There might be, however, some things you don’t know about this common type of infection so read on for more information.

Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI)

There are four main types of urinary tract infection. Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, which is the thin, fibromuscular tube which begins at the lower opening of the bladder. Pyelonephritis is the infection of the kidneys. Vaginitis is another type of UTI, and this is an infection of the vagina. Cystitis is a bladder infection and is the most common type of UTI.

Around 90% of bladder infections are caused by E. Coli bacteria

The cause of most bladder infections is a particular type of bacterium called Escherichia coli (E. Coli). When E. Coli enters the urinary tract, it multiplies to cause an infection. In most cases, the E. Coli enters the urinary tract via the urethra.

More women than men suffer from bladder infections

A lot more women than men suffer from bladder infections. Women are also more likely to suffer from recurrent cystitis. The most likely reason behind women getting more bladder infections than men is the female anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men and it is also positioned closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for E. Coli to enter the urinary tract via the urethra.

A bladder infection can lead to something more serious like a kidney infection

Bladder infections are viewed as quite a mild infection which is relatively easy to treat, and in most cases, they can be dealt with swiftly without much hassle. However, when more severe bladder infections are given time to develop without any treatment, they can lead to something more serious like a kidney infection. You should, therefore, visit your doctor if cystitis symptoms persist.

Bladder infections are more common during warmer, summer months

There are a number of reasons why people suffer from cystitis more during the summer. Warm weather provides the perfect environment for bacteria and germs to grow. Also, higher temperatures can lead to dehydration, which is another cause of bladder infections. Sexual activity also tends to be higher during the summer which can also be a trigger for UTI’s. Spending more time outdoors and often having to hold in your urine until you can find a bathroom is another reason why your chances of getting a bladder infection increase during the summer.

Sex is a trigger for bladder infections

Sex can cause bladder infections, particularly in women. The main reason for sex being a cause of bladder infections in women is because the female urethra is positioned close to the rectum which increases the chance of E. Coli bacterium entering the urinary tract. It is recommended that women urinate before and after sex. During urination bacteria can be flushed out of the bladder and urinary tract therefore not providing it with an opportunity to multiply and develop into an infection.

Women often suffer from something called Honeymoon cystitis

Honeymoon cystitis refers to the higher rate of bladder infections suffered by women on their honeymoon due to increased levels of sexual activity. Honeymoon cystitis is, however, also a general term used to describe bladder infections in women at other times too. As we have already mentioned, peeing before and after sex can eradicate harmful bacteria and therefore help to prevent bladder infections from occurring.

What you eat and drink can worsen bladder infection symptoms

A wide range of food and drink can irritate the bladder to make cystitis symptoms even worse. Included in the types of food which can worsen symptoms include spicy ingredients like chilli and citrus fruits such as lemons. You should also be wary of drinks with artificial sweeteners, sodas and caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee if you have a bladder infection. It is also important to avoid alcohol if you have a UTI as this can irritate the bladder and also cause dehydration.

You could have a range of symptoms if you have a bladder infection

Cystitis can have a range of symptoms which can vary in severity depending on how aggressive your infection is. Bladder infection symptoms include a pain or a burning sensation when urinating, blood in your urine or cloudy urine, having to go to the toilet to urinate more than usual, your urine having a foul smell, having an urge to urinate immediately and maybe even a cramping pressure in your lower abdomen and lower back. Mild symptoms can sometimes go away naturally but if your symptoms persist then you should seek medical advice and treatment.

You could have no symptoms whatsoever

You can have a bladder infection without having any symptoms whatsoever, or hardly any symptoms at all. In children especially, they may not display specific or traditional cystitis symptoms but instead might appear lethargic or fussy. It is possible to have a bladder infection and show no symptoms at all, so it is therefore feasible to have cystitis without even being aware that you have an infection.

Not drinking enough water may cause bladder infections

Not drinking enough fluids may either cause cystitis or exacerbate bladder infection symptoms. Ensuring that you are drinking enough water will increase your chances of flushing E. Coli and other bacteria out of your system. One of the recommendations to women who suffer from recurrent cystitis is to drink water throughout the day in order to remain hydrated. Drinking water regularly will also increase the likelihood of you fully emptying your bladder when you go to the toilet and this also helps to prevent cystitis.

Wearing certain types of underwear can increase your chances of getting a bladder infection

Some types of underwear provide an optimum environment for bacteria to grow and multiply by trapping heat and moisture. Women who suffer from bladder infections are urged to avoid tight fitting, non-breathable underwear. It is also recommended that women go panty-free at night and also change into fresh underwear straight away after exercise. Loose fitting clothes are also a good idea. Underwear made from cotton is considered the best material for women suffering from UTI’s. Cotton is breathable and has a soft feel which is a better choice than underwear made of synthetic material.

