The Causes & Care of Bladder Infections

Bladder infections are common, especially in adult women. The main symptoms include a burning sensation during urination and a frequent, usually urgent need to urinate. Many women feel pain or burning throughout the day and not just while urinating. Also known as cystitis, a bladder infection is usually treated with prescription antibiotics, although holistic remedies also are available, and steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of infection.

Common causes

• Bladder infections are typically caused by E. coli bacteria, which exist in the colon and vagina. It can get into the urethra and then to the bladder during sexual activity, or possibly from wiping back to front rather than front to back as doctors recommend. Mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis are other bacteria that can cause bladder infections.

Other causes

• Women may also get a bladder infection when the bacteria enter the urethra on a catheter or other medical instrument, or when the spermicide from a diaphragm kills off beneficial bacteria that keep the harmful bacteria in check. Pregnant women can be susceptible to infections because of the physical shift in position of the urinary tract and the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy. Blockage in the tract because of a stone in the bladder or urethra also can result in infection, and, on rare occasions, there may be a physical abnormality in the urinary tract that leads to infection.

Infections in men

• The most common cause of bladder infections in men is a bacterial infection of the prostate. The infection begins in the urethra, then travels to the prostate and on to the bladder. Bacteria in the prostate can be resistant to antibiotics, so infections can be persistent. Men also are susceptible to infection via some of the same routes as women, including use of catheters and blockages because of stones.

Treating Symptoms

• Because the discomfort from a bladder infection may be severe enough to disrupt daily activities, individuals with an infection may want the option to relieve their symptoms right away even if they need to wait for an appointment with a physician. One common remedy is sold under the brand name Azo as well as via generic and store brands. Its active ingredient is phenazopyridine hydrochloride, and it provides relief for many people within as little as an hour. Be aware that it will turn urine orange and provides relief, not a cure.

Curing the Infection

• In most cases, bladder infections are treated with prescription antibiotics to kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly treatment is started, antibiotic treatment may last from one or two days to a week or more. Natural remedies are preferred by some people, but serve the same purpose of killing off the bacteria. Colloidal silver is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be taken internally to kill bacteria, yeast and viruses in the body. Whether conventional or holistic antibiotics are used, it is best to simultaneously take probiotic supplements or eat yogurt with probiotics, to maintain the beneficial flora in the digestive system.

Preventing Recurrence

• Doctors recommend that people drink lots of fluids to flush out the urinary tract, and that they be sure to empty their bladders fully as bacteria can grow if a small amount remains. Drinking cranberry juice helps to acidify the urine, making it less hospitable for bacteria and prevents them from attaching to the bladder lining. Washing the genital area before and after intercourse also can reduce the likelihood of recurrence.