Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that affects the female body the most. In fact, almost every female representative encounters it at least once in her life. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life, brings discomfort and unpleasant feelings. Therefore, 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 causes the development of certain fears and complexes, and also increases the feeling of anxiety and nervousness against the background of the need to visit the toilet frequently and give up some familiar things.

What to do if symptoms appear? Do not try to remove them yourself or wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. It is better to consult a doctor immediately. Make an appointment with a specialist who will determine the true nature of the problem and make a correct diagnosis, as well as prescribe an effective treatment. Doctors thoroughly evaluate the nature of pathology and the prognosis of therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and high-tech equipment.

What is female cystitis?

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

Cystitis is a recurring problem in women. According to statistics, in half of all cases of the disease there is a repeat visit to a specialist within a year. As a rule, it is diagnosed in patients of reproductive age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease leads to its transition to the chronic stage. The latter is characterized by the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to other organs of the genitourinary system, as well as periodic exacerbation of symptoms.

Without treatment, the course of the disease for a long time leads to complications, which include:

• Formation of adhesions in MP.
• Malfunction of the urinary system.
• Kidney failure.
• The appearance of bleeding and ulcers on the walls of the bladder.
• Benign and malignant neoplasms.

Reasons for appearance

Most often, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder occurs due to the introduction of fungi or bacteria. The short and wide female urethra increases the risk of infection, which allows pathogens to easily enter the urinary tract when intimate hygiene rules are not followed or when sexually transmitted diseases develop.

The main factors that provoke the appearance of inflammation in the bladder of the female body are:

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

Precipitating factors should also be considered, including:

• Chronic infection of any site.
• Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature in the recent past.
• Disorders in the hormonal system.
• Non-observance of personal hygiene rules.
• Chaotic intimate life.
• Obesity.
• Long-term use of certain drugs that cause a decrease in the protective properties of the body.
• Other pathologies, including diabetes mellitus, 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 for all forms of cystitis are described below:

• The appearance of discomfort and tension in the area where the MP is located.
• The urge to urinate more often than usual, which has nothing to do with the volume of fluid consumed.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Impaired urinary flow, characterized by a small amount of urine excreted with a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder.
• A change in the color of the urine to brown or red, as well as a strong smell that is different from normal.
• It is manifested by unpleasant sensations, pain and burning during the emptying of the bladder.
• Swelling.
• Incorrect urge to defecate.
• Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
• Blood or mucus in the urine, its turbidity.
• Sleep disorder.

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

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

Diagnosis of cystitis

The first signs of pathology should be a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. At the time of admission, a competent urologist will talk with the patient about the current complaints related to the condition, as well as analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, the 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 its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for preparing and directly collecting urine.
• A general blood test from a vein. It is carried out to check the presence or absence of other diseases and to assess the general condition.
• Bacterial culture of urine, which allows to isolate the pathogen using special media. In addition, the technique is aimed at determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which allows choosing an effective drug for cystitis in women.
• Cystoscopy involves the examination of the lining of the bladder by inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end through the urethra. 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 kidneys and bladder.

Treatment of cystitis

The treatment program is prescribed by a doctor and determined by the identified provocateurs of the development of the inflammatory process. Competent therapy should be aimed at combating 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 drugs even before receiving the results of the examination. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. Then, the therapeutic course can be adjusted to achieve the best results. In any case, the decision on how to treat cystitis in women should be made by a qualified doctor.

Antibiotics

Medicines of this group have the ability to destroy pathogens, as well as stop the infection to prevent its spread to other organs. In the early stages of acute disease treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against gram-negative bacteria are prescribed. If the results of the examination show that the isolated microorganisms are not sensitive to these drugs, it is necessary to adjust the therapy. In the case of a chronic disease, drugs are prescribed after receiving diagnostic results.

The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women varies from three to fourteen days. During this period, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Diuretics

This group includes drugs with a diuretic effect. Their reception increases the flow of urine, which leads to the washing of pathogenic flora from the body, as well as a decrease in the level of irritants. Diuretics are prescribed relatively rarely as a means of combating the disease. Basically, experts prefer herbal options.

Antispasmodics

Medicines in this group have also shown effectiveness in solving urological problems such as cystitis in women. Taking antispasmodics in the form of tablets does not have a targeted effect on the bladder. In this case, there is a systemic effect at the level of all vessels and organs.

There is an opinion that prescribing drugs from this group as part of the treatment of the disease is unreasonable. This is due to their effect on the muscle layer of the bladder, and the pathology is inflammation of its mucous membrane, which has nothing to do with the muscles.

Vitamin preparations

Vitamins are taken during the rehabilitation period 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 in favor of certain vitamin preparations, as well as their dosage, depends on a number of 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 are:

• helps strengthen local immunity;
• stimulate the work of the bladder;
• to accelerate the tissue regeneration process.

