For some unknown reason, some women repeatedly get bladder infections. This is called chronic cystitis. According to Dr. Robert Pugach, medical director of the Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, the main key to preventing infections is to urinate. Urinating several times a day prevents bladder infections by flushing bacteria out of the urethra.
Contact a urologist doctor in your area if you have any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bacterial infections affect the lower and upper urinary tract. Lower urinary tract infection is considered a simple cystitis (bladder infection). These symptoms consist of:
- pain when urinating
- frequent urination
- urge to urinate
- Pain and pressure in the lower abdomen
- Urine is cloudy, dark, or smells strong
Upper urinary tract infection symptoms technically recognized as pyelonephritis (kidney infection):
- Back pain below the side ribs where the kidneys are located
- Fever and chills
- nausea and vomiting
- Along with the symptoms of a bladder infection
Causes of UTIs
Women are more prone to UTIs because the urethra in women is shorter than the urethra in men. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Germs enter your system through the urethra. The germs that commonly cause infections are those found in stool. These germs come from wiping from back to front and enter the urethra, then travel to the bladder and possibly the kidneys. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health risks or death. Other causes of urinary tract infections should be considered:
- Sex can push germs into the urethra
- Not drinking enough water
- if you have diabetes
- yes you are pregnant
- Dehydration
- Lack of good personal hygiene.
Another cause of chronic cystitis is decreased estrogen. It is possible for one to experience chronic urinary infection symptoms without actually having a bladder infection. This hormonal change causes the vaginal tissue to shrink and the urethra to narrow. Changes in the urethra can affect the bladder with ongoing inflammation and irritation of the bladder muscles.
Dr. Pugach has treated many patients diagnosed with UTIs. Although her urine cultures are negative, showing red and white blood cells but no bacteria, the patient is still prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, treatment consists of short-term relief of symptoms before returning in a month. This is usually very discouraging as it is chronic.
At Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, Dr. Pugach specializes in many bladder control problems in women and treats them with an in-office procedure. This procedure gently stretches and returns the urethra to its original size and only takes about two minutes. To soften the urethra, estrogen cream is used and antibiotics are prescribed to help heal the bladder. After the procedure, patients may experience a mild burning sensation when urinating for approximately 1-2 days. Soon after, the UTI symptoms will dissipate.