Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most often affects the female body. In fact, almost every female representative meets him at least once in his life. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life, causing discomfort and discomfort. That is why it is necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible.

The disease is very insidious from a psycho-emotional point of view. Its appearance leads to the development of certain fears and complexes, as well as increases the feeling of anxiety and irritability, since it is necessary to visit the restroom frequently and give up some familiar things.

What to do if signs of illness appear? Stop self-medication or wait until the symptoms go away on their own. It is better to see a doctor immediately. Make an appointment with a specialist who will determine the true nature of the problem and establish the correct diagnosis, as well as prescribe effective treatment. Doctors conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and the prognosis of therapy, and perform diagnostics using modern methods and high-tech equipment.

What is female cystitis

The pathology refers to acute or chronic inflammation that occurs in the tissues of the bladder (UB) and under the influence of a fungal or bacterial infection. However, a non-bacterial type of the pathology is also known.

In women, cystitis is a frequently recurring problem. According to statistics, in half of the cases of the disease, a repeat visit to a specialist occurs within a year. It is usually diagnosed in patients of childbearing age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease causes the transition to the chronic stage. The latter is characterized by the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to other organs of the urinary system, as well as the periodic worsening of symptoms.

The long-term course of the disease without treatment causes complications, which are as follows:

• Formation of adhesions in the MP.
• Functional disorders of the urinary system.
• Renal failure.
• Bleeding and the appearance of ulcers on the wall of the bladder.
• Benign and malignant tumors.

Reasons for appearance

Most often, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder occurs due to the entry of fungi or bacteria. The risk of infection is also due to the fact that the female urethra is short and wide, so pathogens can easily enter the urinary tract if intimate hygiene rules are not followed or sexually transmitted pathologies develop.

The main factors that trigger the appearance of inflammation in the urinary bladder of the female body:

• Infections, including those transmitted during unprotected sex. In this case, the entry of pathogenic microorganisms is ascending. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
• Special manipulations and surgical interventions. For example, catheterization of the bladder for a long time significantly increases the likelihood of the development of inflammatory processes.
• Using certain detergents and care products for intimate hygiene, the substances in which can cause an aggressive reaction in the body.
• Exposure to low temperatures due to reduced immunity. It is worth understanding that simply the cold cannot cause pathology. Such a stay becomes a provocateur for the development of cystitis in women with low immunity.

Provocative factors should also be considered, including:

• Chronic infection at any site.
• Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature have recently suffered.
• Disorders in the hormonal system.
• Non-observance of personal hygiene rules.
• Chaotic intimate life.
• Obesity.
• Long-term use of certain drugs, which led to a decrease in the body's protective properties.
• Other pathologies, including diabetes, as well as the presence of foci of chronic infections in the body.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

The symptoms of the disease are very diverse, which is due to the variability of its forms. The main symptoms of all forms of cystitis are described below:

• The appearance of discomfort and swelling in the area where the MP is located.
• The urge to urinate more often than usual, which has nothing to do with the amount of fluid consumed.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Disturbance of the outflow of urine, which is expressed in a small amount of urine, with a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder.
• A change in the color of the urine to brown or reddish, and a strong odor that is different from normal.
• Unpleasant sensations during emptying of the bladder, pain and burning sensation.
• Bloating.
• False urge to defecate.
• Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
• Blood or mucus inclusions in the urine, turbidity.
• Sleep disorder.

In addition, symptoms of cystitis in women include chills, increased sweating, weakness, and a slight increase in body temperature. In some cases, urinary incontinence is possible, which is caused by pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder.

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by mild symptoms, its presence can only be indicated by an excessively frequent urge to urinate. Signs of chronic pathology become more intense during exacerbations.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The first signs of pathology are a reason for an appointment with a specialist. During the appointment, a competent urologist will discuss with the patient the existing complaints related to the condition, as well as analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, examination of the external genitalia allows us to determine what may be the source of the inflammatory process. In addition, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out to clarify the causes of unpleasant symptoms.

