Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most often 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, introduces discomfort and unpleasant sensations. That is why it is necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible.

This disease is very dangerous in terms of psycho-emotions. Its appearance leads to the development of certain fears and complexes, and also increases feelings of anxiety and irritation against the background of the need to regularly visit the toilet and release some common things.

What to do if signs of illness appear? Stop trying to eliminate it yourself, or wait until the symptoms go away on their own. It is best to see 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 effective treatment. Doctors carry out a comprehensive assessment of the pathological nature and prognosis of therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and use high-tech equipment.

What is female cystitis?

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

Cystitis in women is a frequently recurring problem. According to statistics, in half of all cases of illness there are repeated visits to specialists 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 the worsening of symptoms that occur periodically.

The long course of the disease without treatment causes complications, which include:

• Adhesion formation in MP.
• Malfunction of the urinary system.
• Kidney failure.
• Bleeding and the appearance of ulcers on the bladder wall.
• Benign and malignant neoplasms.

Because of appearance

Often, inflammation of the lining of the bladder occurs due to fungi or bacteria entering it. 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 intimate hygiene rules are not followed or sexually transmitted pathologies develop.

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

• Infections, including those spread through unprotected sex. 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, bladder catheterization over a long period of time significantly increases the likelihood of developing an inflammatory process.
• The use of detergents and certain care products for intimate hygiene, substances that can cause an aggressive reaction in the body.
• Exposure to low temperatures due to decreased immune abilities. It should be understood that just being in a cold state cannot cause pathology. Such accommodation 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 in any location.
• Inflammatory gynecological diseases experienced recently.
• Disorders in the hormonal system.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
• Chaotic intimate life.
• Obesity.
• Long-term use of certain drugs, which leads to a decrease in the protective properties of the body.
• Other pathologies, including diabetes mellitus, as well as the presence of a focus of chronic infection in the body.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

The symptoms of this disease are very diverse, which is due to its variability. 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.
• A more frequent urge to urinate than usual, which has nothing to do with the amount of fluid consumed.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Impaired urinary output, which is expressed in small amounts of urine excreted with a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder.
• A change in the color of urine to brown or reddish, as well as a sharp smell that is different from usual.
• An unpleasant sensation during the process of emptying the bladder, manifested in pain and burning.
• Bloated stomach.
• False urge to defecate.
• Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
• Inclusion of blood or mucus in the urine, its turbidity.
• Sleep disturbance.

In addition, signs of cystitis in women include chills, increased sweating, weakness and a slight increase in body temperature. In some cases, urinary incontinence is possible, due to pathological damage to the muscle 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.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The first signs of pathology should be a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. During the appointment, a competent urologist will talk with 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, an examination of the external genital organs allows us to determine what can be the source of the inflammatory process. In addition, there are laboratory and instrumental diagnostics that are carried out to clarify the reasons that cause unpleasant symptoms.

Before proceeding with 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 for analysis of its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for preparing and collecting urine directly.
• 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.
• Urine bacterial culture, which allows you to isolate pathogens using special media. In addition, this technique aims to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which makes it possible to choose effective drugs for cystitis in women.
• Cystoscopy, which involves examining the bladder mucosa by inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end through the urethra. The picture is displayed on the monitor, and the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the tissue. 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 the doctor and determined by the identified provocateur of the development of the inflammatory process. Competent therapy should be aimed at combating pathogens and other factors that are the cause of the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

In the case of an acute disease, the specialist prescribes antimicrobial drugs even before receiving the results of the examination. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. Next, 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 in 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 treatment of acute diseases, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which are effective against gram-negative bacteria. If the examination results show that the isolated microorganisms are not sensitive to these drugs, it is necessary to adjust the therapy. In the case of chronic diseases, drugs are prescribed after receiving diagnostic results.

The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women ranges from three to fourteen days. At this time you need to see a doctor.

Diuretic

This group includes drugs that have a diuretic effect. Their consumption increases the outflow of urine, which leads to the cleansing of pathogenic flora from the body, as well as a decrease in the level of irritating substances. Diuretics are prescribed quite rarely as a tool to combat this disease. Basically, experts give priority to the choice of herbs.

