Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the urological diseases that most often affects the female body. In fact, almost every female representative encounters it at least once in her life. The disease significantly affects the quality of life and causes malaise and unpleasant sensations. That is why it is necessary to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

The disease is psychoemotionally very insidious. Its appearance leads to the development of certain fears and complexes, and also increases the feeling of anxiety and irritability against the background of the need to frequently go to the toilet and do without familiar things.

What to do if signs of illness appear? Give up trying to eliminate them yourself or wait until the symptoms go away on their own. It is better to see a doctor immediately. Make an appointment with a specialist who will determine the true nature of the problem that has arisen, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Doctors carry out a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and the prognosis of therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and using high-tech equipment.

What is Female Cystitis?

Pathology is understood as inflammation in acute or chronic form, which occurs in the tissue of the bladder (UB) and is under the influence of a fungal or bacterial infection. However, nonbacterial pathology is also known.

Cystitis in women is a frequently recurring problem. According to statistics, half of all cases of illness result in a repeat visit to a specialist within a year. As a rule, it is diagnosed in patients of childbearing age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease leads to its transition to the chronic stage. The latter is characterized by the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to other organs of the urogenital system, as well as a periodic exacerbation of symptoms.

The course of the disease over a long period of time without treatment leads to complications, which include:

• Formation of adhesions in the MP.
• Disorders of the urinary system.
• Kidney failure.
• Bleeding and appearance of ulcers on the bladder walls.
• Benign and malignant neoplasms.

Reasons for appearing

Inflammation of the bladder lining most often occurs due to the invasion of fungi or bacteria. The risk of infection also increases because the female urethra is short and wide and pathogens can easily enter the urinary tract if the rules of intimate hygiene are not followed or sexually transmitted diseases occur.

The main factors provoking the appearance of inflammation in the bladder of the female body are:

• Infections, including those transmitted through unprotected sex. In this case, the entry of pathogenic microorganisms is of an ascending nature. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
• Special manipulations and surgical interventions. For example, catheterization of the bladder for a long period of time significantly increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory processes.
• The use of certain washing and care products for intimate hygiene can lead to aggressive reactions in the body.
• Exposure to low temperatures due to reduced immune capacity. It is important to understand that simply staying in the cold cannot cause pathology. Such a stay provokes the development of cystitis in women with low immunity.

It is also necessary to take into account provoking factors, including:

• Chronic infection anywhere.
• In the recent past, gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature have occurred.
• Disturbances in the hormonal system.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
• Chaotic intimate life.
• Obesity.
• Long-term use of certain medications, which led to a decrease in the body's protective properties.
• Other pathologies, including diabetes mellitus, as well as the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

The symptoms of the disease are very diverse, which is due to the variability of their forms. The main symptoms of all forms of cystitis are described below:

• The appearance of a feeling of discomfort and bloating in the area where the MP is located.
• An urge to urinate more frequently than usual that has nothing to do with the amount of fluid consumed.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Impaired urinary flow, which manifests itself in a small amount of urine excreted with a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder.
• A change in urine color to brown or reddish and a pungent odor that differs from normal.
• Unpleasant sensations when emptying the bladder, manifested by pain and burning.
• Flatulence.
• False urge to defecate.
• Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
• Blood or mucus inclusions in the urine, its cloudiness.
• Sleep disorder.

In addition, signs of cystitis in women include chills, increased sweating, weakness and a slight increase in body temperature. In some cases, urinary incontinence is possible, which is caused by pathological damage to the muscular layer of the bladder.

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by mild symptoms and can only be indicated by an excessively frequent urge to urinate. During exacerbations, signs of chronic pathology intensify.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The first signs of pathology should be a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. During the appointment, a competent urologist will talk to the patient about existing complaints and also analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, by examining the external genital organs, we can determine what could be the cause of the inflammatory process. In addition, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out to clarify the causes of the unpleasant symptoms.

Before starting treatment for cystitis in women, the diagnosis must be confirmed. To do this, the following manipulations are carried out:

• Collection of urine to analyze its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for preparation and direct urine collection.
• General blood test from a vein. It is carried out to check the presence or absence of other diseases and assess general condition.
• Bacterial culture from urine, which makes it possible to isolate the pathogen using special media. In addition, the technique is aimed at determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which makes it possible to select an effective drug for cystitis in women.
• Cystoscopy, which involves examining the bladder lining by inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end through the urethra. The image is displayed on the monitor and the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the tissue. Tissue samples can be taken for further histological examination.
• Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder.