Sometimes bladder infections can go away naturally

Although bladder infections are often irritating and painful, mild cases are not something you should worry about too much. They can often go away naturally without any treatment in just a few days. If your symptoms persist then you should seek medical advice. If you do have mild cystitis symptoms, then by following certain guidelines like drinking plenty of water and avoiding specific food and drink can be enough to get rid of the bladder infection in a short period of time.

Antibiotics can get rid of bladder infections quickly

If cystitis symptoms persist for a few days and don’t get any better, or even worsen, then you should go and see your doctor. It is likely that your doctor will prescribe you with a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics get to work quickly in killing the bacteria which is causing the infection and many people will experience symptom relief in just a few days. It is important that bladder infections are treated before they develop into something more serious like a kidney infection.

Natural alternatives to antibiotics are becoming more popular for bladder infections

Antibiotic resistance is what happens when the bacteria it is designed to kill continue to grow and are actually able to defeat the drug itself. This can happen when someone takes antibiotics on a regular basis over a prolonged period of time. For these reasons, natural alternatives to antibiotics are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of bladder infections. For long term cystitis, natural supplements are often viewed as a better option for general maintenance.

Here are two of the natural supplements available:

D-mannose – This is a natural sugar which is related to glucose. It falls into the category of a simple sugar which means it contains just a single molecule of sugar. D-Mannose has a white appearance and slightly sweet taste. It has been used in recent years by people suffering from cystitis. Researchers believe D-mannose works by attaching itself to bacteria within the urinary tract which is then eradicated during urination. There are different types of D-mannose supplements to choose from, depending on your preferences. D-mannose powder can be dissolved easily in a glass of water before drinking and is available in both tubs and pouches. D-mannose tablets are another option and are more suitable for taking when you are out and about throughout the day.

Cranberry – This has been considered as an effective natural treatment for cystitis for many years. These supplements are deemed a better option to cranberry drinks due to the acidity within cranberries which can cause irritation to the bladder. Cranberry capsules are a popular choice among those suffering from recurrent cystitis.

Certain types of contraceptive techniques increase the likelihood of bladder infection

Women who use a diaphragm, spermicide or spermicide-lubricated condoms are often more likely to suffer from bladder infections. The reason for this is because these methods can all contribute to bacterial growth. If you are suffering from regular bladder infections as a result of your current birth control method, then it is recommended that you try an alternative. 

Pregnancy increases the risk of bladder infections

Bladder infections can be common in pregnant women because the growing fetus can place more pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. Furthermore, a female woman’s urine can become more concentrated, and this can make it more likely for bacterial infections to develop within the bladder.

Your risk of getting a bladder infection increases as you get older

You become more susceptible to bladder infections the older you get. Older people can struggle from weak urine flow which can make it difficult for them to fully empty the bladder. The longer urine remains in the bladder the greater the chances there are for bacteria to grow and multiply to develop into cystitis. 

Children suffer from bladder infections

UTI’s and bladder infections are quite common in children. The symptoms for children with cystitis are sometimes different to those in adults with infections. If a child has a bladder infection, they may have symptoms which include a high temperature, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, loss of appetite, not being able to gain weight properly. They may also have symptoms similar to adults with cystitis which include pain or a burning sensation when peeing, the urge to pee frequently, pain in the tummy and lower abdomen, blood in the pee and cloudy urine.

Pets will sometimes get bladder infections

Domestic pets will sometimes get bladder infections. Cystitis is quite common in dogs. Signs that your dog has a UTI includes them urinating frequently whenever they go outside. Dogs might also strain or whine when urinating which is a sign that it is painful. Other signs that a dog has a bladder infection include blood in the urine, dripping urine and regular licking of the genitals. Urine can also have a particularly strong odour. If you suspect that your pet has a bladder infection, you should take it to the vet. The vet should then recommend the best way of getting rid of cystitis and also suggest prevention techniques in the future.

The post 20 Things You Might Not Know About Bladder Infections appeared first on Naturesupplies.

Although cystitis is not something to be overly concerned about and can sometimes go away naturally after a few days, if symptoms persist it is important that you seek treatment.   

Symptoms of Cystitis

• A strong and persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation during urination
• Passing small amounts of urine on a frequent basis
• Blood in the urine, known as hematuria
• Strong-smelling, cloudy urine
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Pressure on the lower abdomen
• A low-grade fever

What can cause cystitis and how can you help to prevent it?

