Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most affects the female body. In fact, almost every female representative faces this at least once in her life. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life, introducing discomfort and unpleasant sensations. That's why it's necessary to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

The disease is very insidious in psycho-emotional terms. Its appearance leads to the development of certain fears and complexes, and also increases the feeling of anxiety and irritability against the backdrop of the need to frequently go to the bathroom and give up some familiar things.

What to do if signs of illness appear? 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 that has arisen and make the correct diagnosis, as well as prescribe effective treatment. Doctors carry out a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and the prognosis of therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and high-tech equipment.

What is female cystitis

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

Cystitis in women is a frequently recurring problem. According to statistics, in half of cases of the disease there are repeated visits to a specialist within a year. As a rule, it is diagnosed in patients of childbearing age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease provokes 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 the exacerbation of symptoms that occurs periodically.

The course of the disease over a long period of time without treatment causes complications, which include:

• Formation of memberships in the MP.
• Urinary system dysfunctions.
• Kidney failure.
• Bleeding and appearance of ulcers on the bladder walls.
• Benign and malignant neoplasms.

Reasons for the appearance

Most of the time, inflammation of the bladder lining occurs due to the entry of fungi or bacteria. The threat of infection also increases due to the fact that the female urethra is short and wide, allowing pathogenic organisms to easily enter the urinary tract if the rules of intimate hygiene are not followed or sexually transmitted pathologies develop.

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

• Infections, including those transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. In this case, the entry of pathogenic microorganisms is ascending. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
• Special manipulations and surgical interventions. For example, bladder catheterization over a long period of time significantly increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory processes.
• The use of certain detergents and care products for intimate hygiene, whose substances can cause an aggressive reaction in the body.
• Exposure to low temperatures due to decreased immunological capabilities. 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.

It is also necessary to take into account provoking factors, including:

• Chronic infection of any location.
• Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature suffered in the recent past.
• Disturbances in the hormonal system.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
• Chaotic intimate life.
• Obesity.
• Prolonged use of certain medications, which led to a decrease in the body's protective properties.
• 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 of all forms of cystitis are described below:

• Appearance of a sensation of discomfort and distension in the area where the MP is located.
• Urge to urinate more frequently than normal, which has nothing to do with the volume of liquid consumed.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Impaired urinary output, which is expressed in a small volume of urine excreted with a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder.
• Change in urine color to brown or reddish, as well as a pungent odor different from normal.
• Unpleasant sensations during the bladder emptying process, manifested in pain and burning.
• Swelling.
• False urge to defecate.
• Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
• Blood or mucous inclusions in urine, its cloudiness.
• Sleep disorders.

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

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

Cystitis diagnosis

The first signs of pathology should serve as a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. During the consultation, a competent urologist will talk to the patient about existing complaints about the condition, and will also analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, examination of the external genital organs makes it possible to determine what the origin of the inflammatory process could be. In addition, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out to clarify the reasons that caused unpleasant symptoms.

Before proceeding to the treatment of cystitis in women, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. To do this, the following manipulations are carried out:

• Collection of urine to analyze its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for preparing and directly collecting urine.
• General blood test from a vein. It is performed to check the presence or absence of other diseases and assess the general condition.
• Bacterial culture of urine, which makes it possible to isolate the pathogen using special means. In addition, the technique aims to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which makes it possible to select an effective drug for cystitis in women.
• Cystoscopy, which involves examining the bladder lining 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 may be collected for further histological examination.
• Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder.

Cystitis treatment

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 progression of the disease, the specialist prescribes antimicrobials even before receiving the test results. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. The therapeutic course can then be adjusted to obtain the best results. In any case, the decision on how to treat cystitis in women should be made by a qualified doctor.

Antibiotics

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

The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women varies from three to fourteen days. During this period you need to consult a doctor.

Diuretics

This group includes medicines with a diuretic effect. Its intake increases the flow of urine, which leads to the elimination of pathogenic flora from the body, as well as a decrease in the level of irritating substances. Diuretics are prescribed relatively rarely as a tool to combat the disease. Basically, experts give preference to herbal options.

Antispasmodics

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

There is an opinion that prescribing drugs from this group in the treatment of the disease is unjustified. This is due to its effect on the muscular layer of the bladder, while the pathology is an 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 a component of the main treatment and for preventive purposes.