Treatment of cystitis

The treatment program is prescribed by a doctor and determined by the identified provocateurs of the development of the inflammatory process. Competent therapy should be aimed at combating pathogens and other factors responsible for the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

In the case of an acute course of the disease, the specialist prescribes antimicrobial medications even before receiving the test results. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. The course of therapy can then be adjusted to achieve the best results. In any case, the decision to treat cystitis in women should be made by a qualified doctor.

Antibiotics

Medicines in this group have the ability to destroy pathogens and stop the infection, preventing its spread to other organs. In the early stages of treatment of an acute disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against gram-negative bacteria are prescribed. If the test results show that the isolated microorganisms are not sensitive to these drugs, adjustment of therapy is necessary. In the case of a chronic disease, medication is prescribed after receiving the diagnostic results.

The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women is three to fourteen days. During this time you need to see a doctor.

Diuretics

This group includes drugs with a diuretic effect. Their intake increases the outflow of urine, which leads to the washing out of the body of pathogenic flora, as well as a reduction in the content of irritating substances. Diuretics are relatively rarely prescribed as a means to combat the disease. In general, experts prefer plant-based options.

Antispasmodics

Drugs in this group have also proven effective in solving urological problems such as cystitis in women. Taking antispasmodics in tablet form does not have a targeted effect on the bladder area. In this case, there is a systemic effect at the level of all vessels and organs.

There is an opinion that the prescription of drugs in this group as part of the treatment of the disease is unjustified. This is due to their effect on the muscular layer of the bladder, while the pathology is an inflammation of its mucous membrane, which has nothing to do with the muscles.

Vitamin supplements

During the rehabilitation period, vitamins are taken to restore and maintain the body's immune functions. In addition, they can be prescribed as a component of the main treatment and for prevention.

The decision to use specific vitamin preparations, as well as their dosage, depends on several aspects, including the general condition and well-being of the patient, the form of the inflammatory process, etc. Cystitis requires the use of vitamins that:

• help strengthen local immunity;
• stimulate the function of the bladder;
• accelerate the process of tissue regeneration.

All of the above features work well:

• Multivitamins that contain at least two components.
• Vitamin complexes are indicated for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. Promotes recovery and general strengthening of the body.
• Monovitamins are prescribed for severe immunodeficiency and chronic diseases characterized by frequent exacerbations.

It is important to remember that self-prescription of vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets for cystitis in women is strictly prohibited. The choice of one or another drug and determining its optimal dosage, as well as the frequency of administration and the duration of the course of treatment, are determined exclusively by the doctor.

Features of the diet for cystitis

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the diet that the woman follows during treatment. It is recommended to adhere to certain rules for consuming certain foods and drinks throughout the course of therapy. These rules mean:

• Exclusion of spices, marinades, smoked meats and pickles. You should also avoid sweets and fried foods. You should try to reduce your salt consumption as much as possible. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks as well as tea and coffee should be prohibited.
• Reduce consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meats.
• Minimizing consumption of dairy and fermented milk products. Consumption of unsalted and low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, as well as milk in small quantities is allowed.
• Increasing the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables in the daily diet as well as vegetable oils, grains and bran.

Cystitis in pregnant women

In cases where a woman carrying a child is diagnosed with a disease, it is imperative to follow the following rules:

• Do not take antibiotics to correct the problem unless your doctor tells you to. This is because taking antibacterial drugs can have negative effects on the fetus and only a qualified specialist knows which drugs are safe during pregnancy.
• Avoid instillation, which involves administering medication in liquid form into the urethra and bladder. Manipulations are dangerous for pregnant women as they can cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Avoid taking drugs that belong to the group of non-steroids and have an anti-inflammatory effect, as this can lead to the development of pathologies in the child.
• Do not seek physiotherapy treatment.
• Reduce the frequency of hot baths and also avoid visiting saunas, baths and steam rooms to prevent overheating, which can lead to uterine hypertonicity.

Therapy for pathology in the later stages of pregnancy practically does not differ from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. However, in this case, the risk to the child from taking medication is significantly lower.

