The most important information about cystitis and urinary tract infections
It burns and you feel a constant urge to urinate? You are probably suffering from a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection. One in ten women suffer from these unpleasant symptoms at least once a year. Those affected often resort to antibiotics - but this is not always necessary.
What symptoms are typical for a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection?
First of all, doctors differentiate between the acute and the recurring - i.e. chronic - form of cystitis and other urinary tract infections. They speak of a chronic illness when three or more illnesses occur in a year. In many cases, it begins with a frequent urge to urinate, which is not caused by a full bladder. This is usually followed by a burning sensation when urinating and pain in the lower abdomen, which can become cramp-like. Depending on the infection, the urine can also change color and smell unpleasant; in severe infections, there may even be blood in it. In some cases, there may also be involuntary loss of urine.
What causes a bladder infection or urinary tract infection?
The cause of a bladder infection or other urinary tract infections is usually intestinal bacteria, more specifically a bacterium called Escherichia coli (E. coli for short). The culprit, which is a completely normal inhabitant of our intestinal flora, causes more than 80% of all bladder infections. But other bacteria such as Proteus, Klebsiella or Pseudomonas can also cause the infection. The shorter path from the anus to the urethral opening in women is one reason why men suffer from bladder infections less often. In addition, the female urethra is shorter than that of a man, so the bacteria simply get to where they don't belong more quickly. As soon as the bacteria have overcome the acidic environment of the vagina, they can "climb" up the ureter unnoticed - for this reason, this type of infection is also called an ascending infection. Cystitis is less commonly caused by yeast or viruses; In men, so-called mycoplasma or chlamydia can also play a role. Frequent bladder infections can be an indicator of a suboptimally functioning immune system and of silent inflammations .
Which risk factors play a role?
The main risk factor for cystitis and urinary tract infections is being female. Younger women are particularly affected: around one in three women between the ages of 20 and 40 have already had to deal with the disease, around a quarter of them even more than once. The risk group also includes pregnant women, older women in the menopause, and generally older people with a weakened immune system - including men. Sensitive people in these risk groups should be particularly careful of cold, especially in the intimate area. This means that the mucous membranes are poorly supplied with blood and are therefore more sensitive to attacks by pathogens. It is therefore a good idea not to sit on a cold wall or to quickly change your bikini bottoms for dry underwear after swimming. Another risk factor is hygiene, although too little or too much of it can promote infection. Additives in soap can dissolve the body's own acid mantle in the genital area or change its pH value, making it easier for pathogens to penetrate. Another risk factor for the development of cystitis and urinary tract infections is sex. People who frequently change sexual partners or those whose frequent sexual intercourse has led to mechanical irritation of the mucous membranes are particularly at risk. In literature, one often reads about honeymoon cystitis in this context. Diabetics also have a particularly high risk of developing cystitis. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys release excess glucose into the urine. This creates ideal conditions for bacteria, which can multiply particularly well in a warm, sugary environment.
What can be done to prevent it?
The risk of a bladder infection or urinary tract infection can be reduced with a few simple measures. Essentially, it's about getting as few harmful germs as possible into the urinary tract or bladder, or getting rid of them as quickly as possible. For example, wiping, drying or cleaning the anus should always be done towards the back, never towards the vagina. This way, no unwanted visitors from the intestinal flora get into the urinary tract. You should also make sure that the beneficial bacteria do not fall victim to excessive intimate hygiene. Many additives in cleaning products overshoot the mark and destroy the delicate bacterial balance. Special and particularly mild cleaning products for the intimate area are more suitable. The risk can also be reduced during sex: after intercourse, women in particular should go to the toilet quickly and urinate to flush out any possible germs before they can settle or penetrate into other areas of the urinary tract. Speaking of which: rinsing well is also a good idea regardless of sex. To flush possible germs from the bladder and urinary tract, women should drink at least two liters of fluids a day.
If a bladder infection persists, those affected should seek medical help.
How can a bladder infection or urinary tract infection be treated?
If you have a painful bladder infection, it is advisable not to wait too long to see a doctor. You should seek medical treatment after at least three days without any noticeable improvement. If you develop a fever or kidney pain, you should see a doctor immediately. He or she will decide whether treatment with antibiotics is necessary. The most important thing is to drink a lot! If the bladder empties more often, the bacteria are flushed out more easily. In addition to water, you can drink unsweetened bladder and kidney teas, which have a diuretic effect. However, you should avoid alcohol and coffee completely. But heat, for example in the form of a sitz bath or a hot water bottle, can also relieve the symptoms in some cases.
