A bladder infection is a painful condition that affects most women at least once in their lives. Even though it doesn't always indicate something serious, you shouldn't ignore it: In this article, we'll explain in detail when it's best to see your doctor, what you can do to actively prevent it, and how urinary tract infections develop in the first place.
One of the urinary tract infections: cystitis
Urinary tract infections are inflammations of the organs that transport urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body: the ureters, bladder, and urethra. Cystitis, also known as cystitis, is a urinary tract infection that affects women more frequently. This is due to anatomical reasons: a woman's urethra is less than a quarter as long as a man's. In addition, intestinal bacteria can find their way into the bladder more quickly and easily in women because the urethra and the intestinal opening are closer together.
For comparison, the length of the female and male urethra:
Man: 20 to 25 cm
Woman: around 4 cm
The most common cause of a bladder infection is a bacterial infection. Viruses, fungi, or parasites irritate the urinary tract less frequently. Because women have a significantly shorter urethra, bacteria migrate more quickly to the bladder, causing painful inflammation. If you have a weakened immune system or have caught a cold, the risk increases even further.
Overview of the most common urinary tract infections
Lower urinary tract infection:
- Bladder infection (cystitis),
- Urethritis,
- Prostatitis
Upper urinary tract infection:
- Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis),
- Pyelonephritis
Chronic cystitis
Chronic cystitis is characterized by symptoms that persist over a longer period of time without being caused by bacteria or other microorganisms. The syndrome is also called irritable bladder. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a set of symptoms that can be traced back to various causes.
Causes and risks of urinary tract infections
As already described above, bacteria are the most common culprits among microbes when it comes to bladder infections—especially those in our intestinal flora. If you wipe from back to front after a bowel movement, intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli can enter the urethra and irritate the bladder wall.
Especially important for women: Always make sure to clean your intimate area from front to back when using the toilet.
Other, albeit much rarer, triggers of urinary tract infections include certain medications and radiation therapy, for example, for prostate or cervical cancer. Radiation-induced cystitis occurs because radioactive radiation damages the mucous membranes of the bladder, causing the body to react with inflammation.
By the way: In men, it's usually an inflamed prostate, either acute or chronic, that leads to cystitis. It's often significantly more severe than in women – so men should never hesitate to see a urologist at the first sign of symptoms.
Cystitis is promoted by the following factors:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or in the
- Menopause
- Hypothermia
- stress
- sexual activity
- Use of vaginal douches and chemical contraceptives
- Disturbances of the vaginal environment
- Diabetes mellitus
- Antibiotics
- poor intimate hygiene
- insufficient fluid intake
Risk groups for cystitis:
Pregnant women
- People with immune diseases
- Women in peri- and postmenopause
- Diabetics
- Men aged 60 and over
- People with catheters
Risks of urinary tract infections
If the symptoms don't subside or keep recurring, you should definitely not ignore the cystitis. A simple form can develop into a complicated cystitis – in the worst case, the bacteria migrate to the upper urinary tract, triggering dangerous nephritis or pyelonephritis and leading to kidney failure.
Important for pregnant women: A bladder infection during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and developmental disorders in the unborn child. Be sure to see your gynecologist if you experience symptoms.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
Frequent urination, abdominal pain, and a burning sensation during urination affect women and men equally. The color and smell of urine can also change due to a bladder infection.
However, a bladder infection isn't always so painful: A bladder infection without the typical burning sensation is also possible. With asymptomatic bacteriuria, you have a disproportionately high number of bacteria in your urine—but no symptoms. Your doctor will decide whether treatment with antibiotics is still advisable.
Overview of symptoms of cystitis
Uncomplicated infection:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- frequent urge to urinate (especially at night)
- Urine loss (Bonjour drops)
- Freedom from complaints possible
Complicated infection:
- Inflammation extends to the kidney area and causes kidney or pyelonephritis
- Flank pain (laterally between the hip and the lower ribs)
- Blood in the urine
- high fever, nausea, vomiting and chills
Important for women to know:
Bladder pain when the bladder is full and when urinating, along with frequent urination, can also be signs of a menstrual disorder such as endometriosis. The pain can vary throughout the cycle and peak during ovulation and menstruation. See a gynecologist for these symptoms.
Cystitis – when should you see a doctor?
In healthy women, a mild burning sensation in the urethra isn't always a reason to seek medical help immediately. Home remedies and a little attention at the first symptoms can prevent the cystitis from worsening. However, if in doubt, it's best to play it safe.
A visit to the doctor is urgently necessary if:
- You suffer greatly
- The symptoms have not subsided after three days
- The cystitis keeps coming back
- Fever occurs
- A child is affected
- You are a man
- You suffer from diabetes
- You are pregnant
- You are taking immunosuppressants
If one or more of these points apply, we advise you to seek medical assistance.
Early detection: Make use of your right to the check-up 35
Diagnosis of urinary tract infections
Did you know: Those with statutory health insurance are entitled to the so-called Check-up 35 after turning 35. Your doctor will examine you every three years for certain signs of illness so that they can be detected and treated early. This includes a urine test for inflammation levels! Early detection is extremely important when it comes to containing or preventing serious illnesses, especially cardiovascular problems, diabetes mellitus, and kidney damage.
- Urine test strips for the detection of inflammatory parameters and bacteria
- Urine culture by a doctor (in cases of complicated and recurring infections)
In addition to asking about your symptoms and performing a physical examination, if cystitis is suspected, your urine will also be tested – typically with urine test strips. The color of the strips reveals whether there are substances in the urine that shouldn't be there. White blood cells (leukocytes) indicate inflammatory processes, while nitrite indicates the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract. If your doctor suspects a simple cystitis, you will begin appropriate treatment.
