female cystitis

Cystitis in women is inflammation of the bladder tissueCystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most commonly affects the female body. In fact, almost every female representative has encountered it at least once in her life. This disease significantly reduces the quality of life, causing discomfort and unpleasant feelings. That is why it is necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible.From a psycho-emotional perspective, this disease is very insidious. Its appearance can lead to the development of certain fears and complexes, as well as increased feelings of anxiety and irritability in the context of the need to frequently go to the bathroom and give up something familiar.What should I do if there are signs of illness? Give up trying to eliminate them on your own, or wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. It is best 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 and prescribe effective treatment. Doctors conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and treatment prognosis, using modern methods and high-tech equipment for diagnosis.

What is female cystitis

The pathology refers to acute or chronic inflammation that occurs in the bladder (UB) tissue under the influence of fungal or bacterial infection. However, non-bacterial types of pathology are also known.Cystitis in women is an often recurring problem. According to statistics, half of all cases will see a specialist multiple times within a year. Typically, the disease is diagnosed in patients of childbearing age. Refusal to treat acute forms of the disease can lead to its transition to the chronic stage. The latter is characterized by the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to other organs of the genitourinary system and the periodic worsening of symptoms.Long-term untreated disease can lead to complications, including:
  • Adhesions form in MP.
  • Urinary system dysfunction.
  • Renal Failure.
  • Bleeding and ulceration of the bladder wall.
  • Benign and malignant tumors.

Reason for occurrence

Most commonly, inflammation of the lining of the bladder occurs due to fungus or bacteria getting into it. Because the female urethra is short and wide, pathogenic microorganisms can easily enter the urethra if intimate hygiene rules are not followed or a sexually transmitted disease occurs, so the threat of infection is also increased.The main factors causing inflammation of the female bladder are:
  • Infections, including those spread through unprotected sex. In this case, the entry of pathogenic microorganisms is ascendant. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
  • Special operations and surgeries. For example, long-term bladder catheterization significantly increases the likelihood of inflammatory processes.
  • Certain cleansers and care products used for intimate hygiene contain substances that may cause an aggressive reaction in the body.
  • Exposure to low temperatures due to reduced immunity. It is worth understanding that mere exposure to cold does not cause pathology. This stay can lead to cystitis in immunocompromised women.
Predisposing factors must also be considered, including:
  • Chronic infection of any site.
  • Recently suffered from inflammatory gynecological disease.
  • Disorders of the hormonal system.
  • Failure to follow personal hygiene rules.
  • A chaotic intimate life.
  • obesity.
  • Long-term use of certain drugs can reduce the body's protective capabilities.
  • Other conditions, including diabetes, and the presence of chronic infections in the body.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

The symptoms of the disease are diverse, due to the diversity of its forms. The main symptoms of all forms of cystitis are as follows:
  • A feeling of discomfort and swelling in the area where the MP is located.
  • Feeling the urge to urinate more often than usual, regardless of the amount of fluid consumed.
  • Lower abdominal pain.
  • Impaired urinary outflow, manifested by less urine being excreted and a persistent feeling of fullness in the bladder.
  • The urine changes color to brown or reddish and smells different than normal.
  • An unpleasant sensation occurs during emptying the bladder, manifested by pain and burning.
  • Bloating.
  • False urge to defecate.
  • Displaces pain to other areas of the pelvis.
  • Urine is turbid due to inclusions of blood or mucus.
  • sleep disorder.
Additionally, symptoms of cystitis in women include chills, increased sweating, weakness, and a slight increase in body temperature. In some cases, urinary incontinence may occur due to pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder.The chronic form of the disease is characterized by mild symptoms, indicated only by an excessively frequent urge to urinate. Symptoms of chronic pathology become more intense during exacerbations.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The first signs of pathology should be a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. During the appointment, a qualified urologist will discuss existing complaints with the patient and analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, examination of the external reproductive organs allows us to determine the origin of the inflammatory process. In addition, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics were performed to identify the cause of adverse symptoms.Before starting treatment for cystitis in women, it is necessary to have a clear diagnosis. To do this, you need to do the following:
  • Urine is collected for analysis of its cellular and biological components. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for preparing and directly collecting urine.
  • General venous blood tests. Its purpose is to check for the presence of other diseases and assess the general condition.
  • Urine bacterial culture, which allows you to isolate pathogens using special culture media. In addition, the technology aims to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which makes it possible to select effective drugs for the treatment of cystitis in women.
  • Cystoscopy involves inserting a thin tube with a camera on the end through the urethra to examine the bladder mucosa. The picture is displayed on a monitor and the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the tissue. Tissue samples can be collected for further histological examination.
  • Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder.

