Symptoms

Most women experience the uncomfortable symptoms of a bladder infection at least once in their lives. Bladder infections can occur when bacteria or other organisms enter the urethra (tube leading from the outside of the body to the bladder) and cause irritation and inflammation of the bladder wall.

Urinary tract infections can be caused by a number of organisms and conditions, such as infrequent urination. In young women, bladder infections frequently occur following sexual intercourse. This is because the openings to the urethra, vagina and rectum are very close to one another. So no matter how careful a woman is in keeping this area clean, there are always bacteria from the rectum that naturally inhabit this space. During sexual intercourse these organisms can be pressed forward into the urethra. Because a woman’s urethra is only about an inch and a half long, it is easy for bacteria to climb into the bladder and cause infection.

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

• Frequent urination.
• Burning and pain with urination.
• Continuing feeling of urgency to urinate followed by only small amounts of urine.
• Abnormal color to the urine - cloudiness, or brown/red coloring.
• Unpleasant, unusual or strong odor to the urine.
• Slight fever with chilling.
• Dull ache in the lower part of the abdomen.

Treatment

Bladder infections are a concern because, if left untreated, they can ascend into the kidneys, causing a more severe infection and damage to the delicate filtering mechanisms that make up these vital organs. Generally, however, bladder infections are easily treated if detected in their early stages. More importantly, they can often be prevented.

Treatment for a bladder infection usually begins with an analysis of a urine specimen to confirm that an infection is present. Depending on clinical circumstances, a urine culture may also be performed to determine the exact organism causing the infection. Results of a urine culture are not available for 48 hours. A patient is notified of these results only if a change in the prescribed antibiotic is necessary. Occasionally, an additional medication is also prescribed to help relieve the pain of bladder discomfort. This medication will cause urine to turn bright orange or blue.

Reducing Discomfort

In addition to medications, the following guidelines will also help relieve symptoms.

• Increase your fluid intake. The more dilute your urine, the less irritating it will be to the bladder wall. Fluids also help to keep urine moving in a downward flow, thus making it less likely that bacteria ascend to the kidneys.
• Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, cola, and chocolate which may cause additional bladder irritation and increase your need to urinate.
• If you are experiencing painful urination, try pouring warm water over your genital area as you urinate.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms subside.

It is important that you take all of the prescribed antibiotic, even after you begin to feel better, to ensure that all bacteria causing the infection have been destroyed. Occasionally, antibiotic treatment is not completely effective, especially if an infection is well advanced or if a particular bacteria is resistant to the antibiotic prescribed. In either case, the infection can return when treatment ends. If symptoms persist after completing all the antibiotic prescribed, please call your clinician for instructions.

If you continue to experience repeated urinary tract infections, your clinician may also want you to see a urologist for additional testing.

Prevention

The best news about bladder infections is that, in most cases, they can be prevented by developing the following healthy habits:

• Use adequate lubrication during sexual intercourse to reduce abrasion to the delicate tissues lining your vagina and urethral opening. Abrasion is common during sexual intercourse and provides an entrance for unwanted bacteria.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse. This is perhaps the most important rule. Urinating washes out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
• Use appropriate feminine hygiene, always wiping from front to back to avoid moving bacteria into the urethra from the rectum. Cleansing the genital area with a mild soap at least once a day in this manner will minimize the amount of bacteria present near the urethral opening.
• Maintain a daily fluid intake of six to eight glasses of water or other fluids.
• Try to urinate about every 4 hours during waking hours. When the bladder becomes overdistended, it becomes more vulnerable to infection. In addition, if urine is allowed to remain in the bladder for a long period of time, bacteria that are trying to establish residency are more likely to settle in and grow.
• Maintain optimal levels of immune system response to maximize your resistence to infection through healthy, well-balanced food choices, minimal use of alcohol, adequate rest to avoid fatigue, regular cardiovascular exercise, abstinence from smoking or chewing tobacco, and the development of skills to minimize and manage stress in your life.

Terminology

• Urinary Tract Infection - an infection anywhere along the urinary tract (urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys.)
• Cystitis or “bladder infection”- an infection of the urinary bladder.
• Pyelonephritis or “kidney infection” - an infection of the kidney organ.