Know the bladder infection in women

Cystitis or bladder infection as it is commonly referred to is caused when bacteria enters into the urinary tract via the urethra where it multiplies and causes infection.

This infection is more common in women than men and more than 50% of the women would undergo a serious bout of urinary bladder infection at least once during their life.

The reason for women being more at risk to contract urinary infection is probably due to the fact that the urethra in women is shorter than in men. In addition it may be also due to the fact that the external opening of the urethra is close both to the vagina and the anus in women.

It is also to be realized that these regions have a higher count of bacteria, so their entering the vagina and anus and then the urinary tract causes a burning sensation and pain during urination.

It is important to first understand that the growth of Staphylococcus saprophyticus or  Escherichia coli bacteria is the most common cause for bladder infection in women.

In addition the lack of personal hygiene could also start off a bladder infection. It is highly likely that stress, alcohol abuse, diseases that caused lower immunity and conditions like diabetes and HIV could also cause bladder infection more frequently.

The risk increases when one has sex with infection in the genitourinary system. Most women have also experienced that the use of birth control measures like diaphragm and other irritating contraceptives like spermicides could all kill the friendly bacteria in the vagina and aid growth of diseases causing bacteria.

So it is most likely for women that wish to conceive and have sex more often to also experience bladder infection. It is true an untreated urinary tract infection leads to a bladder infection with more complications, pain and irritability.

Know the Symptoms of Bladder Infection in Women

The first sign of a urinary tract infection in women is the need to frequently pass urine that could be urgent. In addition there could be pain and burning sensation while passing urine that could be not just annoying but highly uncomfortable too. It is quite common to have backaches, pain in the abdomen and over the bladder.

It is to be noted that the infection could be of 2 types, it could be either in lower tract involves the urethra and/or the bladder or could be in the upper tract that involves the upper tract where the bacteria enter the kidneys from the bloodstream or by bacteria ascending up from the bladder via the ureters to the kidneys.

The other symptoms that could be experienced in bladder infection in women are that traces of blood may for seen in the urine that could be accompanied by low or high fever, cloudy and foul smelling urine, very painful intercourse malaise and lack of control of urine especially at night. It is common to experience fatigue and shaking, and discomfort and pain in the lower back and abdomen. 

 Get over each symptom of bladder infection in women

It is not possible to suspect urinary bladder infection in the initial stages unless there are some symptoms and a urinalysis and urine culture test is done. If pain is felt it is quite likely that you can increase your intake of fluids and taking of cranberry juice would definitely help to avoid and cure mild bladder infection.

It is best to realize that drinking about 8 glasses of pure water each day would help get over bladder infection.  Understanding the preventive measures for bladder infection involves avoiding caffeine in tea and coffee. It is good to realize that drinking a lot of fluids means not just water, but includes herbal teas, and unsweetened juices of cranberry and blueberries. It is significant to know that certain substances in both these juices help to inhibit the binding of bacteria and help push them out of the body.

The next preventive measure rests on keeping the vagina clean that includes urinating before and after sexual intercourse. Warm and moist environments always help in the growth of bacteria, so it is best to wear cotton undergarments that discourage bacteria growth is quite airy.

In addition it is wrong to resist the urge to pass urine, with it being necessary to wipe over from front to back after urinating. Using of tight jeans, trousers and wet swim suits for long should be avoided, as also products that have scent and irritate the genital regions. Changing of tampons and sanitary pads often during menstruating proves useful.

Antioxidants prove very useful, so eating fruits like blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes and vegetables like squash and bell peppers prove useful. It would also be highly beneficial to include high fiber foods, including beans, oats, root vegetables like potatoes and yams and psyllium seed.

Avoiding refined foods like white breads, pastas, and sugar and red meat helps. It is also best to avoid trans fatty acids and go in for more healthy cooking oils like vegetable and olive oil.

In case all this does not work it is possible that that it could be due to obstructions in the urinary tract, shifts in the position of the urinary tract and other hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. Only medical help can be useful in such cases.