The choice of certain vitamin preparations, as well as their dosage, is based 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:

• help strengthen local immunity;
• stimulate bladder function;
• accelerate the tissue regeneration process.

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. Promotes the restoration and general strengthening of the body.
• Monovitamins prescribed for severe immunodeficiency and chronic diseases, characterized by frequent exacerbations.

It is important to remember that self-prescription of vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets for cystitis in women is strictly prohibited. The choice of one or another medication and the determination of its ideal dosage, as well as the frequency of administration and the duration of treatment are determined only by the doctor.

Features of the diet for cystitis

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

• Exclusion of seasonings, marinades, smoked meats and pickles. You should also avoid sweets and fried foods. You should strive to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, as well as tea and coffee should be banned.
• Reduce your consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meats.
• Minimize consumption of dairy and fermented dairy products. It is allowed to consume unsalted and low-fat cheeses, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, and milk in small quantities.
• Increase the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables in the daily diet, as well as vegetable oils, cereals and bran.

Cystitis in pregnant women

In cases where a disease is diagnosed in a pregnant woman, it is essential to follow the rules described below:

• Do not take antibiotics on your own to eliminate the problem unless prescribed by your doctor. This is due to the fact that taking antibacterial medications can have a negative effect on the fetus, and only a qualified specialist has knowledge of which medications are safe during pregnancy.
• Avoid instillation, which involves administering medications 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 medications that are part of the non-steroid group and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can cause the development of pathologies in the child.
• Do not undergo physical therapy treatment.
• Minimize the frequency of hot baths and also avoid going to saunas, baths and steam rooms to avoid overheating, which can cause uterine hypertonicity.

Therapy for pathologies in the later stages of pregnancy practically does not differ from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. However, in this case, the threat to the child from taking medications is significantly reduced.

It is worth remembering that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor determines what to do with cystitis in women during pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately report the first signs of the disease to the gynecologist and strictly follow all recommendations received.

Prevention

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

• Avoiding hypothermia.
• Ensure that the bladder is emptied on the first push.
• Maintain a healthy intimate life, avoiding promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
• Daily consumption of sufficient drinking water.
• Timely treatment of any infections of the genitourinary system.
• Compliance with personal hygiene rules.

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

The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course, which 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 signs, as well as prevent the development of undesirable complications. Specialists will provide a professional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, and will also tell you about the rules of behavior necessary to prevent the disease.

Common questions

Many women are interested in information about the disease, as it is one of the most common urological diseases. If you are knowledgeable about preventive measures, as well as the signs of cystitis and possible treatment methods, you will be able to deal with the problem much more easily if it occurs. Below are the most frequently asked questions about pathology, as well as detailed answers to them.

Is there chronic cystitis?

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

• Primary, characterized by the initial development of inflammation in 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, a woman begins to feel pain in the lower back, as well as in the lower abdomen. Additionally, painful and burning sensations are observed during urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder, although frequent urges to empty it result in the release of a small volume of urine.

What infections cause female cystitis?

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

Causes of frequent cystitis

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

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

Women at risk of recurrent pathology are:

• Those who use spermicides for contraception.
• Post-menopause.

Among the possible reasons leading to redevelopment:

• Residual urine after urinating, 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 lead to such an unpleasant condition as urinary incontinence. It occurs as a result of pathological damage to the muscular layer of the bladder, due to which it cannot function normally.

Can cystitis cause constipation?

Constipation may play a role in the development of the pathology. The fact is that the bladder and intestine are very close and, when feces accumulate in the latter, pressure occurs in the former. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which ultimately disrupts their functioning and causes inflammation.

Constipation with cystitis may occur 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 must be carried out with caution, as during its course it affects the health of not only the mother, but also the child. Only a competent doctor can select an adequate and, most importantly, safe therapeutic regimen. In this case, medications are prescribed that are not excreted in breast milk or that do not have a toxic effect on the baby's body.

It is strictly prohibited to take any medication without a prescription. To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, you can use:

• Dry heat placed on the lower abdomen.
• Antispasmodics allowed during breastfeeding.

It is recommended to follow a special diet and stay in bed. The decision on whether to continue 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 treatment aimed at eliminating the pathology, it is recommended to adhere to a special diet. It involves excluding certain drinks and foods from the diet, including sweets. After complete recovery, you can return to your normal lifestyle and diet.