It is worth remembering that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor decides what to do in case of cystitis in women during pregnancy. Therefore, you must immediately report the first signs of a disease to the gynecologist and strictly follow all the recommendations received.

prevention

The risk of illness can be reduced by following simple preventive measures. They deliver:

• Avoid hypothermia.
• Make sure the bladder is emptied at the first urge.
• Maintaining a healthy intimate life, avoiding promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
• Daily consumption of clean drinking water in sufficient quantities.
• Timely treatment of any infections of the genitourinary system.
• Compliance with personal hygiene regulations.

Preventing cystitis in women also includes constant bowel movements. An active lifestyle is also important, for which it is recommended to include physical activity in the daily plan. This allows you to eliminate congestion in the pelvic organs and stabilize the urge to urinate.

The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid progression, which significantly reduces the quality of life. However, a competent approach to treatment allows you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other signs, and also prevent the development of unwanted complications. Specialists offer a professional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, and also tell you about the rules of behavior necessary to prevent the disease.

FAQ

Many women are interested in information about the disease as it is one of the most common urological diseases. Having knowledge of preventative measures, as well as the signs of cystitis and possible treatment methods, will make it much easier for you to deal with the problem if it occurs. Below you will find frequently asked questions about pathology and detailed answers to them.

Is there such a thing as chronic cystitis?

If the acute form of the disease is not treated in a timely manner, it leads to its transition to a chronic course. Chronic cystitis is defined as a bladder infection that occurs at least twice within six months or includes three episodes of relapse within a year. There are the following types:

• Primary, characterized by the initial development of inflammation in the bladder.
• Secondary, in which the inflammatory process initially occurs in neighboring organs and then spreads to the MP.

How does a bladder infection hurt in women?

The disease is characterized by a quite painful course. As the condition progresses, the woman feels pain in the lower lumbar area and in the lower abdomen. In addition, painful sensations and burning are observed during urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder, although the frequent urge to empty it results in the release of a small amount of urine.

What infections cause female cystitis?

The main infectious agent of the disease is Escherichia coli. It accounts for about eighty percent of all cases of cystitis in women. The pathogens can also be other microorganisms, including those that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Penetration of a pathogen into the bladder does not always lead to pathology, since the body's protective functions are aimed at fighting it.

Causes of frequent bladder infections

The key factor in the recurrence of disease episodes is the behavioral aspect:

• Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
• Taking antibiotics that negatively affect the microflora of the vagina and intestines.
• Frequent change of partners.

Women at risk of recurrent pathology are:

• Those who use spermicides for contraception.
• Postmenopausal.

Among the possible reasons that lead to a new development:

• Residual urine after urination caused by genital prolapse.
• Reduced estrogen levels.
• Features of the location of the urethra caused by anatomical anomalies.

Can cystitis cause incontinence?

The disease can lead to such an unpleasant condition as urinary incontinence. It occurs as a result of pathological damage to the muscular layer of the bladder, which prevents it from functioning normally.

Can cystitis cause constipation?

Constipation can play a role in the development of pathology. The fact is that the bladder and intestines are very close to each other and when feces accumulate in the second bladder, pressure is created on the first. This leads to a disruption in blood flow to the pelvic organs, which ultimately impairs their function and causes inflammation.

Women may experience constipation with cystitis. But it has nothing to do with this disease.

What can you do with guardianship if you have a bladder infection?

Treatment of the disease during breastfeeding should be carried out with caution, as in the course of its course it negatively affects the health of not only the mother, but also the child. Only a competent doctor can choose a suitable and, above all, safe therapy regimen. In this case, drugs are prescribed that do not pass into breast milk or do not have a toxic effect on the baby's body.

Taking any medication without a doctor's prescription is strictly prohibited. To relieve the symptoms of the disease, you can use:

• Dry heat placed on the lower abdomen.
• Antispasmodics are allowed during breastfeeding.

It is recommended to follow a special diet and stay in bed. The decision about the possibility of continuing breastfeeding is made by the doctor taking into account the medication prescribed to the mother.

Is it possible to eat sweets with cystitis?

To increase the effectiveness of treatment to eliminate the pathology, it is recommended to follow a special diet. Certain drinks and foods, including sweets, are excluded from the menu. After full recovery, you can return to your normal lifestyle and diet.