Frequent Bladder Infections

The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine, which is filtered waste from the kidneys. A bladder infection occurs when bacteria get into the bladder and multiply. Women are more prone to bladder infections. Statistics from the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases state that one in five women will have a bladder infection in her lifetime.

Identification

• A bladder infection is also known as a urinary tract infection or cystitis. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases, a bladder infection is the second most common infection in a person. Twenty percent of people will have a reoccurring infection. Each infection occurs from a slightly different strain of bacteria than the previous.

Symptoms

• Common systems with a bladder infection are pain and burning sensation while urinating. Many people feel achy and sick, similar to having the flu. Women will feel pressure in the area above the pubic bone and a constant urge to urinate with passing little or no urine. The urine will appear cloudy or milky, sometimes with streaks of blood. It is rare to have a fever unless the infection has spread to the kidneys. It is possible to have no systems, especially with frequent and reoccurring infections.

Cause

• The cause of a bladder infection is the introduction of bacteria in the bladder. Women are susceptible to reoccurring and frequent bladder infections due to their anatomy. The urethra is close to the vagina, allowing an easy access for bacteria. Sexual intercourse is a cause of a bladder infection and will push bacteria toward the urethra. The National Institute of Health believes that frequent bladder infections may be due to bacteria attaching to the lining of the bladder.

Treatment

• A bladder infection is treated with a 7- to 10-day dose of an antibiotic. The antibiotic prescribed will vary based on a patient's medical history and history with bladder infections. It is possible for a bladder infection to reoccur if the full course of medication is not taken. Frequent bladder infections have several treatment options; a low dose antibiotic taken for six months, a one-time dose of antibiotic following intercourse, or a one- to two-day dose of antibiotics upon appearance of symptoms.

Prevention

• Drinking plenty of water each day works as prevention against bladder infections. Drinking cranberry juice may reduce the instance of bladder infections in some people. Women should always wipe from the front to the back and clean their genital area before and after sexual intercourse. If an urge to urinate is present, always attempt to urinate instead of holding it. Feminine spray products and douches may irritate the urethra and should be avoided.