Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary system.During the pathological process, for one reason or another (infectious agents, chemical and traumatic injuries), inflammation of the bladder mucosa occurs.

Cystitis is considered a typically female disease.According to medical statistics, 80% of all cystitis cases are women.This is understandable from an anatomical point of view: women's urinary tracts are much shorter than men's, which means that pathogens (usually the pathogens of cystitis) encounter less resistance and reach the bladder more quickly.That's why women should empty their bladder more often and if they retain their urine, the risk of cystitis increases significantly.

Cystitis affects not only the mucous membrane of the bladder.In general, it is a fairly complex disease that brings with it many complications and discomforts.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies depend on many factors:

1. The nature of the pathological process;
2. localization of inflammation;
3. A type of pathogen.

Cystitis is divided into types according to several criteria:

• Based on the type of pathogen: bacterial cystitis (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonorrhea, other pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and others) and non-bacterial cystitis (toxic, caused by drugs, allergies);
• Depending on the nature of the course of the disease: acute cystitis (occurring in the acute phase with the manifestation of typical symptoms) and chronic (occurring in a latent form or recurring);
• Depending on the presence and type of organic (morphological) changes in the organ: ulcerative, catarrhal, cystic;
• Based on the localization of the pathological process: cystitis of the bladder mucosa, affecting the submucosa layer, affecting the muscular layer.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

Pain from cystitis

The type and intensity of pain and discomfort associated with a bladder infection are purely individual and depend on the pain threshold and the degree of damage to the bladder structures themselves.

It is generally accepted that with cystitis the pain is localized only in the bladder area.That's not entirely true.Often the pain can be radiating (wandering) in nature.The pain from a bladder infection travels to the lumbosacral spine and patients feel as if their back hurts.The pain syndrome can also be localized in the coccyx area.

The pain is often accompanied by general symptoms of intoxication of the body: headaches of varying intensity (localized in the forehead), weakness and fatigue, hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) up to 37.5 - 38 degrees.Pain and signs of intoxication are considered a single symptom of the pathology and are inextricably linked, although hyperthermia may not be present if immunity is weakened.

Cystitis with blood in women

In some cases, women with cystitis may notice that the urine has a pale pink or intense red hue.There can be two reasons for this: either it is acute cystitis or its much more serious form - hemorrhagic cystitis.It is relatively easy to distinguish them;in acute cystitis, the urine takes on a reddish color at the end of urination;In the case of a complicated bladder infection, the urine is red throughout the entire act and remains the same color during all subsequent trips to the toilet.

The causes of a bladder infection also include:

1. Injury to the walls of the bladder and urethra caused by foreign bodies;
2. lack of bladder muscle tone;
3. Constipation of the bladder, leading to the development of degenerative changes;
4. Anatomical disorders (stenosis of the urinary canal lumen, compression of the structures of the excretory system due to an oncological neoplasm).

Therefore, cystitis with blood in women is most often a secondary pathology caused by certain factors.

Acute cystitis with blood, and especially hemorrhagic cystitis, is difficult:

• Severe pain is observed, which is constant and persistent.
• Frequent false urge to urinate;
• The main manifestation of such forms of cystitis is bleeding.Although blood appears just a few hours after the acute phase begins, the intensity of bleeding can be so great that the blood clots under the influence of certain substances contained in the urine and forms large blood clots.Blood clots that block the lumen of the urethra lead to a delay in the outflow of urine, thereby further complicating the patient's condition.

Itching and burning with cystitis

After pain, itching and burning are perhaps the most common symptoms of cystitis in women.Typically, both manifestations are observed with allergic or infectious nature of cystitis.

Itching and burning are also common in allergic bladder infections.The allergen is recognized as an antigen by the patient's immune system, whereupon the immune system produces specific antibodies to fight the "dangerous invader".As a result of the reaction, the antigen-antibody complex settles on mast cells (basophils), which are located in the area of the urethra and urethra.Under the influence of the complex, basophils are destroyed and large amounts of the substance histamine are released, which triggers itching and causes an unbearable itching and burning sensation.

For similar reasons, itching and burning are also observed in inflammatory lesions: infectious agents and toxic products of their metabolic activity (of bacterial origin in cystitis) or certain substances contained in medications accumulate in large quantities in the urine.When these substances are released, they act on superficial nerve endings.

In general, a symptom such as itching indicates an allergic or infectious nature of cystitis with a 95% probability, which means that concomitant lesions of the vaginal mucosa are possible.

Can there be a fever with a bladder infection?

To answer the question correctly, you need to understand why body temperature rises.Hyperthermia occurs as a result of an acute immune reaction to a substance or microorganism of foreign origin.At temperatures above 37 degrees, pathogens lose their previous activity and the intensity of their vital activity decreases sharply.Almost always, infectious cystitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature in the range of 37.5 to 38.2 degrees.This normal phenomenon indicates a strong immune system that can resist infections.The number depends largely on the direct pathogen causing the disease.

For this reason, even a bladder infection of an infectious nature must not lead to an increase in temperature.For example, the causative agent of tuberculosis in the first stages of the disease is not noticeable by an increase in temperature, while most sexually transmitted infections and even adenoviruses cause significant hyperthermia up to values of 39 degrees.

Causes of cystitis in women

As already mentioned, in the vast majority of cases the disease develops in women, which is due to the short and wide urethral canal, the close location of the anus and vagina (as is known, even opportunistic microflora of the mucous membranes of the colon and vagina can lead to the development of cystitis, and it often happens that pathogenic bacteria are found on the mucous membraneslife).Microorganisms that only manifest themselves at a certain point in time).

In 85-90% of cases, cystitis in women arises precisely as a result of the penetration of a pathogenic or opportunistic microorganism (infectious cystitis).The pathogen does not always enter the bladder via the vagina or anus.

The penetration routes can be different:

1. Descending path.The infection can spread from the kidneys to the bladder;
2. Ascending path.What has already been mentioned occurs from the outside through the urethra into the bladder;
3. Hematogenous pathway.It is relatively rare for a bacterium or virus to enter the bladder via the bloodstream.The cause can be any focus of an infectious lesion in the body, but the likelihood of a pathogen entering the bladder, for example, from the tonsils, is extremely small, but still exists.
4. Lymphogenic pathway.The pathogen enters the bladder via the inflamed pelvic organs.

However, in addition to infectious origin, cystitis can develop for the following reasons:

• Taking certain medications.These include, for example, cytostatics to combat malignant neoplasms;
• Allergic reactions.Allergies are often local in nature.In some cases the bladder is also affected.

There are several factors that increase the risk of cystitis:

1. Inflammation of the vagina (colpitis) and sexually transmitted diseases.Due to the anatomical proximity of the vagina and urethra, the occurrence of a bladder infection is only a matter of time;
2. The same goes for constipation and other intestinal problems (colitis, etc.).Microorganisms from the colon can cause the development of acute cystitis, also due to the anatomical proximity of the anus and external genitalia;
3. Nephrological diseases: kidney stones, nephritis and pyelonephritis, urinary retention.According to the descending principle, the infection often moves from the kidneys to the bladder, and with stagnation of urine, very serious pathologies and forms of cystitis can develop.
4. Highest hormonal states.Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause.The reason lies in changes in hormone levels and therefore in the microflora of the mucous membranes of the vagina and urethra;
5. Predisposing factors also include endocrine diseases, particularly diabetes;
6. The risk group includes allergy sufferers and cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Regardless of the causes and source of the disease, cystitis includes a characteristic symptom complex:

• Frequent and painful urination.Burning, stabbing pain in the bladder and urethra;
• The urge to urinate may be false;
• urinary incontinence (sometimes);
• Increased urge at night without increased urine production.
• Constant pain in the pubic and perineal area, radiating to the lower back and tailbone.Marked pain at the beginning and end of urination;
• Dark colored or cloudy urine with admixture of pus;
• General symptoms of poisoning.

If the cause is an allergy, painful itching and burning in the urethra area can occur.

Complications and consequences of cystitis

Cystitis is by no means a harmless disease and the principles of “drink something” and “it will go away on its own” do not work here.

If the necessary treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, the consequences can be more than catastrophic:

1. Kidney damage occurs on the ascending path.According to medical statistics, untreated cystitis leads to serious kidney disease in 95% of cases;
2. In women, urine may flow back from the bladder into the kidneys.This is extremely rare;
3. Long-term and at the same time ineffective treatment of a bladder infection can lead to organic changes in the organ tissue.The epithelium degenerates and as a result the bladder loses its elasticity, loses its ability to regenerate and decreases in size;
4. If targeted treatment is not provided in time, there is a high risk that the disease will become chronic.Chronic cystitis, especially infectious (and the most common), is a source of constant inflammation;
5. Although it's difficult to call stress and depression direct complications of a bladder infection, they are.If the pathology is not treated in a timely manner, it becomes chronic.Recurrences of cystitis are common and can occur almost several times a month.The disease puts extreme psychological pressure on a person and literally makes a healthy member of society hostage to the toilet.Furthermore, a dominant forms in the human mind;
6. Weakening of the bladder sphincter.May lead to the development of urinary incontinence.It most commonly occurs in older people.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The primary diagnosis includes a personal examination by specialized specialists: urologists, nephrologists, gynecologists.

Specialists take an anamnesis and determine possible causes of the disease.

When taking anamnesis, doctors pay particular attention to risk factors:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse;
• hypothermia;
• Excessive emotional stress;
• medications taken;
• The presence of concomitant diseases and pathologies (mainly in the pelvic organs).

Laboratory research

Contain:

1. conducting a general blood test;
2. Conducting a general urine test;
3. Submitting a urine test for cultures.

Among the instrumental methods, two are mainly used:

• Urethroscopy and cystoscopy.
• Ultrasound examination of the bladder.

How to relieve an attack of cystitis?First aid at home

In severe cases, it is recommended to resort to medication:

1. The best solution would be to take antispasmodics;
2. In addition to antispasmodics, pain is relieved by analgesics;
3. Herbal preparations containing oregano herb and hop cones also help relieve cramps and pain caused by bladder infections;
4. In no case should you take antibacterial drugs alone.Taking antibiotics is guaranteed to lead to a change in the laboratory test pattern and the specialist cannot determine the cause and cause of the disease;
5. If the diagnosis is confirmed and is already known to the patient, you can resort to taking antimicrobial drugs.

In all other cases, it is better to avoid self-medication.Attacks of complicated cystitis (with blood, hemorrhagic) are relieved exclusively in the hospital.Otherwise, life-threatening bleeding can occur.

How to treat cystitis in women?

Since cystitis in women most often arises due to an infectious lesion, specific therapy is aimed at destroying pathogens.

• In recent years, drugs from the group of fluoroquinolones have proven their effectiveness.These antibiotics should only be taken as directed by a specialist;
• If the diagnostic results reveal certain pathogens, appropriate antifungal, antimicrobial or antiviral medications are prescribed;
• To eliminate severe pain, antispasmodic and analgesic drugs, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended;
• If there is no allergy to medicinal herbs, taking herbal teas based on cranberry, horsetail and bearberry is allowed.Preference should be given to unpackaged products;
• To quickly remove toxins from the body, it is recommended to increase your daily fluid intake.

Prevention of bladder infections

Personal hygiene regulations must be adhered to.For washing, you need to choose products whose acid-base properties are neutral.Proper intimate care is the key to freedom from relapse.

It is recommended to empty your bladder as often as possible.Stagnation of urine is fraught with the development of complications.

Hypothermia should not be allowed.Feet must be kept warm and dry.

During an exacerbation of cystitis, it is worth increasing fluid intake to 2-2.5 liters per day: water, fresh natural juices, cranberry juice.You should avoid carbonated water and artificial drinks.

You should avoid wearing tight synthetic underwear in both acute cystitis and exacerbation of chronic cystitis.

Constipation indirectly affects the risk of cystitis.Preventive measures therefore also include methods to improve intestinal motility.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Which doctor should I contact if I have a bladder infection?

You should contact three specialists: a urologist, a nephrologist and a gynecologist.

Is sex possible with cystitis?Is it sexually transmitted?

Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder.Of course, it is simply impossible to get a cystitis from sexual contact.

However, there is a high probability that the infectious agents that caused cystitis will be transmitted to a partner.However, we must make a reservation: transmission of pathogenic microflora is possible only if the disease is of infectious origin.In all other cases, the partner is safe.

As for the other aspect of this problem, everything is not so simple.Most competent specialists recommend that women avoid sexual activity for the duration of the disease.

However, if you cannot do without sexual contact, you must follow the recommendations:

• Immediately before sex, wash your body and clean your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid touching the vagina.In the case of a bladder infection, the mucous membrane is exposed to increased stress because it cannot be completely protected from urine particles;
• If concomitant damage to the uterus is suspected, deep penetration should be ruled out;
• At the end of intimacy, be sure to wash the external genitals;
• Use barrier contraception (condoms only).

Cystitis after intimacy, what are the causes?

