How To Reduce Bladder Infection

If you’re a woman, chances are fifty-fifty that you’ve had at least one episode of cystitis, better known as a bladder infection. Urinary tract infections, or UTIs (infection anywhere along the urinary system from the kidney to the urethra), are the most common bacterial infections in women. Within the category of UTIs, bladder infections top the list—so much so that people use UTI and bladder infection interchangeably.

The reason such infections are predominantly a female affliction has to do with relative shortness of the urethra (the tube that transports fluids from the kidneys to the genitals for removal). Bowel bacteria such as E. coli, the usual cause of UTIs, simply don’t need to travel far to reach the bladder. And bacteria are, the most common cause of acute bladder infections.

Classic symptoms include burning with urination, increased frequency of urination, an urgent need to urinate (even if the bladder isn’t very full), nighttime urination, and discomfort above the pubic bone. The urine may be cloudy and foul smelling. Previously toilettrained children may have “accidents.” Young children may have only nonspecific symptoms, such as a mild fever, irritability, poor feeding, and restless sleep.

At the doctor’s office, you’ll be asked to provide a clean midstream urine sample. Because small children can’t usually provide an uncontaminated urine sample, doctors typically insert a catheter into their bladder or a needle through the skin of the lower abdomen into the bladder. A urine sample is taken and then analyzed. If bacteria are present, oral antibiotics are prescribed.

Antibiotics not only quickly stamp out the infection but prevent the bacteria from ascending to the kidneys. Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is serious. Symptoms include flank pain, fever, and chills. It can scar the kidneys, leading to problems such as high blood pressure and kidney failure. Treatment often requires hospitalization, with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

After a bladder infection, your doctor will probably ask you to return for a repeat urine culture to make sure no bacteria survived. Boys younger than twelve months of age with a firsttime infection and little girls with more than one infection usually undergo tests to check for anatomical abnormalities that would lead to repeated infection and kidney damage.

If you have recurrent bladder infections, you can do a number of things to reduce your risk of recurrence. For example:
• Drink lots of water—drink at least eight glasses a day, more if you live in a dry or hot environment or have been exercising. Thirst is a sign you need more fluid. Obey that urge.
• Urinate whenever you feel the urge; don’t “hold it.” Urination helps flush out any bacteria before they have a chance to stick to the bladder lining.
• Always wipe from front to back. Teach your children to do the same.
• Avoid constipation because it can trigger a UTI.
• Avoid irritants to the genital area, such as bubble baths, scented soaps, and deodorizing sprays. Such agents can inflame the urethra and vagina, creating symptoms that mimic a bladder infection.
• Don’t douche. In general, douching undermines vaginal health. It also increases the risk of UTIs.
• Urinate after having sex. (Intercourse can facilitate the movement of bacteria into the urethra and bladder.)
• If you’re using spermicidal gels with or without a diaphragm, ask your doctor whether a different contraceptive might be a better choice for you.