All the above functions work well:

• Multivitamins with at least two components.
• Vitamin complexes indicated for cystitis in women. It contains useful elements and minerals. It promotes recovery and general strengthening of the body.
• Monovitamins are often prescribed for severe immunodeficiency and chronic disease characterized by exacerbation.

It is important to remember that self-prescribing vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets for cystitis in women is strictly prohibited. The choice of this or other drugs and determination of its optimal dosage, as well as the frequency of administration and the duration of the treatment course are determined only by the doctor.

Features of the diet for cystitis

The effectiveness of the treatment mainly depends on the diet followed by the woman during the treatment. During the entire therapeutic course, it is recommended to follow certain rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks. These rules mean:

• Exclusion of spices, marinades, smoked meats and pickles. You should also stay away from sweets and fried foods. You should try to reduce 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 meat.
• Minimize the consumption of milk and fermented milk products. It is allowed to consume unsalted and low-fat cheeses, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, and a small amount of milk.
• Increasing the share 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 disease is diagnosed in a woman carrying a child, it is important to follow the following rules:

• Do not take antibiotics on your own initiative to eliminate the problem unless prescribed by your doctor. This is because the use of antibacterial drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus, and only a qualified specialist knows which drugs are safe during pregnancy.
• Avoid instillation, which involves injecting drugs into the urethra and bladder in liquid form. Manipulation is dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Avoid taking drugs that belong to the group of non-steroids and have an anti-inflammatory effect that can cause the development of pathologies in the child.
• Do not undergo physiotherapy treatment.
• Avoid visiting saunas, baths and steam rooms to minimize the frequency of taking hot baths, as well as to avoid overheating, which can cause uterine hypertonicity.

The treatment of pathology in the later stages of pregnancy is practically no different from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. But in this case, the danger to the child from taking the drug is significantly reduced.

It should be remembered that self-medication is prohibited. Only the doctor determines what to do for 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 received.

Prevention

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

• Avoid hypothermia.
• To ensure emptying of the bladder at the first urge.
• Maintaining a healthy intimate life, avoiding immoral and unprotected relationships.
• Daily consumption of a sufficient volume of clean drinking water.
• Timely treatment of any infection of the genitourinary system.
• Observance of personal hygiene rules.

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

The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course that significantly reduces the level of quality of life. However, a competent approach to its treatment allows you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other symptoms, as well as prevent the development of unwanted complications. Specialists will provide a professional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, as well as provide information on the rules of behavior necessary to prevent the disease.

Frequently asked questions

Many women are interested in information about this disease, because it is one of the most common urological diseases. If you know about preventive measures, as well as the symptoms of cystitis and possible treatments, you can deal with the problem more easily if it happens. Below are frequently asked questions about pathology, as well as detailed answers to them.

Is there such a thing as chronic cystitis?

Failure to treat the acute form of the disease in time leads to its transition to a chronic course. Chronic cystitis is defined as bladder inflammation that occurs at least twice within six months or includes three recurrent episodes within a year. There are the following types:

• Primary, it is characterized by the initial development of inflammation in the bladder.
• Secondary, 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 very painful course. As it develops, the woman begins to feel pain in the lower back, as well as in the abdomen. Also, painful sensations and a burning sensation are observed during urination. Although frequent urges to empty the bladder result in small volumes of urine, there is a constant feeling of fullness.

What infections cause female cystitis?

The main infectious agent of the disease is Escherichia coli. It accounts for about eighty percent of all cystitis cases in women. But its causative agent can be other microorganisms, including those that cause STDs. The introduction of the pathogen into the bladder does not always result in pathology, because the protective functions of the body are aimed at fighting it.

Common causes of cystitis

The main factor that causes the recurrence of episodes of the disease is the behavioral aspect:

• Promiscuous sex.
• Taking antibiotics that have a negative effect on the microflora of the vagina and intestines.
• Frequent change of partner.

Women at risk of recurrent pathology:

• Those who use spermicides for contraception.
• Postmenopausal.

Possible causes of relapse include:

• Residual urine after urination caused by genital prolapse.
• Reduced estrogen levels.
• Features of the location of the urethra caused by anatomical anomalies.

Can cystitis cause incontinence?

The disease can cause an unpleasant condition such as urinary incontinence. It occurs as a result of pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, so 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 is created in the first. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which ultimately disrupts their activity and causes inflammation.

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

What can you do for cystitis with guardianship?

Treatment of the disease during lactation should be carried out with caution, because during its course it affects not only the health of the mother, but also the child. Only a competent doctor can choose a suitable and, most importantly, safe therapeutic regimen. In this case, drugs that are not excreted in breast milk or do not have a toxic effect on the baby's body are prescribed.

It is strictly forbidden to take any medicine without a doctor's prescription. To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, you can use:

• Dry heat is placed on the lower snow.
• Antispasmodics are allowed during breastfeeding.

It is recommended to follow a special diet and stay in bed. The decision on the possibility of continuing breastfeeding is made by the doctor, taking into account the medications prescribed to the mother.

Is it possible to eat sweets with cystitis?

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