Dr Andrew Weil advises against holding the urine, but rather urinating when you need to.
References
- PennState: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Bladder Infections
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection - Complications
- Mayo Clinic: Urinary Tract Infection
- Dr. Andrew Weil: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections
