Bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a common urinary tract infection characterized by inflammation of the lining of the bladder and urethra.
Usually, this condition has a bacterial cause, with E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli) being a common culprit. E. coli is found in the intestines of both humans and mammals. A bladder infection can occur when this bacteria enters the bladder through the urethra and adheres to the bladder wall, leading to inflammation.
A bladder infection occurs in both men and women, yet women are more susceptible to it. The reason is explainable: in women, the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. This way infections can reach the bladder more easily.
If a bladder infection is not treated promptly, it can even lead to inflammation of the kidneys (renal pelvic inflammation). The good news is that a bladder infection is not contagious.
Symptoms of a bladder infection:
The symptoms of a bladder infection are often obvious and may include:
- Pain and burning sensation during urination;
- Frequent urge to urinate, with only small amounts of urine being excreted;
- Changes in the color and odor of urine;
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back;
- Sometimes blood in the urine.
Tips for prevention and treatment:
Fortunately, there are several simple measures you can take to reduce the risk of a bladder infection and relieve symptoms:
- Drink lots of water: By drinking lots of water (about 7 large glasses per day), you dilute the urine, so to speak, and urinate more often, which flushes bacteria from the bladder.
- Go to the toilet more often: It may seem frequent, but peeing at least 7 times a day is good for you. Never ignore the urge to urinate and pee completely each time.
- Choose damp toilet paper: Use damp toilet paper for a major toilet visit but always clean up after with a damp wipe. Make sure the wipes have a skin-neutral pH value and do not contain alcohol or perfume. In addition, always wipe from front to back so that any bacteria from the anus are not moved toward the urethra.
- Do not use vaginal cleansers: The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and cleaning products can only upset its natural balance. When the number of lactic acid bacteria is out of balance, infections with the E. coli bacteria can only increase, and as you may have read, this bacteria is usually the culprit of a bladder infection.
- Choose breathable undergarments: Preferably wear breathable underpants, such as cotton or bamboo, to avoid a warm and humid environment in which bacteria thrive.
- Peeing before and after sex: That women are advised to pee after sex is probably nothing new. That way you wash away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity. But did you know that peeing before sex can also help? That way your bladder is empty and bacteria have less chance to take hold, so to speak.
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Support with proper nutrition and supplements: Add cranberries or cranberry juice to your diet, research has shown it can help prevent bladder infections. In addition, cranberries are rich in D-mannose.
Furthermore, vitamin C-rich foods can reduce bacterial growth and probiotic foods promote good intestinal flora. In addition, EGCG (a polyphenol) seems to inhibit E. coli bacteria (steep the tea bag for at least 3 minutes for best results) and garlic contains antimicrobial properties that can help reduce cystitis. Finally, meat is a source of certain E. coli bacteria, so leave it out more often.
Treatment with antibiotics:
Did you still fail to prevent a bladder infection? In some cases treatment with antibiotics is desirable. However, be careful with this and make sure to give your bowels extra support during antibiotic treatment!
Do you regularly suffer from a bladder infection and would you like to find out the underlying cause and deal with it? Feel free to ask for a consultation with one of our therapists, so we can take a closer look!
