Almost every woman is familiar with them: the unpleasant and painful symptoms of a bladder infection. It burns when urinating , the constant urge to urinate robs you of sleep, and the general discomfort makes everyday life difficult. In fact, about 10 out of 100 women experience at least one urinary tract infection each year. Women are significantly more affected than men [1].
But why exactly? And how can you prevent it? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know.
The most important things in brief
Urinary tract infections mainly affect women because they have a shorter urethra.
The most common cause is ascending intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli.
Symptoms include burning when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy urine and pain.
D-mannose and cranberry supplements can help prevent this, as they prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder mucosa.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection occurs when at least part of the urinary tract is inflamed. These include:
- the kidneys
- the ureters
- the bladder
- the urethra
The most common cause is a bacterial infection , usually caused by the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli [2].
Classification
- Cystitis : inflammation of the bladder
- Pyelonephritis : inflammation of the renal pelvis
- Urethritis : inflammation of the urethra
How do urinary tract infections occur?
In about 80% of cases, cystitis is caused by bacteria that ascend into the urethra. Women are at increased risk due to their shorter urethras , which allow bacteria to reach the bladder more quickly.
Risk factors
- Incorrect hygiene measures : Wiping from back to front can cause intestinal bacteria to enter the urethra.
- Frequent sexual intercourse : Mechanical friction makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Tip: Go to the bathroom after sex to flush out any potential germs.
- Hormonal changes : For example, during pregnancy or menopause.
- Excessive intimate hygiene : Aggressive cleaning products destroy the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Important : Often it is sufficient to clean the intimate area with water only to maintain the protective function [3,4,5].
The symptoms: What you should pay attention to
A bladder infection quickly becomes noticeable through typical symptoms. If you recognize these symptoms, you should be alert to prevent it from getting worse.
Common symptoms of cystitis
- Burning and pain when urinating : An unpleasant sensation that is almost always a clear sign of inflammation.
- Frequent urge to urinate : Even if only a few drops come out, it feels like you have to go to the toilet constantly.
- Cloudy urine : The urine may smell unpleasant, be discolored, or even contain blood.
- Pain in the lower back or lower abdomen : The symptoms can spread to these areas and significantly affect everyday life.
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Warning signs: When you should see a doctor
If the pain is particularly severe and extends to the flanks (side of the back), the inflammation may have already reached the kidneys . In this case, you should definitely seek medical help!
Did you know?
Due to their shorter urethra, women suffer from urinary tract infections up to 50 times more often than men. While bacteria only have to travel about 3–5 cm to reach the bladder in women, it's 20–25 cm in men.
How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?
Typically, the symptoms themselves provide clear indications of a bladder infection. The following methods are available for additional confirmation:
Self-tests
Over-the-counter test strips can test urine for bacteria, blood, and pH . However, these tests are only a first indication and are not a substitute for medical examination.
Medical examinations
Ultrasound : To clarify severe cases or if kidney involvement is suspected.
- Cystoscopy : For frequently recurring infections or unknown causes.
- Swabs : Especially in cases of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), the discharge is examined to identify the pathogen [1,4,6,8,11].
How is a urinary tract infection treated?
Antibiotic therapy
In cases of severe symptoms or complications, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics.
Alternative treatment options
However, many uncomplicated bladder infections heal without antibiotics . Studies have shown that anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen are sufficient to relieve symptoms in many cases.
Study on Ibuprofen
A study of 494 women found that:
- Two-thirds of the participants who were treated only with ibuprofen recovered completely.
- However, there was a slightly increased risk of pyelonephritis.
Therefore, antibiotic-free treatment should only be used for mild symptoms and under medical supervision [9,10].
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