Cystitis

The most common cause of cystitis (up to 80%) is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which affects the mucous membrane of the bladder and urethra. E. coli is a component of the normal intestinal flora, but virulent types of this bacterium enter the bladder through the urethra and cause local inflammation. Nosocomial infection can also cause cystitis, especially in patients with a urethral catheter.

Cystitis: risk factors

• The use of tampons by women as personal hygiene products.

• The risk of developing cystitis increases when using vaginal diaphragms as contraception.

• If the bladder does not empty completely, then the residual urine is a good breeding ground for bacteria.

• Sexual activity.

• Various kidney or bladder diseases.

• During menopause, when due to a lack of female sex hormones, the amount of mucus produced in the vagina decreases, which performs a barrier function, bacteria enter the urethra more often. Thus, women on hormone replacement therapy have a lower risk of developing cystitis.

• Anatomically, the external opening of the urethra in women is located closer to the anus than in men – this is another reason for the easy transfer of bacteria from the rectum into the urethra.

If cystitis occurs in a man, it is usually a potentially more serious problem than in a woman, as the causes may be diseases such as prostate infection, cancer, infravesical obstruction, enlargement of the prostate gland – hyperplasia. Men who have same-sex sexual relationships are also at increased risk of cystitis.

Symptoms of cystitis

• impurity of blood in urine,

• dark, saturated urine,

• strong urine odor,

• pain over the bosom,

• abdominal pain,

• lower back pain,

• frequent urination,

• burning sensation when urinating,

• Elderly patients may experience weakness and fever without experiencing other symptoms.

Other diseases with the same symptoms as cystitis:

• urethritis (inflammation of the urethra),

• urethral syndrome,

• some bacterial infections,

• prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland in men),

• candidiasis (thrush).

Diagnosis of cystitis

The doctor will have a detailed conversation with you, make an examination and prescribe a urine test. Bacteriological culture of urine with the determination of an antibioticogram is additionally prescribed to accurately determine the presence and type of bacteria in the urine. If bacteria are found in the urine, the doctor prescribes specific antibiotics that act on these bacteria.

Additional checks are often carried out for sexually transmitted diseases, as many of them may have symptoms similar to cystitis.

Patients who have repeated cystitis require a more detailed examination, which includes: Ultrasound of the urinary system and cystoscopy.

Treatment of cystitis

Any cystitis that lasts more than 3 days requires treatment and medical supervision. Most patients notice an improvement already in the first days of treatment with properly selected antibiotics.

Elderly patients, patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, as well as patients with reduced immunity, have high risks of ascending infection – kidney damage and other complications. Therefore, treatment of such patients should be started immediately.

Prevention of cystitis

• hygiene after sexual intercourse,

• when urinating, try to empty your bladder completely,

• if you feel like you need to go to the bathroom, do not wait or delay urination,

• avoid wearing tight and tight trousers,

• wear cotton underwear,

• during sexual intercourse, control the amount of lube, if it is not enough, use artificial lubricants,

• empty your bladder immediately after sexual intercourse.