A bladder infection is perhaps one of the most annoying infections you can get. From a relentless need to urinate to a stinging and stinging sensation down therethe symptoms are not tender.
A bladder infection is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder caused by bacteria. Women are more likely to have a bladder infection than men. Did you know, for example, that no fewer than half (!) of women will experience a bladder infection at some point in their lives? This is because we have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
What exactly is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a common form of urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes inflammation of the bladder – hence that excruciating pain during urination.
In most cases, cystitis develops because of a bacterial infection in the bladder. The crazy thing is that the vast majority are caused by bacteria that originate in the intestines. It involves bacteria that come from the intestines and enter the vulva or perineum and pass through the urethra into the bladder. Your bladder is normally a very sterile environment, but those bacteria throw this out of balance, causing infection to rear its head.
Usually, a bladder infection clears up on its own after a few uncomfortable days, but for some people, a bladder infection can
Cystitis symptoms
You often know if you have a bladder infection, since you experience annoying complaints. The main symptoms of a bladder infection in women are:
- Feeling that you need to urinate, even if you have just urinated
- Frequent and small urination
- Pain (a burning sensation) when urinating (some even speak of ‘peeing glass’ – Aiii!)
- Often cloudy and strong-smelling urine
- Sometimes blood in the urine
- Slight temperature increase
- Tingling and painful cramps in the lower abdomen and side
Note: you do not have to be able to cross off all complaints to have a bladder infection. For example, many women suffer from various symptoms of a bladder infection, even though their urine is clean. You can also have an infection.
Surprising symptoms of cystitis
With the above symptoms, it is fairly clear that it is an inflammation of your bladder. Yet there are also a few complaints where you do not immediately think of a bladder infection:
Cystitis back pain
Most people experience abdominal pain or cramps in their sides with cystitis, but sometimes it can spread to your back, especially your lower back. This is not a good sign, by the way. If you get pain in your back with a bladder infection, this may indicate a kidney infection. Therefore, please contact your doctor.
Cystitis fever
Fever in itself is not a symptom of a bladder infection. However, in that case you may suffer from this. The problem is only slightly bigger than an infection of your bladder. Fever usually occurs in combination with other symptoms of a kidney infection, such as nausea, vomiting and chills. Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have a kidney infection.
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Cystitis pregnant symptoms
You can also suffer from a bladder infection during your pregnancy. It is only a bit more difficult to recognize this infection, since it is normal to experience certain complaints. For example, you simply have to urinate more often when you are pregnant. Nevertheless, it is important to pay close attention to the other cystitis symptoms, because women have a higher risk of a urinary tract infection during their pregnancy. This is because the ureters are wider open and the bladder wall is a bit looser. When in doubt, you can always have your urine tested by your doctor.
What are the causes of a bladder infection?
Honestly? You probably got a bladder infection from having sex. When you buttock, new bacteria can enter your urinary tract and cause problems. Other common causes of a bladder infection are:
- Bacteria from your gut that end up in your urinary tract by swiping your buttocks from back to front
- Not drinking enough water
- Consuming too much alcohol that makes the bladder wall hypersensitive or irritated
- Tight clothing, especially underwear – the pressure on your bladder makes you urinate more often and your bladder becomes irritated
Sometimes it also has to do with another medical problem. For example, many people with diabetes suffer from bladder infections. This is because they excrete a large amount of sugar in their urine, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
Chronic cystitis symptoms
How do you recognize a chronic bladder infection? The symptoms are often the same as an acute bladder infection. The difference is in the quantity. If you often have recurring bladder infections, it is wise to have yourself examined further. It is then necessary to look at the cause, so that you can solve the problem and the bladder infections become less. There is talk of a ‘chronic’ bladder infection when three bladder infections occur per year.
Tips to prevent cystitis
Anyway, drink lots of water. Always wipe from front to back, but especially after defecating. Wear comfortable, not too tight clothing made of natural, breathable fibers. In addition, peeing before and after sex is always a good idea. If you are prone to cystitis, you should urinate within twenty minutes after sex. Not immediately, because that’s too early – you want the bacteria that make their way through the urethra to the bladder so that you can pee it out.
‘Another thing you can do to prevent a bladder infection is to take cranberry capsules. Or go for d-mannose, which is even more powerful. Both capsules are available without a prescription urologist Erik Arendsen from the Andros Blaascentrum. Do you regularly have a bladder infection? Then visit your GP or urologist for advice. ‘It may then be wise to take an antibiotic after sexual contact and the next morning.’
