Preventing Cystitis: 7 Ways Women Can Keep Bladder Infections at Bay
Cystitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by an infection.
Also of note, women are more likely to suffer UTIs than men
The most common cause of cystitis is a lower urinary tract infection (UTI)--- an infection in the urinary tract which includes the ureters, kidney, urethra, and sometimes in more than one of these organs at once.
More succinctly, cystitis is a urinary tract infection located in the bladder.
This condition is usually mild and clears up on its own over a few days. However, in more serious cases, a patient may need antibiotics.
What Causes Cystitis?
A bacterial infection is the most likely cause of Cystitis. Although there can be other causes like anatomical abnormalities, certain drug reactions, or irritants like hygiene sprays or long-term use of a catheter.
What sorts of bacteria are we talking about? The most common culprit is Escherichia coli (more commonly known as E. coli) present in the perineum which can enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and multiply.
How Do I Know If I Have Cystitis?
There are many symptoms (alone or in combination) that can indicate the presence of Cystitis:
Painful urination often described by many patients as a burning or stinging sensation
A frequent, urgent need to urinate (even after you’ve just been to the bathroom)
Passing only a small amount of urine when visiting the toilet
Blood in the urine
Pelvic discomfort and/or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
Passing cloudy, sometimes strong-smelling urine
Low-grade fever
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
What Can I Do To Prevent Cystitis?
Approximately 60% of all women will experience Cystitis during their lifetime, and of those women, around 20-40% are more likely to have one again.
Luckily, there are a number of effective methods to help prevent this condition.
Let’s take a look at 7 ways women can keep bladder infections at bay:
Drink plenty of water. Not only is it good for your body and skin, but drinking water also helps flush bacteria out of the bladder.
Urinate frequently--- the good news is you won’t have to worry about this if you’re drinking enough water!
Practice good hygiene. Remember, after having a bowel movement, wipe front to back which helps prevent bacteria from traveling from the anus to the urethra.
Try gently washing the space between your vagina and anus (the perineum). Again, this will help keep harmful bacteria away from your urinary tract. Just be careful and use a gentle cleanser so you don’t irritate the tender skin around this area.
If you suffer from frequent Cystitis, avoid the bath and take showers instead, since bacteria in the bathwater can easily travel into the urethra as you soak.
Avoid deodorant sprays and other feminine hygiene products. Patients who use these are 3.5 times more likely to get an infection that can lead to Cystitis.
While the research isn’t 100% clear, some patients report drinking cranberry juice (which contains proanthocyanidin) helps prevent infection. (Important note: doctors advise patients to avoid drinking cranberry juice if taking blood-thinning medication.)
When Should I See My Doctor?
If you are currently experiencing or frequently suffer from bladder infections, talk to your doctor who can assess risk factors, discuss prevention, and prescribe medication if necessary.
If you are experiencing any of the following, do not delay--- call your doctor right away:
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent and/or high fever
Chills
Back or side pain
If prescribed antibiotics and symptoms return afterward, ask your doctor about taking a different medication.
In many cases, Cystitis causes only mild symptoms and resolves itself either naturally or with antibiotics.
However, when untreated, a bladder infection can travel to the kidneys and even cause permanent damage to either or both of these organs.
If you have or suspect you have Cystitis, ask us about a cystoscopy which can help us examine your bladder without surgery.
The physicians at Norman Urology are experts in the field of urology and have years of experience in treating patients suffering from Cystitis. Make an appointment with us today to learn more!