Antispasmodic

Drugs in this group have also shown 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, there is a systemic effect at the level of all vessels and organs.

There is an opinion that the prescription of drugs from this group as part of the treatment of the disease is inappropriate. This is due to its 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

Vitamins are taken during the recovery period to restore and maintain the body's immune function. In addition, they can be prescribed as a component of the main treatment and for preventive purposes.

The choice in favor of a particular vitamin preparation, as well as its dosage, is based on several 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 bladder function;
• accelerate the tissue regeneration process.

All the above functions work fine:

• A multivitamin that contains at least two components.
• Vitamin complex is indicated for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. Promotes recovery and strengthening of the whole body.
• Monovitamin prescribed for severe immune deficiency 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 followed by the woman during the treatment. It is recommended to follow certain rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks throughout the entire therapeutic course. This rule means:

• 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 the consumption of fish, chicken and fatty meat.
• Minimize the consumption of dairy products and fermented milk. It is allowed to consume unsalted and low-fat cheese, 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, grains and bran.

Cystitis in pregnant women

In cases where the disease is diagnosed in a woman who is carrying a child, it is important to comply with the rules described below:

• 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 qualified specialists have knowledge about safe drugs during pregnancy.
• Avoid inhalation, which involves giving medicine 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-steroidal group and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can cause the development of pathology in children.
• Do not undergo physical therapy.
• Reduce 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 late stages of pregnancy has almost no difference from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. However, in this case, the threat to children arising from taking medicines is significantly reduced.

Keep in mind that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor determines what to do for cystitis in women during pregnancy. Therefore, you need to immediately report the first signs of the disease to the gynecologist, and strictly follow all the recommendations received.

Prevention

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

• Avoid hypothermia.
• Make sure the bladder is emptied on the first urge.
• Maintain a healthy intimate life, avoid promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
• Daily use of clean drinking water in sufficient quantity.
• Timely treatment for any infection of the genitourinary system.
• Compliance with personal hygiene rules.

Prevention of cystitis in women also involves 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 urination process.

The disease is characterized by very unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course, which significantly reduces the level of quality of life. However, an efficient approach to its treatment allows you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other symptoms, 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 this 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 have knowledge about preventive measures, as well as signs of cystitis and possible methods of treating it, you can deal with the problem more easily if it occurs. 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 immediately leads to its transition to a chronic course. Chronic cystitis is defined as inflammation of the bladder that occurs at least twice in a six-month period, or includes three recurrent episodes in a one-year period. There are the following types:

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

How painful is cystitis 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, as well as in the lower abdomen. Also, painful sensations and burning sensations are observed during urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder, despite the fact that the frequent urge to empty it results in the release of a small amount of urine.

What infection causes cystitis in women?

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

Causes of frequent cystitis

The main factors that cause the recurrence of disease episodes are behavioral aspects:

• Free sex.
• Taking antibiotics that negatively affect the vaginal and intestinal microflora.
• Change partners often.

Women at risk for recurrent pathology are:

• Those who use spermicide for contraception.
• after menopause.

Among the reasons that may lead to redevelopment:

• Residual urine after urination, which is caused by genital prolapse.
• Reduces estrogen levels.
• Characteristics of urethral location caused by anatomical abnormalities.

Can cystitis cause incontinence?

This disease can lead to unpleasant conditions such as urinary incontinence. It occurs as a result of pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, because 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 stool accumulates in the second, pressure occurs in the first. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which ultimately disrupts its function and causes inflammation.

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

What can you do for cystitis with care?

Treatment of diseases during breastfeeding should be carried out carefully, because during its course it affects the health of not only the mother, but also the child. Only a competent doctor can choose a therapeutic regimen that is suitable and, most importantly, safe. 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.

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

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

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

Is it possible to eat sweets with cystitis?

To increase the effectiveness of treatment aimed at eliminating 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.