Treatment of cystitis

The treatment plan is formulated by a doctor and is determined by the identified predisposing factors for the development of the inflammatory process. Effective treatment should aim to combat pathogens and other factors that contribute to adverse symptoms.If the condition is acute, specialists prescribe antibacterial drugs even before receiving test results. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. Next, the treatment process can be adjusted to achieve optimal results. Regardless, the decision about how to treat cystitis in women should be made by a qualified physician.

antibiotic

These drugs destroy pathogens and stop the infection from spreading to other organs. In the early stages of treatment of acute illness, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed that are effective against Gram-negative bacteria. If the test results indicate that the isolated microorganism is not susceptible to these drugs, the treatment regimen will need to be adjusted. In the case of a chronic disease, medications are prescribed after receiving the diagnosis.The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women is three to fourteen days. You will need to see a doctor during this time.

diuretics

This group includes drugs with diuretic effect. Their intake increases urinary excretion, thereby clearing the body of pathogenic flora and reducing the levels of irritating substances. Diuretics are relatively rarely used as tools to combat the disease. Basically, experts prefer herbal remedies.

Antispasmodics

This group of drugs has also shown its effectiveness in solving urinary tract problems such as cystitis in women. Antispasmodics taken in tablet form have no specific effect on the bladder area. In this case, systemic effects occur in all blood vessels and organs.There is a view that it is unreasonable to use drugs in this group as part of the treatment of this disease. This is due to their action on the muscular layer of the bladder, and the pathology is inflammation of its mucosa, independent of the muscles.

vitamin preparations

Vitamins are taken during recovery to restore and maintain the body's immune function. Additionally, they can be used as part of primary treatment and for preventive purposes.The choice of certain vitamin preparations and their dosage depends on many aspects, including the general condition and health of the patient, the form of the inflammatory process, etc. Cystitis requires the use of vitamins, among which:
  • Help enhance local immunity;
  • Stimulates bladder function;
  • Accelerates the tissue regeneration process.
All the above functions work fine:
  • Multivitamins containing at least two ingredients.
  • Vitamin complex for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. Promotes recovery and overall strengthening of the body.
  • Single vitamins are used in the treatment of severe immune deficiencies and chronic diseases characterized by frequent exacerbations.
It is important to remember that self-prescribing vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets for the treatment of cystitis in women is strictly prohibited. The choice of one or another drug and its determination of the optimal dosage, as well as the frequency of administration and duration of the course of treatment, are left to the sole discretion of the physician.

Dietary characteristics of cystitis

The effectiveness of treatment depends largely on the dietary habits a woman follows during treatment. It is recommended that certain rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks be followed throughout treatment. These rules mean:
  • Contains no spices, marinades, bacon and pickles. You should also avoid sweets and fried foods. You should strive to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Alcohol and carbonated drinks, as well as tea and coffee, should be prohibited.
  • Reduce consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meats.
  • Minimize consumption of dairy and fermented dairy products. Unsalted low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese are allowed, along with small amounts of milk.
  • Increase the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as vegetable oils, grains and bran in your daily diet.

cystitis in pregnant women

If a woman who is pregnant with a child is diagnosed with a disease, she must follow the following rules:
  • Do not proactively take antibiotics to eliminate a problem unless prescribed by your doctor. This is because taking antibacterial drugs can have negative effects on the fetus, and only qualified experts know which drugs are safe during pregnancy.
  • Avoid drips, which involve injecting liquid medication into the urethra and bladder. Masturbation is dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriage in early pregnancy.
  • Avoid taking non-steroidal medications with anti-inflammatory properties, which may cause lesions in children.
  • Do not undergo physical therapy.
  • Minimize the number of hot baths you take, and avoid saunas, bathtubs, and steam rooms to avoid overheating, which can lead to uterine muscle hypertonia.
Treatment of pathologies in the third trimester of pregnancy is almost indistinguishable from treatment in the earlier stages. However, in this case, the risk to the child from taking the medication is significantly reduced.It is worth remembering that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor can decide how to treat cystitis in women during pregnancy. Therefore, you need to report the first signs of the disease to your gynecologist immediately and strictly follow all the recommendations received.