As we have already mentioned, cystitis infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The bacteria will cause inflammation within the bladder, and you are likely to experience some of the symptoms mentioned above. There are things you can do to make it less likely for you to suffer from it. Some people will suffer from cystitis more regularly than others and will need to maintain this accordingly, often with a long-term treatment plan.

Why is cystitis more common in women?

Cystitis is more common in women because females have a shorter urethra, which is the thin, fibromuscular tube used to transport urine from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra in a female body is also positioned close to the anus which also makes cystitis more likely. Around 10% of women will get cystitis at least once a year, the percentage is a lot smaller in men. 

What increases the risk of you getting cystitis?

We have established that cystitis is triggered by bacteria entering the urinary tract and causing an infection. It is not always apparent, however, how bacteria enter the urinary tract in the first place to cause an infection but there are certain things which can increase your risk, and these include:

Having Sex

This applies primarily to women, mainly because the female urethra is positioned close to the anus and therefore makes it possible for bacteria to enter the urinary tract during sex. Friction from sex can also be a cause of cystitis. To decrease the likelihood of an infection developing it is recommended that you urinate just before and then straight after sex as this can help to flush out the bacteria from your system. Having a glass of water after sexual intercourse is also seen as a way of minimising your chances of getting cystitis. 

Wiping from Back to Front

Once again, this applies to women. Wiping from back to front after going to the toilet will make it more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and get inside the bladder. It is therefore recommended that you wipe from front to back. 

Dehydration

Dehydration concentrates the urine and results in an increased level of minerals. This can lead to irritation of the lining of the bladder and result in interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. Other typical symptoms include urgent and frequent urination and pelvic pain. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will also help to flush bacteria from your bladder before it has an opportunity to develop into an infection. 

Not being able to fully empty your bladder

Being unable to fully empty your bladder is one of the primary causes of cystitis. If you are unable to empty your bladder completely then bacteria which has managed to get inside the bladder may not be completely flushed away during urination. Bacteria which remain within the bladder can therefore multiply and cause an infection. There could be various reasons why you find it difficult to empty your bladder and these include, a blockage including a bladder stone, pregnancy and the baby pressing on your bladder and also an enlarged prostate in men which could press on the urethra.  

Having a urinary catheter fitted

A urinary catheter is a thin tube which is inserted into the urethra to help drain the bladder. They are inserted when a person has difficulty peeing naturally. Urinary catheters have been viewed as the cause of UTI’s including cystitis. It is important that urinary catheters are inserted correctly and well maintained. Both long-term and short-term catheters can cause cystitis but obviously, the longer you have a catheter inserted the more likely it is to cause an infection. 

Using a diaphragm for contraception

A contraceptive diaphragm or cap is used by women and inserted into the vagina before sex. This contraceptive method has been known to increase the likelihood of getting cystitis. It is also not recommended if you already suffer from UTI’s including cystitis on a regular basis. 

Being Diabetic

The reason diabetes increases your risk of getting cystitis is because of the high levels of sugar within your body. High sugar levels within urine creates a suitable environment for the multiplication of bacteria and therefore makes it more likely for you to get cystitis. 

Chemical Irritants

Some chemicals in soap or bubble bath can irritate the urethra which may lead to an infection. Sometimes it can just be a case of trying different products to establish which varieties cause little or no irritation.

Wearing synthetic and nylon underwear fabrics (women)

Certain types of underwear, particularly those made with synthetic or nylon fabrics, are prone to trapping bacteria within the vaginal area. Cotton underwear is the best choice if you are looking to prevent cystitis from occurring. Cotton is breathable and therefore provides fewer opportunities for bacteria to grow and thrive. Moisture-wicking cotton underwear is considered best as it takes moisture away from the body. Some women recommend not wearing underwear at all in bed at night as this will cause less irritation to the vaginal area.

Menopause

Women going through the menopause will have a lack of the hormone, oestrogen, and this can cause the lining of the urethra to shrink and become thinner. Another potential consequence of the menopause is that the natural balance of bacteria within the vagina may change. Both of these outcomes could cause the urethra to become infected as this could spread to the bladder. 

Cystitis Treatment

Although it can be disruptive to your everyday life with its annoying symptoms, cystitis should not be something you should get overly concerned about. If symptoms persist then you should visit your doctor who is likely to prescribe you with antibiotics. There are also natural supplements which have been used to relieve the symptoms of cystitis quickly and effectively and these include D-mannose and Cranberry tablets.

How long does Cystitis last?

Mild cases may only last for a few days before going away naturally. In other instances, however, you may need to see a doctor and have some form of treatment. Antibiotics are usually prescribed by doctors for cystitis but there are also different types of natural treatments which are becoming increasingly popular. If your cystitis does not go away within the first few days, then it is important that you get treatment before it leads to something more serious like a kidney infection.

