Bladder Infection Causes & Cures

About 30 to 40 percent of women and 12 percent of men have at least one bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), in their lifetime. Chronic bladder infections occur in 2 to 4 percent of women. While a bladder infection is easily treated in most cases, it can become a dangerous health problem if left untreated, because it can spread to the kidneys. There are several causes of bladder infections, and the symptoms can vary. It is important to detect a bladder infection and understand how and why it occurs so treatment can begin.

Causes

• Bladder infections occur when harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, the narrow tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder, and begin to multiply. Since a woman's urethra is only 1.5 inches long as compared to a man's, which is 8 inches long, this makes women more susceptible to bladder infections. Bacteria can enter the urethra in a number of ways but the most common way is through sexual intercourse. Girls and women who are not sexually active can also experience bacterial bladder infections because female genitalia harbors bacteria, the most common being Escherichia coli (E. coli).
  Bladder infections occur in women for several other reasons. These include:
  Sensitivity to chemicals in products such as soap, bath gel, bubble bath, hygiene products, lubricants or spermicidal jellies.
  Wearing nylon, satin or other style of non-breathable fabric panty in hot weather. Bacteria grow quickly in warm, damp places.
  Taking long baths.
  Using a diaphragm and spermicide. Spermicide breaks down the good bacteria in the vaginal area and allows bad bacteria to grow.
  Changes in hormones. The decrease in estrogen during menopause breaks down the vaginal lining around the urethra making it vulnerable to bacteria.
  Obstructions in the bladder that do not allow urine to pass such as stones.
  Holding urine in the bladder for too long a period of time.
  Pregnancy. The bladder becomes flattened and does not empty completely.
  A weakened immune system that cannot fight off bacteria.
  Certain medications such as the chemotherapy drugs ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide.
  Extended use of a catheter.
  In men, the most common cause of bladder infections is obstruction of the bladder or urethra by a stone or an enlarged prostate.

Symptoms

• There are several signs that indicate a bladder infection. Symptoms include:
  A persistent urge to urinate without relief.
  Burning sensation during urination.
  Passing only small amounts of urine at a time.
  Bloody urine.
  Odor in urine.
  Cloudy-looking urine.
  Pressure in the lower abdomen.
  Ache in the lower back.
  Slight fever.

Diagnosis

• Bladder infections can be easily diagnosed by the symptoms and a sample urine test. Nitrates present in the urine, as well as an increase in white cells fighting the bacteria, will confirm that there is an infection present. Generally the doctor will have the sample cultured in order to see exactly which bacteria is present in the event the infection is difficult to heal.
  For more severe cases, or in the event of chronic bladder infections, the doctor may want to inspect the bladder with a cystoscope. A cyctoscope is a thin tube with a light and a camera attached that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. A tissue sample can also be removed for analysis.

Treatment

• In most cases a bladder infection is treated with antibiotics and can be cured in 7 to 14 days. For chronic bladder infections, treatment may continue for 3 to 6 months. For patients who experience more than two bladder infections in a six-month period the doctor may refer them to an urologist who specializes in these types of infections. For men over 50 years of age, a prostate exam may be performed to ensure it isn't enlarged and is causing the infection.
  The doctor may also advise you to make a few lifestyle changes to prevent bladder infections in the future. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, adding cranberry juice to your diet, taking showers instead of baths, avoiding feminine deodorants and sprays and urinating as quickly as possible after sexual intercourse are proven ways to help prevent infection.
  Bladder infections can be painful and uncomfortable but they can be treated effectively if you see your doctor as soon as the symptoms appear. By treating the infection in a timely manner you are assured that the infection won't spread and become a much bigger health concern later on.

Prevention/Solution

• The doctor may also advise you to make a few lifestyle changes to prevent bladder infections in the future. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, adding cranberry juice to your diet, taking showers instead of baths, avoiding feminine deodorants and sprays and urinating as quickly as possible after sexual intercourse are proven ways to help prevent infection.
  Bladder infections can be painful and uncomfortable but they can be treated effectively if you see your doctor as soon as the symptoms appear. By treating the infection in a timely manner you are assured that the infection won't spread and become a much bigger health concern later on.