prevention

The threat of developing this disease can be reduced by taking simple preventive measures. They offer:
  • Avoid hypothermia.
  • Make sure your bladder is empty on the first impulse.
  • Maintain a healthy intimate life and avoid promiscuity and unprotected relationships.
  • Drink enough clean drinking water every day.
  • Treat any infection of the genitourinary system promptly.
  • Follow personal hygiene rules.
Preventing cystitis in women also involves consistent bowel movements. An active lifestyle is also important and it is recommended to incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule. In this way, you can decongest the pelvic organs and stabilize the urinary process.The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course that significantly reduces quality of life. However, effective treatments can quickly make you forget about pain, discomfort, and other symptoms and prevent unnecessary complications. Experts will provide professional methods for diagnosing and treating cystitis and will also tell you the behavioral rules needed to prevent the disease.

FAQ

Many women are interested in information about this disease because it is one of the most common urinary tract disorders. If you understand the preventive measures, symptoms of cystitis, and possible treatments, it will be easier for you to deal with the problem if it arises. Below are frequently asked questions about pathology and their detailed answers.

Do you have chronic cystitis?

Failure to promptly treat acute forms of the disease can lead to its transformation into a chronic course. Chronic cystitis is defined as bladder inflammation occurring at least twice within six months, or including three recurrences within a year. There are several types:
  • Primary, characterized by initial inflammation of the bladder.
  • Second, the inflammatory process first appears in nearby organs and then spreads to the MP.

What harm does cystitis cause to women?

The disease is characterized by a rather painful course. As the condition progresses, women begin to experience pain in the lower back and lower abdomen. Additionally, pain and burning sensations are observed during urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder, although frequent urges to empty the bladder result in the release of small amounts of urine.

What infections can cause cystitis in women?

The main source of infection of the disease is E. coli. It accounts for approximately 80 percent of all cases of cystitis in women. But the causative agent may also be other microorganisms, including those that cause sexually transmitted infections. The entry of pathogens into the bladder does not always lead to pathology, since the body's protective functions are designed to fight it.

Reasons for Frequent Occurrence of Cystitis

Key factors leading to disease relapse are behavioral:
  • Promiscuity.
  • Taking antibiotics that can negatively impact the vaginal and intestinal microbiota.
  • Change partners frequently.
Women at risk for recurrent pathology are:
  • People who use spermicides for contraception.
  • Postmenopausal.
Possible reasons for redevelopment include:
  • Remaining urine after urination, which is caused by genital prolapse.
  • Estrogen levels decrease.
  • The positional characteristics of the urethra result from anatomic abnormalities.

Can cystitis cause urinary incontinence?

This disease can cause unpleasant symptoms such as urinary incontinence. It occurs due to pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, preventing it from functioning properly.

Can cystitis cause constipation?

Constipation may play a role in the development of the pathology. In fact, the bladder and bowel are located so close that when stool accumulates in the second bladder, pressure is placed on the first bladder. As a result, blood circulation to the pelvic organs is disrupted, ultimately disrupting their function and causing inflammation.Women may experience cystitis and constipation. But it has nothing to do with this disease.

What can a guardian do for cystitis?

Treatment of lactation diseases should be carried out with caution, since 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 treatment option. In this case, the drug prescribed is not excreted in breast milk and does not have toxic effects on the baby's body.Do not take any medication without a doctor's prescription. To relieve symptoms of the disease, you can use:
  • Apply dry heat to the lower abdomen.
  • Antispasmodics are allowed during breastfeeding.
It is recommended to follow a special diet and stay in bed. The possibility of continuing breastfeeding is determined by the doctor based on the medications prescribed to the mother.

Can you eat sweets if you have cystitis?

In order to increase the effect of treatments aimed at eliminating pathology, it is recommended to adhere to a special diet. It involves eliminating certain drinks and foods from the diet, including sweets. Once you have fully recovered, you can resume your normal lifestyle and diet.