Cystitis: what really helps?

cystitis-what-really-helps

Constantly on the toilet, burning, itching – unpleasant! Cystitis is a typical woman problem – two out of three women get it at least once in a lifetime, sometimes it becomes chronic. What helps? 

Cystitis: What is it?

Cystitis – the doctors also speak of cystitis – is an infection of the lower urinary tract (urethra or urinary bladder). Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria; The pathogens in the urinary tract usually come from the intestine and pass through the urethra into the bladder.

A bladder infection can be treated well and is usually annoying but harmless. However, if the cystitis is abducted and rises in the kidneys (pyelonephritis), the inflammation can spread to other organs. In extreme cases, life-threatening blood poisoning as a result of urinary tract infections threatens.

Is there a difference to the urinary tract infection?

The generalized term “urinary tract infection” or bladder inflammation stands for a bacterial inflammation of the bladder mucosa, usually also simultaneously the urethra. Rarely, this also means the inflammation of the renal pelvis. Under a bladder infection  or bladder infection is thus understood only a lower urinary tract infection, which is triggered in most cases by e.Coli bacteria .

However, germs in the urine are not always indicative of cystitis: if there is more than one pathogen, this is more likely to contaminate the sample. However, if fewer than 100,000 germs are found per milliliter, this is not yet a sign of cystitis. The doctor only takes treatment in people at increased risk of cystitis (pregnant women, diabetics, etc.) before or in acute urinary urgency and the usual complaints.

Who gets a bladder infection?

Cystitis is a typical woman problem – two out of three women get it at least once in a lifetime. The reason: with them the urethra is shorter than with men; the pathogens are quick at the finish. Particularly affected are pregnant women. As cystitis can easily spread to pelvic inflammatory disease and cause a miscarriage, they are always treated with antibiotics.

If the immune system is weakened, for example due to stress or antibiotics, this can promote cystitis. Frequent sex irritates the mucous membranes, so that the bacteria have an easy game – it is also called a “honeymoon cystitis”. Exaggerated intimate hygiene weakens the natural defense of the urinary tract against the bacteria. Spermicidal creams are also suspected of weakening the vaginal flora. Women in and after menopause also tend to cystitis because of hormonal changes.

Which complaints should make me sit up?

Typical of bladder infections: You have to constantly go to the bathroomand suffers from a so-called irritant bladder , but then come only a few drops . In addition , it burns also hellish urination. Also, blood in the urineand purulent, turbid discharge can be alarm signals for cystitis.

How does the doctor determine if I am affected?

The doctor looks first at his patient, whether the mouth of the urethra is red and whether there is discharge. In the laboratory examination of the middle ray urine on bacteria, every second infection of the bladder and kidneys can be detected. Test strips for urine show elevated levels of white blood cells and nitrite in cystitis.

How can I treat a bladder infection?

A mild bladder infection gets you with home remedies under control. If the symptoms despite different home remedies (a lot of drinking, bladder and kidney tea, Cranberry, etc.) after a day or two is still not over, you should go to the doctor and get treatment, as well as fever or discolored urine . In addition, one should clarify the causes of recurrent cystitis in the doctor, if it catches more than three times a year.

Usually, the doctor gets the inflammation with antibiotics treatment under control. However, if the therapy does not work and the bladder infection recurs or does not disappear, doctors opt for a long-term antibiotic therapy . Patients must then take medication for the urinary tract infection for four to six weeks, as directed by the doctor.

Are there any gentle healing methods?

The first time you pull in the bladder you should warm up and put a hot water bottle or a hot hay flower pack (pharmacy) on your stomach. This helps against burning and constant urination.

The most important and simplest home remedy for urinary tract infections: drink water ! In addition to the usual amounts about three liters of herbal tea or mineral water a day. The pathogens, such as e.Coli bacteria or germs, are flushed out of the body by drinking. Also cranberry or cranberry juice often helps – it contains germ-killing substances that flush out the bacteria and germs urination through the urinary tract (who does not like the juice: Either is also available as capsules). The effect is even stronger when you also drink three to six cups of a special blister and kidney tea.

How useful is the cystitis vaccine?

A vaccine is supposed to make you immune to the triggers of bladder infections. The body is repeatedly exposed to killed pathogens – so the immune system should be fit for the defense of the germs. The fact that the vaccine actually protects against cystitis and strengthens the immune system, however, has not been scientifically proven . Some patients are then less affected by urinary tract infections, but others still get an infection of the urethra, urinary bladder or renal pelvis.

Can be vaccinated by tablet and syringe. The tablets (Uro-Vaxom) must be taken for three months in the morning on an empty stomach. After a break of three months, another treatment follows, usually for one month.

However, Uro-Vaxom only protects against bladder infections caused by coliform bacteria . The costs for the treatment take over the health insurance. Unlike the syringe (Strovac): Here, the patients themselves have to pay for their medication. For three weeks there is an injection every week, after a year, a refresher of the therapy is due.

May I have sex during a bladder insertion?

Bladder infections are usually treated with antibiotics, this kills the unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract, but also the lactic acid-forming bacteria are killed and other germs can spread easily – who wants to be on the safe side, rests so well these days, two days off. 

How can I prevent cystitis?

  1. If you wash your bladder well by drinking a lot, it reduces the risk of bacteria settling there and triggering infection with possible blood in the urine.
  2. The bladder should be emptied regularly and completely on the toilet. Not until she is full.
  3. Always wipe the buttocks from the vagina to the anus on the toilet – this way germs from the intestine have no chance of getting into the urethra or urinary tract.
  4. Do not sit on a cold surface, wear undershirts and cotton underwear, in the winter sometimes take out the wool pants and thick socks, take off the swimsuit after swimming – this is actually the best protection against an infection, because cold weakens the defense and makes it easy for the bacteria ,
  5. It is best to wash the pubic area with warm water only – and NOT with special intimate lotions. They can cause burning and pain when urinating.
  6. For women who often have bladder infections, certain contraceptives are more appropriate than others. Condoms protect against bacteria that enter the vagina during sex. From mechanical contraceptives such as the spiral is rather discouraged. Talk to your doctor best.
  7. Go to the bathroom after sex so that germs can be flushed out and an inflammation of the bladder can be prevented. So you prevent urinary tract infections.
  8. There is scientific evidence that cranberry juice or cranberry tablets can prevent bladder infections, especially in women who often get the infection.