Developing a bladder infection after sex is not a far-fetched problem.Postcoital cystitis (also called “honeymoon syndrome”) occurs in about 45% of cases.As a rule, it is detected after the first sexual intercourse.

There are several reasons for this:

1. The most common, but at the same time the most difficult to eliminate disease is a congenital anomaly of the genitourinary system;
2. Another common reason is poor hygiene.The partner may not be aware of this because there are many microorganisms on the surface of the penis.This causes the woman's urethra to become infected with an infectious agent.This group of reasons also includes switching between vaginal and anal sex without or without changing condoms.In this case, the causative agent of cystitis is the intestinal flora (bacillus);
3. vaginal dryness.Due to excessive dryness of the vaginal mucosa, tissue tears occur.The result is colpitis, which quickly leads to the development of a bladder infection.In this case, cystitis becomes a secondary disease.Therefore, sex is not possible if the woman's genitals lack desire and adequate hydration;
4. It is also worth thinking about sexually transmitted diseases.If the partner is sick or is a carrier, the woman quickly becomes infected and in this case there is a risk of developing not only a sexually transmitted disease itself, but also a secondary cystitis.

Is it possible to play sports with cystitis?

In this case, everything is purely individual and depends on the patient's condition and the severity of the cystitis.However, a number of physical activities must be avoided.

Avoid:

• Visits to fitness clubs.Aerobics and sport can cause mechanical irritation of the urethra and bladder, which significantly worsens the symptoms;
• Bathe.Swimming is allowed, but no longer than 10-20 minutes.Prolonged contact with cold water (30-50 minutes) is guaranteed to cause local hypothermia.Due to cooling, local immunity decreases and within a few hours the symptoms of cystitis intensify;
• Winter sports.Almost all winter sports involve prolonged exposure to cold.Under such conditions, the risk of hypothermia and exacerbation of cystitis increases significantly.Figure skating enthusiasts are advised to dress as warmly as possible, cover the pelvic and perineal areas and never sit on the ice;
• Active sports that are associated with increased physical activity and a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure are excluded: boxing, wrestling, cycling.

However, there are a number of sports that are recommended if you have a bladder infection.They put even strain on the body's muscles and do not cause significant fatigue.These are jogging, walking, basketball, volleyball.Dancing is also allowed.It is important to remember that clothing must be appropriate.It is harmful to wear tight, tight clothing.A tracksuit shouldn't be tight-fitting;Light but at the same time warm clothing made from natural materials should be preferred.

Is it possible to take a hot bath for cystitis?

In general, the topic is very controversial.To answer this, we must again start from the patient's current condition and the course of the disease.You can only take warm (warm, but not hot) baths when the cystitis has not yet shown any specific symptoms.In this case, slight warming is not only not contraindicated, but also useful.

As soon as any of the following symptoms appear, thermal procedures are strictly contraindicated:

1. muscle spasms (sharp, cramping pain in the lower abdomen and pubic area);
2. Burning and stinging when urinating;
3. Blood or pus in the urine.

If we talk only about the initial stages of the disease, warming up is allowed, but they can only be used within reasonable limits:

• Warm up with dry heat.The salt is heated in a container to 38-40 degrees, poured into a cloth bag and applied to the sore spot;
• Foot baths.The basin is filled with warm water, then you should take a foot bath for 10-20 minutes.The feet are then wiped dry and warm socks are put on;
• Sitz baths.In the first stages of the development of cystitis, you can take sitz baths with the addition of medicinal herbs.In this case, the water temperature should not be higher than 37 degrees and the duration of bathing should be up to 10 minutes.A warm bath is also prohibited if other organs are affected in addition to the bladder;
• Warm shower.The optimal way to relieve cystitis and carry out hygiene measures during the course of the disease;
• Warm your hands with warmth.A palm is placed on the bladder area for several hours;
• Warming compress with eucalyptus oil.Effective when there are no acute symptoms.However, it is contraindicated in case of allergies.

Can menstruation be delayed due to cystitis?

There is no direct cause-and-effect relationship between cystitis and menstrual irregularities.However, as already mentioned, cystitis rarely occurs in women, which is only accompanied by damage to the bladder.As the infection grows, it often affects the sexual organs, including the uterus and ovaries in the abdominal cavity.

The ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogen, a specific female hormone that in itself contributes to the normalization of the menstrual cycle.As the infection spreads to the ovaries, estrogen production decreases.This disrupts the cycle and can lead to a delay in menstruation.