How long does cystitis last without being treated?

If you have mild symptoms, the infection may just go away naturally within a few days without any sort of treatment although many people take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the discomfort. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of water to help to flush out the bacteria causing the infection. If symptoms persist for longer than a few days it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor about possible treatment as cystitis, in rare cases, can develop into something more serious like a kidney infection.

How long does cystitis last with antibiotics?

A lot will depend on the severity of the cystitis, but antibiotics tend to get to work quickly in killing the bacteria which causes the bladder infection. Many people who have used antibiotics for cystitis have reported symptom relief within one and three days. Antibiotics, however, are not always suitable for prolonged use for cystitis as bacteria can form resistance to the antibiotics over time. This has led to many people who suffer from recurrent cystitis to look for natural alternatives to antibiotics in order to treat their symptoms.  

Can you get rid of cystitis with natural supplements?

If you are looking for a natural alternative to antibiotics or natural supplements which can be used alongside antibiotics, there are plenty of options available. One of the most well-known natural supplements for bladder infections is d-mannose. This is a natural sugar which is a close relation to glucose. D-mannose is a monosaccharide isomer of glucose and is considered as a ‘simple sugar’ because it contains just one molecule of sugar. Our bodies do produce d-mannose in very small quantities, and it is also found in fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, broccoli and green beans. Cranberry based supplements have also been used by women and men suffering from cystitis. 

How does D-Mannose work?

There has been some research into how d-mannose works. Studies suggest that d-mannose attaches itself to bacteria to prevent it from latching on to cells, therefore stopping it from growing and causing infection. The d-mannose along with the bacteria is then eradicated from the bladder during urination.  

D-Mannose supplements

There are different types of d-mannose supplements available to choose from. D-mannose powder has a sweet taste, and you can dissolve it in a glass of water before drinking. D-mannose tablets are another option, with certain varieties containing up to 1000mg of D-mannose. Recommended dosage varies as some people take d-mannose supplements even when they do not have cystitis as they believe it helps to prevent UTI’s from occurring in the first place. 

D-mannose for recurrent cystitis

Because d-mannose is 100% natural it is suitable for long-term maintenance and is therefore often chosen by those who suffer from recurrent cystitis as an alternative to antibiotics. For those looking to acquire d-mannose for prevention and maintenance purposes, you can buy d-mannose in the UK from naturesupplies.co.uk at affordable prices. 

Cranberry supplements

Cranberry has long been considered as a potential natural treatment for cystitis. Research actually suggests that cranberry supplements, in the form of tablets and capsules, are more effective than cranberry juice as the acidity within the juice may actually irritate the bladder. Cranberries are actually a natural source of d-mannose which explains the use of them for UTI’s and cystitis.

Interstitial Cystitis

A lot is still unknown about interstitial cystitis. It is often shortened to IC or referred to as painful bladder syndrome or bladder pain syndrome. It is a condition which tends to affect people in their 30s and 40s and is more prevalent in women than it is in men. 

Dr Helen O’Connell, a consultant urologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said this about interstitial cystitis: “It’s a non-malignant, non-infective condition which may be associated with changes that are apparent when you look at the bladder, but sometimes the bladder may appear normal, [although] the patient may be crippled with discomfort.”

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

Symptoms can include intense pain in the pelvic area, below your bellybutton. Also, strong urges to pee suddenly, needing to pee regularly and waking up on several occasions each night to go to the toilet are other symptoms of interstitial cystitis. 

Causes of Interstitial Cystitis

Causes of interstitial cystitis can include damage to the lining of the bladder which may result in urine irritating the surrounding muscles and nerves. It may also be caused if you have issues with your pelvic floor muscles. In addition to this, it can be brought on by an allergic reaction and if your immune system begins to mistakenly attack your bladder. Interstitial Cystitis may be triggered by stress, smoking, certain foods and the amount you drink.

Prevention and Treatments for Interstitial Cystitis

By controlling these factors, you may be able to prevent or reduce the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. In many cases, it will require some form of treatment. If you are diagnosed by your doctor then they may recommend the following medicines:

• Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Antihistamines including loratadine and cetirizine
• Stronger painkillers on prescription like amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin
• Medicines which help to relax the bladder such as tolterodine, solifenacin or mirabegron
• A medicine which may help to repair the bladder lining called pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron)

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152997#:~:text=Most%20cases%20of%20mild%20cystitis,ease%20symptoms%20within%20a%20day.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371306

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystitis/causes/

https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/cystitis/prevention/12-natural-ways-to-prevent-cystitis/

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