Suffering from a bladder infection

Many people have suffered from a bladder infection. This can become very painful if you don’t do anything to prevent it. Here you can read more about the causes and symptoms of a bladder infection, but also how to prevent it and how you can test yourself whether you have a bladder infection or not.

What is a bladder infection?

Source: Mzacha, RgbstockA bladder infection is also called cystitis, but is simply an infection of the urinary tract. 25% of Dutch people regularly have a bladder infection. You constantly feel like you have to urinate and that also causes a painful and burning sensation. This can be experienced as very annoying, but fortunately not dangerous in most cases. All urine is stored in the bladder. When the urine leaves, some of it may remain behind, causing bacteria to remain in the bladder. These bacteria can multiply, resulting in a bladder infection. In many cases the urethra is also inflamed. A bladder infection is not contagious. A bladder infection cannot spread from one bladder to the other. However, the inflammation may return. There are 2 types of bladder infection, namely an acute bladder infection and a chronic bladder infection.

Acute bladder infection

In almost all cases it is an acute bladder infection. The inflammation is the result of an accumulation of bacteria. With regular complaints, it is more likely to be a recurrent acute bladder infection.

Chronic bladder infection

In a chronic bladder infection, no bacteria are present. Due to damage to the mucous membrane, the bladder is continuously inflamed. Fortunately, this is very rare.Source: Mzacha, Rgbstock

Who is most susceptible to a bladder infection

Many people suffer from a bladder infection, but this ailment is more common in women than in men. Children are also more likely to suffer from bladder infections. In women, the cause lies in the urethra, which is a lot shorter in women than in men. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. The vagina is closer to the anus and is therefore more susceptible to this. In children it may be an abnormality in the urethra. The symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, bedwetting, crying and fever. Cystitis rarely occurs in men. The urethra is much further away from the anus and is therefore less susceptible to bacteria. The prostate gland also releases a bactericidal substance. If a man does have complaints, it is often due to a prostate infection that has spread to the bladder.As mentioned earlier, women suffer from bladder infections more and more often than men. There are a number of times when women are at high risk of developing a bladder infection. What are the reasons for this? The most common risk moments are listed below.

Bladder infection during pregnancy

During the first months of pregnancy there is an increased risk of a bladder infection developing. As the uterus grows, the bladder is pushed away, causing the woman to urinate more often. If you urinate too often, urine is more likely to remain in the bladder. Bacteria will have the opportunity to expand more quickly. It is also a fact that the urine of a pregnant woman contains more nutrients, which contributes to the development of a bladder infection.

Bladder infection after sex

Sex can of course be very nice, but the risk of a bladder infection is more present after having sex. It is wise to empty your bladder thoroughly after sex. Otherwise, bacteria will accumulate more quickly and a bladder infection cannot be prevented.

Bladder infection during menopause

The female hormone fights bacteria by keeping the mucous membrane in good condition. During and after menopause, this hormone is hardly produced and the mucous membrane will be in less good condition, allowing bacteria to do more of their business.

The causes of a bladder infection

There are various causes that can trigger a bladder infection. This causes a bacterial infection in the bladder. The causes are:

Most bacteria enter your urethra via the intestines
Wiping your vagina and anus incorrectly
Poorly breathable clothing, optimal for giving fungi and bacteria the opportunity to grow
Through sex

The symptoms of a bladder infection

Fortunately, the symptoms of a bladder infection are very clearly recognizable, so you can quickly do something about it. The symptoms are not always directly linked to inflammation of the bladder. Below are the most common complaints.

Burning pain during urination
Blood in the urine
Bad smelling urine
Pain in the lower abdomen
Pain in the lower back
The urge to urinate even though the bladder is not full
Feeling nauseous and sometimes also vomiting

Preventing a bladder infection

A bladder infection is very preventable. If you follow the points below carefully, you will see that the risk of a bladder infection is significantly reduced.

Drink enough in a day. This ensures good flushing in the body. Between one and a half and two liters is recommended
Urinate regularly
Doesn’t hold the pee
Make the urine extra acidic with Cranberry extract
Vagina is self-cleaning, so no excessive use of soap
Maintain good hygiene
Urinate immediately after sex
Drink less alcohol
Avoid sharp spices
Fewer iced drinks

Do the self-test: Do you have a bladder infection or not?

Complete this self-test and find out whether you really have a bladder infection or not.

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