Before starting the treatment of cystitis in women, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. For this, the following manipulations are performed:

• Urine collection for analysis of cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules of urine preparation and direct collection.
• General blood test from a vein. This is done to check the presence or absence of other diseases and to assess the general condition.
• Bacterial urine culture, which allows the pathogen to be isolated using a special culture medium. In addition, the purpose of the technique is to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which makes it possible to choose an effective drug for cystitis in women.
• Cystoscopy, during which a thin tube with a camera at the end is inserted through the urethra to examine the lining of the bladder. The image is displayed on the monitor, and the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the tissues. Tissue samples can be taken for further histological examination.
• Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder.

Treatment of cystitis

The treatment program is prescribed by a doctor and is determined by the identified provocateurs of the development of the inflammatory process. Competent therapy should be aimed at overcoming pathogens and other factors that cause the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

In the case of an acute course of the disease, the specialist prescribes antimicrobial agents even before receiving the test results. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. Then the therapy course can be modified to achieve the best result. In any case, a qualified doctor should make the decision about how to treat cystitis in women.

Antibiotics

Medicines in this group are able to kill pathogens and stop the infection from spreading to other organs. In the early stages of treatment of an acute disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which are effective against gram-negative bacteria. If the results of the test show that the isolated microorganisms are not sensitive to these drugs, it is necessary to modify the therapy. In the case of a chronic disease, drugs are prescribed after obtaining the diagnostic results.

The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women is between three and fourteen days. During this time, you should consult a doctor.

Diuretics

Medicines with a diuretic effect belong to this group. Their intake increases the outflow of urine, which leads to the washing out of pathogenic flora from the body, as well as to a decrease in the level of irritating substances. Diuretics are relatively rarely prescribed to combat the disease. Basically, experts prefer herbs.

Anticonvulsants

Medicines belonging to this group have also been shown to be effective in solving urological problems such as cystitis in women. Taking anticonvulsants in pill form does not have a targeted effect on the bladder area. In this case, there is a systemic effect at the level of all blood vessels and organs.

The opinion is that the prescription of drugs belonging to this group as part of the treatment of the disease is unjustified. This is due to their effect on the muscle layer of the bladder, while the pathology is inflammation of its mucous membrane, which has nothing to do with muscles.

Vitamin preparations

During the rehabilitation period, vitamins are taken to restore and maintain the body's immune functions. In addition, they can be prescribed as part of the main treatment and for preventive purposes.

The choice of individual vitamin preparations, as well as their dosage, is based on many aspects, including the general condition and well-being of the patient, the form of the inflammatory process, etc. Cystitis requires the use of vitamins, which:

• helps strengthen local immunity;
• stimulates the functioning of the bladder;
• accelerates the process of tissue regeneration.

All of the above functions work well:

• Multivitamins containing at least two components.
• Vitamin complexes indicated for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. It promotes recovery and general strengthening of the body.
• Monovitamins prescribed for severe immunodeficiency and chronic diseases characterized by frequent exacerbations.

It is important to note that self-prescribing vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets against cystitis is strictly prohibited for women. The choice of one or another medicine and the determination of its optimal dose, as well as the frequency of administration and the duration of treatment are determined only by the doctor.

Features of the cystitis diet

The effectiveness of the treatment largely depends on the diet the woman follows during the treatment. It is recommended to follow the rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks during the entire therapeutic course. These rules mean:

• Exclusion of spices, marinades, smoked meats and pickles. Sweets and fried foods should also be avoided. You should aim to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, as well as tea and coffee, should be prohibited.
• Reduce the consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meats.
• Minimizing the consumption of milk and fermented milk products. The consumption of unsalted and low-fat cheeses, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, and milk is allowed in small quantities.
• Increasing the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as vegetable oils, cereals and bran in the daily diet.

Cystitis in pregnant women

In cases where a woman carrying a child is diagnosed with an illness, the following rules must be followed:

• Do not take antibiotics on your own initiative to eliminate the problem, unless prescribed by your doctor. This is due to the fact that taking antibacterial drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus, and only a qualified specialist has knowledge about which drugs are safe during pregnancy.
• Avoid instillation, which involves putting medication in liquid form into the urethra and bladder. Manipulation is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Avoid taking non-steroid and anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause the development of pathologies in the child.
• Do not do physical therapy.
• Minimize the frequency of hot baths and avoid visiting saunas, baths and steam cabins to avoid overheating, which can cause uterine hypertension.

In the later stages of pregnancy, the therapy of the pathology practically does not differ from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. In this case, however, the danger to the child from taking medication is significantly reduced.

