Bladder infection (cystitis) in women

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What is it about ?

The urinary tract is made up, from bottom to top, of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, which usually enter through the urethra before implanting in the bladder. It is in this case a bladder infection (cystitis).

Cystitis is more common in women. In them, the urethra is shorter than in men, which makes it easier for bacteria in the anal area to reach the bladder.

We are talking aboutuncomplicated urinary tract infection in the event of cystitis in a healthy adult woman who is not pregnant.

    CAUSE

    Most often, the causative germ is a single strain of bacteria, known as E. coli bacteria. This bacteria comes from the intestine and can be found in the urethra. In the elderly and debilitated people, a wide range of bacteria can be observed.

    RISK FACTORS
    • Some factors increase the risk of infection:
      • diabetes ;
      • sexual activity;
      • wearing a urinary catheter;
      • urinary leakage (urinary incontinence);
      • a history of cystitis in the past year.
    • When you drink little (water), the bladder fills less often and bacteria are eliminated from the urethra less often. This makes it easier to travel up into the bladder, which increases the risk of urinary tract infection.
    • The postmenopausal women seem more susceptible to urinary tract infections.

    Some women regularly suffer from cystitis. We are talking about recurrent cystitis if there are 3 or more infections in the past 12 months or 2 infections in the past 6 months.

    What is its frequency?

    Cystitis is more common in women: 1 in 2 women would have developed this type of infection one day. Only half of them see a doctor in this context.

    Each year, 30 to 50 women in 1,000 have uncomplicated cystitis with symptoms.

    How to recognize it?

    Cystitis usually appears suddenly. The characteristic symptoms are:

    • a burning sensation when urinating;
    • frequent urge to urinate, but in small amounts;
    • often a false urge to urinate;
    • sometimes the presence of blood in the urine.

    Symptoms appear quickly. Sometimes women recognize symptoms from a previous episode.
    Cystitis is less likely if you have vaginal symptoms, such as increased vaginal discharge and itching, and complaints that last longer than a week.

    In older people, symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be:

    • fever (which is sometimes the only symptom);
    • a lack of appetite;
    • weariness;
    • a confused state.

    How is the diagnosis made?

    The doctor usually makes the diagnosis based on the symptoms. If in a woman these symptoms clearly suggest cystitis, urinalysis is not necessary.

    • In all other cases, the doctor will analyze your urine. This will be done by dipping a test strip in the urine and examining any changes if there is an infection. In some cases, your doctor will send your urine sample to the lab to identify the causative germ. The laboratory will also be able to search for the type of antibiotic that is most effective against the bacteria.
    • Sometimes it is necessary torule out vaginal infection.

    What can you do ?

    You can relieve the pain associated with cystitis by taking paracetamol. If you need more powerful painkillers, it is best to see a doctor.

    It is advisable for pregnant women to have their urine tested in order to quickly detect any asymptomatic infection.

    PREVENTION

    There are few scientifically proven methods to prevent urinary tract infection. But you can apply the preventive measures following:

    • Drink enough (water): you dilute the bacteria in the bladder and eliminate them regularly.
    • Empty your bladder completely.
    • When you feel the need to urinate, don’t wait too long to use the bathroom.
    • Systematically urinate after intercourse.
    • Prevent constipation, for example by drinking enough water and eating foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, bread, …).
    • Avoid spermicidal lubricants.

    The usefulness of cranberry (cranberry) is the subject of much debate in the literature. There is little evidence of its effectiveness in preventing urinary tract infections.

    • It could be mainly useful in women who have repeated cystitis.
    • Consuming cranberries is not dangerous.
    • There is no consensus as to the ideal dosage or pharmaceutical form.

    What can your doctor do?

    CYSTITIS

    Cystitis can go away on its own. Treatment by antibiotics will decrease symptoms more quickly. If the symptoms are very limited, you can sometimes decide, in consultation with your doctor, towait before starting treatment.

    The general practitioner can choose from a few types of antibiotics. The most common treatment for uncomplicated cystitis is the antibiotic nitrofurantoin, 100 mg 3 times a day for 3 days. Symptoms disappear a few days after starting treatment. In this case, it is not necessary to do a urine test.

    In postmenopausal women, the application of a vaginal hormone cream can reduce the number of infections.

    RECURRING CYSTITIS

    If you are a woman and you suffer from recurrent cystitis you can, after consultation with your doctor, take antibiotics on your own initiative according to several modalities:

    • Start treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
    • Take a dose of antibiotics after each intercourse.
    • Take antibiotics as a preventive treatment; 1 tablet per day for 6 months.

    If treatment fails, talk to your doctor. You may need a urine sample.

    The major disadvantage of taking antibiotics repeatedly is that it increases the resistance of bacteria. It may therefore be advisable to test cranberry preparations before starting preventive antibiotic therapy.

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