Bladder Infection: Specialists & Information

A bladder infection is an infection of the bladder.

This inflammation is usually caused by bacteria, though viruses or fungi can also be the cause in rare cases. Depending on the cause, doctors distinguish between bacterial and nonbacterial cystitis. 

The pathogens usually enter the bladder from the outside via the urethra. Once there, they cause inflammation of the mucous membrane or the entire bladder wall.

A bladder infection can either occur acutely or become chronic and then recur repeatedly.

In addition, depending on its course, a distinction is made between uncomplicated and complicated cystitis: If the infection remains confined to the bladder, it is referred to as uncomplicated cystitis. If the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract, it is considered a complicated cystitis.

Cystitis is one of the most common infectious diseases.

Women are particularly affected. It is estimated that 50 to 70 percent of all adult women experience a bladder infection at least once in their lives. In about one-third of affected women, the bladder infection recurs.

Children under the age of six are also more frequently affected. About seven percent of girls and two percent of boys under the age of six develop cystitis at least once.

Men are rarely affected by a bladder infection. They have a longer urethra than women. As a result, pathogens do not penetrate the bladder as easily.

It is not until the age of 50 that men also begin to experience bladder infections more frequently, due to the increasing prevalence of prostate conditions.

Women have a shorter urethra than men, which is why they are more likely to develop a bladder infection © Alila Medical Media | AdobeStock

Various pathogens can cause cystitis:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi, or
• parasites

In most cases, cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection. The most common pathogen responsible for bacterial cystitis is the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. It is responsible for about 80 percent of bacterial bladder infections.

Women are particularly prone to developing cystitis compared to men because they have a shorter urethra. The urethra is only about 4 cm long in women, compared to 20 cm in men. 

Another anatomical disadvantage for women is that their urethra and the opening of the anus are located very close to each other. Pathogens originating in the intestines can therefore enter the urethra more quickly and easily.

The bacteria that cause the infection are usually transmitted through what is known as a “contamination infection.” The bacteria enter the urethra from the anus or feces, or even during sexual intercourse.

Cystitis is also made more likely by:

• a weakened immune system or
• exposure to the cold due to inadequate clothing or cold feet
• Women going through menopause or pregnancy are also more susceptible to bladder infections due to hormonal changes

A bladder infection is usually a form of lower urinary tract infection. The symptoms are limited to the lower part of the urinary tract.

Typical symptoms that occur with such an uncomplicated bladder infection include:

• a burning sensation when urinating
• a frequent urge to urinate
• and frequent urination in small amounts

Occasionally, a bladder infection can also lead to involuntary urine leakage. Cramping pain in the lower abdomen during urination may also occur. In addition, the urine may be cloudy, have an unusual odor, or even contain blood.

Fever and kidney pain may indicate that the bladder infection has spread to the upper urinary tract. A possible complication of a complicated bladder infection is pyelonephritis.

The diagnosis is primarily based on the typical symptoms. During a medical history interview, the doctor asks the patient about their symptoms.

Following this, the doctor performs a physical examination. If necessary, the doctor also checks for a fever.

For women who suffer from cystitis more frequently, an ultrasound examination of the upper and lower urinary tract is necessary.

The urinary tract includes:

• the kidneys
• the ureters
• the bladder, and
• the urethra

This allows doctors to identify and treat anatomical changes or other causes of a bladder infection.

To definitively confirm a diagnosis of a bladder infection, a urine test is also necessary. For this, the patient must collect a midstream urine sample in a cup. Doctors then have this sample tested for bacteria.

This test can be performed either by a doctor or as part of a self-test using a test strip. If the collected urine is bloody, cloudy, or has a foul odor, this indicates cystitis.

The primary goal of treating a bladder infection is to relieve symptoms and address the underlying cause.

Pain relievers containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain during urination. In addition, the doctor may prescribe medications that relax the bladder muscles.

Treatment with Antibiotics

If bacteria are responsible for the bladder infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. For an uncomplicated bladder infection limited to the bladder, you’ll typically need to take the pills for three days.

In the case of a complicated bladder infection, the treatment duration may be longer.

Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop taking it early. This prevents pathogens from surviving and developing resistance to the antibiotic.

Treatment with Herbal Remedies

Herbal substances may also be considered as a supplement to antibiotic therapy.

These should have the following effects:

• anti-inflammatory
• diuretic
• antispasmodic

Examples include:

• birch leaves
• Goldenrod
• Nettle leaves
• Cranberries
• Cat's whisker leaves
• Field horsetail and
• Juniper

Special bladder and kidney teas containing these herbal ingredients are available at almost every pharmacy.

Self-Care for a Bladder Infection

Affected women can also help alleviate their symptoms on their own by taking simple measures. For example, it’s especially important to drink at least two to three liters a day during an acute bladder infection.

You should also empty your bladder frequently. This helps flush the pathogens out of the inflamed bladder quickly.

Special kidney and bladder teas, which have a diuretic effect, are particularly well-suited for this purpose. Furthermore, it’s advisable to keep yourself warm during a bladder infection, for example with:

• a hot water bottle
• warm sitz baths, or
• warm, moist compresses applied to the bladder area

Such heat treatments relax the bladder muscles and relieve pain.

You can prevent a bladder infection by following a few guidelines and rules:

• drink plenty of fluids
• Empty your bladder completely when urinating
• Practice proper intimate hygiene: Wipe with toilet paper from front to back (toward the anal area)
• Use the restroom immediately after sexual intercourse
• protect the pelvic area from getting too cold
• Change out of wet swimwear immediately after swimming

Excessive intimate hygiene with too much soap is also harmful. Soap attacks the skin’s natural protective acid mantle. This allows bacteria to penetrate more easily and multiply more quickly.

A visit to the doctor is necessary if the following measures do not provide relief:

• Drinking more fluids
• heat therapy, or
• self-treatment with herbal remedies

In addition, it is advisable to see a doctor if:

• the symptoms of a bladder infection have not gone away after three days
• additional symptoms such as fever and chills occur
• you experience pain in the kidney area and reddish urine
• you are pregnant or have diabetes
• you frequently suffer from a urinary tract infection
• a child has a bladder infection
• You are a man