It is worth noting that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor can determine what to do in case of cystitis in women during pregnancy. Therefore, you should immediately report the first signs of the disease to the gynecologist and strictly follow all the recommendations you receive.

Prevention

The risk of developing the disease can be reduced by following simple preventive measures. They provide:

• Avoiding hypothermia.
• Ensuring that the bladder empties on the first urge.
• Preserving a healthy intimate life, avoiding promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
• Daily consumption of clean drinking water in adequate quantities.
• Timely treatment of any infection of the urogenital system.
• Compliance with personal hygiene rules.

Prevention of cystitis in women includes constant bowel movements. An active lifestyle is also important, for which it is recommended to include physical activity in the daily routine. Thanks to this, you can get rid of the congestion of the pelvic organs and stabilize the urination process.

The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course, which significantly reduces the quality of life. However, a competent approach to treatment will allow you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other signs and prevent the development of unwanted complications. The specialists provide a professional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, and also tell you the rules of conduct necessary to prevent the disease.

F. A. Q

Many women are interested in information about the disease, as it is one of the most common urological diseases. If you have knowledge about preventive measures, as well as the symptoms of cystitis and possible methods of treatment, it will be much easier to manage the problem when it occurs. Below you will find frequently asked questions about pathology and detailed answers to them.

Is there such a thing as chronic cystitis?

Failure to immediately treat the acute form of the disease leads to a transition to a chronic course. We speak of chronic cystitis if the inflammation of the bladder occurs at least twice within six months, or includes three recurring episodes within a year. The following types exist:

• Primary, characterized by the initial development of inflammation of the bladder.
• Secondary, in which the inflammatory process first appears in nearby organs and then spreads to the MP.

How does cystitis hurt in women?

The disease is characterized by a rather painful course. As it develops, the woman feels pain in the lower lumbar region, as well as in the lower abdomen. In addition, painful sensations and burning sensations are observed during urination. A constant feeling of fullness in the bladder, despite the fact that frequent urges to void result in the release of a small amount of urine.

What infections cause cystitis in women?

The main causative agent of the disease is Escherichia coli. It accounts for about eighty percent of cystitis in women. But its pathogens can also be other microorganisms, including those that cause STIs. The entry of the pathogen into the bladder does not always result in pathology, because the body's protective functions are aimed at overcoming it.

Causes of frequent cystitis

A key factor in the recurrence of episodes of the disease is the behavioral aspect:

• Promiscuous sexual relationship.
• Taking antibiotics that negatively affect the microflora of the vagina and intestines.
• Frequent partner change.

Women at risk of recurrent pathology include:

• Those who use spermicides for contraception.
• Postmenopausal.

Among the possible causes leading to redevelopment:

• Residual urine after urination, caused by prolapse of the genitals.
• Decreased estrogen levels.
• Features of the location of the urethra caused by anatomical abnormalities.

Can cystitis cause incontinence?

The disease can lead to such an unpleasant condition as urinary incontinence. It develops as a result of pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, due to which it cannot function normally.

Can cystitis cause constipation?

Constipation can play a role in the development of pathology. The fact is that the bladder and intestines are located very close, and when feces accumulate in the second, pressure occurs on the first. As a result, there is a violation of the blood circulation of the pelvic organs, which eventually disrupts their function and causes inflammation.

Constipation associated with cystitis may occur in women. But it has nothing to do with this disease.

What can be done against cystitis under guardianship?

The treatment of the disease during breastfeeding must be carried out carefully, because during its course it affects not only the health of the mother, but also the health of the child. Only a competent doctor can choose an appropriate and, most importantly, safe therapeutic regimen. In this case, drugs are prescribed that do not pass into breast milk or have a toxic effect on the baby's body.

Taking any medication without a doctor's prescription is strictly prohibited. To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, you can use:

• Dry heat is applied to the lower abdomen.
• Antispasmodics are allowed during breastfeeding.

A special diet and bed rest are recommended. The doctor decides on the possibility of continuing breastfeeding, taking into account what medicines are prescribed to the mother.

Is it possible to eat sweets with cystitis?

In order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment aimed at eliminating the pathology, it is recommended to follow a special diet. This includes excluding certain drinks and foods from the diet, including sweets. After complete recovery, you can return to your normal lifestyle and diet.