Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most often affect the female body. Indeed, almost every female representative encounters it at least once in her life. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life, introducing discomfort and unpleasant sensations. That's why you need to get rid of it as soon as possible.

The disease is very insidious in psycho-emotional terms. Its appearance leads to the development of some fears and complexes, as well as increasing the feeling of anxiety and irritability against the background of the need to often visit the bathroom and give up some familiar things.

What to do if signs of illness appear? Stop trying to eliminate them yourself 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 conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and prognosis of therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and using high-tech equipment.

What is female cystitis

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

Cystitis in women 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. As a rule, it is diagnosed in patients of childbearing age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease causes 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 an exacerbation of symptoms that occurs periodically.

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

• Formation of adhesions in the MP.
• Malfunctions of the urinary system.
• Kidney failure.
• Bleeding and the appearance of ulcers on the walls of the bladder.
• Benign and malignant tumors.

Reasons for appearance

Most often, inflammation of the lining of the bladder occurs due to the penetration of fungi or bacteria. The danger of infections 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 diseases 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 has an ascending nature. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
• Special manipulations and surgical interventions. For example, catheterization of the bladder for a long period of time significantly increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory processes.
• The use of certain detergents and intimate hygiene products, the substances of which can cause an aggressive reaction in the body.
• Exposure to low temperatures due to decreased immune capacity. It is worth understanding that simply being in the cold cannot cause pathologies. 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 place.
• Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature suffered in the recent past.
• Disorders in the hormonal system.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
• Chaotic intimate life.
• Obesity.
• Long-term use of some drugs, which led to 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, due to the variability of its forms. The main symptoms of all forms of cystitis are described below:

• The appearance of a feeling of discomfort and distension in the area where the PD is located.
• A need to urinate more frequently than usual, which has nothing to do with the volume of fluids consumed.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Impaired urinary outflow, which is expressed in a small volume of urine excreted with a constantly persistent feeling of bladder fullness.
• A change in the color of urine to brown or reddish, as well as a sharp odor that is different from normal.
• Unpleasant sensations during the process of emptying the bladder, manifested by pain and burning.
• Swelling.
• False urge to defecate.
• Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
• Inclusions of blood or mucus in the urine, its cloudiness.
• Sleep disorders.

Additionally, 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 need to urinate. Signs of chronic disease become more intense during flare-ups.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The first signs of pathology should be a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. During the visit, a competent urologist will talk with the patient about existing complaints about the condition and also analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, examination of the external genital organs allows you to determine what the origin of the inflammatory process may be. Additionally, laboratory and instrumental diagnoses are carried out to clarify the reasons that caused the 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 performed:

• Collection of urine for the analysis of its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the fundamental rules for the preparation and direct collection of urine.
• General analysis of blood from a vein. It is carried out to check the presence or absence of other diseases and evaluate the general condition.
• Bacterial culture of urine, which allows you to isolate the pathogen using special media. In addition, the technique aims to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which makes it possible to select an effective medicine for cystitis in women.
• Cystoscopy, which involves examining the lining of the bladder by inserting a thin tube with a camera on the end through the urethra. The image is displayed on the monitor and the doctor has the opportunity to evaluate the condition of the tissues. Tissue samples may 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 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 examination results. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. Subsequently the therapeutic course can be adapted 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

Drugs from this group have the ability to destroy pathogens and also stop the infection to prevent its spread to other organs. In the early stages of treatment of acute disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, 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 disease, 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 it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Diuretics

This group includes drugs that have a diuretic effect. Their intake increases the outflow 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 relatively rarely prescribed as a tool to combat the disease. Basically, experts prefer herbal options.

Antispasmodics

Drugs from this group have also proven their effectiveness in solving urological problems such as cystitis in women. Taking antispasmodic tablets does not have a targeted effect in the bladder area. In this case a systemic effect occurs at the level of all vessels and organs.

It is believed that prescribing drugs from this group as part of the treatment of the disease is unjustified. This is due to their effect on the muscular layer of the bladder, while the pathology is an inflammation of its mucosa, 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. Furthermore, they can be prescribed as a component of the main treatment and for preventive purposes.

The choice in favor 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 the functioning of the bladder;
• accelerate the process of tissue regeneration.

All the above functions work well:

• Multivitamins containing at least two components.
• Vitamin complexes indicated for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. Promotes restoration and overall 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 drug and the 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 largely depends on the diet the woman follows during the treatment. It is recommended to follow some rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks during the entire therapeutic process. These rules mean:

• Exclusion of spices, marinades, smoked meats and pickles. You should also avoid sweets and fried foods. You should try to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, as well as tea and coffee, should be prohibited.
• Reduce consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meats.
• Minimize the consumption of dairy and fermented milk products. It is allowed to consume unsalted and low-fat cheeses, low-fat yogurt and ricotta, milk in small quantities.
• Increase the share 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 woman carrying a child, it is imperative 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 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 administering drugs 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 drugs 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 physiotherapy treatments.
• Minimize the frequency of hot baths and also avoid visiting saunas, baths and steam rooms to avoid overheating, which can cause uterine hypertonicity.

Therapy for pathology in the later stages of gestation has practically no difference from the treatment prescribed in the initial stages. However, in this case, the threat to the child from taking drugs is significantly reduced.

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

Prevention

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

• Avoid hypothermia.
• Ensure that the bladder is emptied on the first impulse.
• Maintain a healthy intimate life, avoiding promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
• Daily consumption of clean drinking water in sufficient volume.
• 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, for which it is advisable to include physical activity in your daily schedule. 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 treatment allows you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other signs, and also prevent the development of unwanted 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.

FAQ

Many women are interested in information about the disease, because it is one of the most common urological diseases. If you know the preventive measures, as well as the signs of cystitis and possible methods of treating it, you can deal with the problem much easier if it occurs. Below are frequently asked questions about the pathology, as well as detailed answers to them.

Does chronic cystitis exist?

Failure to timely 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 within six months or includes three episodes of recurrence within a 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, the woman begins to experience pain in the lower lumbar region and lower abdomen. In addition, painful sensations and burning sensations are observed during urination. There is a constant sensation of fullness of the bladder, although the frequent need to empty it causes 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 approximately eighty percent of all cases of cystitis in women. But its causative agents can also be other microorganisms, including those that cause sexually transmitted diseases. The entry of a pathogen into the bladder does not always cause a pathology, because the body's protective functions are aimed at fighting it.

Causes of frequent cystitis

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

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

Women at risk of recurrent pathology are:

• Those who use spermicides for contraception.
• Postmenopause.

Among the possible reasons that lead to redevelopment:

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

Can cystitis cause incontinence?

The disease can lead to an unpleasant condition such as urinary incontinence. It occurs due to pathological damage to the muscle 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 condition. 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, a violation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs occurs, 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 breastfeeding should be carried out with caution, since during its course it affects the health of not only the mother, but also the baby. Only a competent doctor can select a suitable, and most importantly, safe treatment regimen. In this case, drugs are prescribed that are not excreted in breast milk or do not have a toxic effect on the baby's body.

It is strictly forbidden to take medications without a prescription. To relieve the symptoms of the disease, you can use:

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

It is advisable 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?

In order 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.