Complicated cystitis, recurrent inflammation, and symptoms during pregnancy require precise identification of the bacteria. This is achieved through a urine culture, which is performed in the laboratory. Your doctor can then prescribe specific antibiotics.
If that's not enough, ultrasound can reveal possible changes in the bladder, prostate, and kidneys. Bladder emptying disorders also promote cystitis, which is why your doctor may want to examine how much residual urine remains in your bladder, whether urine is flowing back into the ureter, or for similar complications. Contrast media may be used for this purpose; in very rare cases, a cystoscopy may also be performed.
In other circumstances
Because the risk of cystitis increases during pregnancy and a urinary tract infection can have fatal consequences for your unborn child, you will be regularly examined for signs of it during your prenatal visits. You can also perform self-monitoring checkups at home at any time. You can use our urine test strips to detect acute infections and vaginal pH tests to regularly monitor your vaginal environment. Changes in pH levels help you intervene early to prevent cystitis from occurring in the first place.
Treatment of urinary tract infections
Uncomplicated cystitis in women usually clears up on its own. You can actively contribute to this and, of course, seek support from your doctor.
Treating mild cystitis with home remedies
- Hot water bottle or warm cherry stone pillow: The warmth relaxes, relieves cramps and thus helps relieve pain.
- Drink plenty: You should drink at least one and a half to two liters per day. Unsweetened tea and still water are best. Avoid alcohol, coffee, juices, and soft drinks.
- Frequent urination: Empty your bladder often. This will flush out bacteria.
- Cranberry, bladder, and kidney teas: Bearberry leaves and horsetail are said to have positive effects. Cranberry is also said to help the bladder. While these effects aren't proven, these drinks won't do any harm either. Give them a try!
- Avoid residual urine: When we sit on the toilet, the bladder is often bent, leaving some urine behind. Standing up and sitting down again can help.
Medical treatment for cystitis
- A short course of antibiotic therapy is usually necessary to treat cystitis or urinary tract infections. Always take the medication for exactly the duration prescribed by your doctor! The majority of urinary tract infections can be treated easily this way. If the pain is too severe, you will also receive painkillers – depending on the severity, simple analgesics like ibuprofen may suffice, or special antispasmodics may be needed.
- In the case of complicated infections, long-term therapy with hospitalization may be necessary.
What you can do: Prevent cystitis
To prevent infection from occurring in the first place, it's important to maintain careful intimate hygiene and drink plenty of fluids. During pregnancy, regular urine testing (as part of your prenatal checkups) for leukocytes and nitrite is recommended for early detection and treatment of elevated bacterial counts. pH tests are also helpful—especially if you've previously suffered a miscarriage or premature birth due to a bacterial vaginal infection (vaginosis).
Our tips:
- Lactic acid treatment: Lactic acid helps boost the pH of your intimate area. The acidic vaginal environment is your natural protective barrier against harmful microorganisms.
- Drink, drink, drink: Not only when you already have a bladder infection – you should generally drink at least one and a half to two liters of fluid every day!
- Regular toilet visits: Feel free to go to the toilet even if your bladder is only moderately full. Women should also urinate immediately after intercourse to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during the act.
- Proper intimate hygiene: Cleanliness is important. However, washing too frequently with harsh, perfumed soaps disrupts the intimate flora and makes it easier for harmful bacteria to multiply. Mild cleansing gels are better.
- Underwear made from natural fabrics: Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester. Instead, opt for breathable cotton.
- 60-degree wash for underwear: Wash your underwear at 60 degrees along with your towels. This effectively kills most bacteria.
From front to back: After a bowel movement, wipe with toilet paper only from front to back – never the other way around.
Keep your feet and abdomen warm: If you tend to have cold feet, thick socks and slippers are your best friends. Avoid sitting on metal benches or other cold surfaces in winter. And after swimming in the pool or sea, quickly change from your wet swimsuit into dry clothes!
Consider contraception: If you're prone to cystitis, you should talk to your gynecologist about contraception. Diaphragms and IUDs increase the risk of cystitis. Spermicidal contraceptives, which alter the vaginal flora, also increase the risk.
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
General practitioners, gynecologists and urologists usually diagnose and prescribe treatment for cystitis.
Avoid cold temperatures and drinks that irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, coffee, fruit juices, and soft drinks. Sugar is a welcome food source for bacteria.
Drink plenty of fluids, at least one and a half to two liters, and go to the bathroom frequently. Warmth, such as from a hot water bottle or electric blanket, can help relieve the pain. If the symptoms don't subside after three days, seek medical advice.
At the first mild symptoms, you can try warmth, rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and frequent urination. If you're still in pain after three days, a doctor's visit is essential. The same applies to fever and flank pain.
Important: Whether you need antibiotics or not is ultimately up to your doctor. If you don't want to take them, feel free to ask. If you've been prescribed them, take them exactly as directed.
More articles
The female intimate area – structure and function
Complaints in the intimate area are widespread. Redness, irritation, itching, and burning when urinating are common. The foundation of a woman's intimate health is formed by lactic acid bacteria, which...
Read more
Proper care of the intimate area – tips for a healthy vaginal environment
Disorders in the external genital area can affect the vaginal environment, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to properly care for the external genital area and protect it from...
Read more
Vaginal pH: why is vaginal pH so important, how to measure it and what to do if you experience symptoms
Vaginal pH plays an important role in women's health and well-being. An imbalance in vaginal pH can lead to various conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, it's important to know...
Read more
