1. A Common Infection
Bladder infections, which are sometimes called urinary track infections, are very common especially for women. Bladder infections are so common it is estimated fifty percent of women will get an infection sometime in their lives. This may be due to women having a shorter urethra, which carries the urine to the bladder. Another theory is the bacteria from the vagina or anus is introduced into the urethra because they are close together. The E. Coli bacteria causes most infections. It is believed bacteria can get into the urethra through sexual intercourse. Bladder infections sometimes are a result of having a urinary catheter.
2. When You Gotta Go
A common symptom of a bladder infection is the strong urge to urinate even if there is only a small amount of urine to pass. There may also be some burning or pain when urinating. Some people also develop pelvic pain. There may be blood in the urine or it may appear to be cloudy. This is due to pus being in the urine. Depending on the severity of the infection a fever may develop.
3. What You Need to Know About Treatment
Treatment usually involves taking an antibiotic for a week to ten days. Most people experience a relief in symptoms in only a few days. In the mean time ask your doctor about medications available to ease the discomfort when urinating. Also placing a heating pad over the bladder may help reduce pain. It's important to seek treatment right away. A bladder infection left untreated can spread into the kidneys and cause serious problems.
4. A Cranberry Pill a Day Helps Keep a Bladder Infection Away
There are several ways to reduce your chances of developing a bladder infection. Some research indicates drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement daily might help prevent bladder infections. It is believed cranberries help prevent the bacteria from attaching to the bladder. Other ways to prevent infections are wiping front to back after going to the bathroom and urinating after sexual intercourse. If you are prone to recurrent infections ask your doctor about taking one dose of an antibiotic after sexual intercourse as a preventive measure.
5. Men Get Them Too
Although men get bladder infections too they may be from different reasons. Because men's anatomy is different the cause may be a result of an enlarged prostate that has caused an obstruction in the urethra and the bladder does not get emptied completely. This may cause a buildup of bacteria and lead to an infection. Kidney stones may also cause a bladder infection in men. Symptoms are the same for both men and women. Treatment is also the same except a man will need to take a longer course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to the prostate.
