Women suffer from cystitis more often than men. Inflammation of the urinary tract always requires treatment. Neglected inflammation of the bladder can even turn into kidney infection.

Cystitisbelongs to a wider group of diseases called urinary tract infections. Experts believe that these are the most common infections. Women most often suffer from cystitis, and among young people almost exclusively women. The cause of the appearance of this ailment is, first of all, frequent, intense sex, which is why this ailment is sometimes poetically called "the honeymoon disease".

Women especially at risk of cystitis

Why do women suffer from cystitis and other urinary tract infections more often than men? The anatomical structure contributes to this. The female urethra (4-5 cm long) is much shorter than that of the male (18-24 cm), so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel. In addition, there is an anus near the mouth of the urethra, from where - in the absence of proper hygiene - it is easier to transfer bacteria. It can also be similar during intercourse. Occasionally, the cause of cystitis is the excessive size (hypertrophy) of the hymen, which compresses the urethra and the bladder. Colds and frostbite, as well as allergic reactions to sanitary napkins, tampons, spermicides and moisturizing gels, also contribute to infections. Poor intimate hygiene fluids can also work in a similar way. The risk of inflammation of the lining of the bladder and ureters also increases during pregnancy and the menopause. It is favored by hormonal changes taking place in the body at this time. Women who use barrier contraceptives - intrauterine rings, coils are also more likely to be infected. The disc compresses the vaginal walls, and indirectly the neck of the bladder, and thus disrupts its functioning. The spiral causes a slight inflammation in the uterine cavity, which of course increases the likelihood of a urinary tract infection. Men under the age of 50 rarely develop cystitis. However, when they experience enlargement of the prostate gland (prostate) and urine stagnation in the bladder, infections make themselves feltquite often.

Causes of cystitis

For 95 percent urinary tract infections, including cystitis, is the bacteriumEscherichia coli . It is a colon rod that is always present in he althy people in the digestive tract. It becomes dangerous when it enters the urinary tract.Chlamydia trachomatisis also harvesting a lot, most often sexually transmitted to the bladder and ureters via the urethra. In recent years, the development of infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci has also been observed. Unfortunately, they also occur in he alth care facilities (where adequate sanitary conditions are not maintained). Infection develops when the balance between the number of bacteria and their activity and the body's defenses is upset. Inflammation causes irritation, triggered by a nerve impulse: it is imperative that we urinate even when the bladder is not full. It is accompanied by pain, burning and stinging. There may even be traces of blood. Additional symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen or sacrum, increased temperature and chills.

Important

The urinary bladder lies at the bottom of the small pelvis, under the peritoneal cavity, behind the symphysis pubis. It is an extremely flexible reservoir into which urine from the kidneys continuously flows through the ureters. Its volume depends on the filling. It is normally the size of a small pear and the capacity is between 250 and 350 ml. It can stretch up to 1.5-2 liters (it is very painful then). Urine flows out of the bladder through the urethra.

Cystitis treatment

Inflammation of the urinary tract always requires treatment. Neglected inflammation of the bladder can even turn into kidney infection. To diagnose cystitis and identify the bacteria causing it, you need to do a urinalysis called culture with antibiogram. Normal urine testing will not detect bacteria. After the results are obtained, the doctor will select the appropriate antibiotic or other antibacterial drugs to which the inflammatory bacterium is susceptible. The optimal treatment time for cystitis (as long as there are no complications) in women is about 5 days, while in men it should be a little longer - about 7 days. One must not be forgotten. Properly selected drugs bring relief quite quickly. Unpleasant symptoms, especially pain and burning when urinating, disappear almost overnight, but the antibiotic treatment should be completed. Interrupting it may cause the disease to recur - sometimes in an intensified form. You need not only to take an antibiotic regularly, but also to drink a lot - at least 2 liters of fluida day, as some bacteria are washed away with the urine. It is also good to take high doses of vitamin C - up to 12 tablets a day, 200 mg each - because bacteria do not like acidified urine. In order to recover faster, you can also use ready-made herbal preparations, e.g. urogran, urosept or phytolysin. Warm compresses on the lower abdomen (electric pillow, hot water bottle, hot water bottle) help to relieve discomfort. Soups in warm water with the addition of sage or chamomile infusion are also helpful.

Herbs will bring relief from cystitis

Drinking the right herbs can be of great help in treating cystitis. They have a disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and relaxing effect.

Mix carefully:

  • chamomile basket - 50 g
  • bearberry leaf - 30 g
  • violet tricolor herb - 50 g
  • horsetail herb - 30 g
  • acacia robinia flower - 30 g
  • Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of boiling water and leave it covered. After 5 minutes, bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Then leave the dish aside (brew the herbs in enamel or glass dishes) for 10 minutes. Drain. Drink 3 times a day between meals.
You must do it
  • Drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluid a day.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot spices that irritate the bladder.
  • Urinate both before intercourse and after intercourse.
  • Do not use intimate deodorants or perfumed cosmetics that may irritate the delicate mucosa of intimate areas.
  • Wear cotton underwear and light clothes to prevent perspiration.
  • If you catch a cold, wear pants or warm underwear in winter to avoid freezing.
  • Never use someone else's towels, sponges, underwear or bathing suits.
  • After passing a stool, wash yourself as soon as possible.

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Urology and Nephrology