Bladder Infection

Cystitis

Normal

Abnormal

Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria. It is an extremely common problem and most often affects women. Men can also have Bladder Infections, but it is much less common.

The most common symptoms are frequent urination, burning or painful urination, and urgency (having to urinate right away).

Some notice blood in their urine, while others have pain in the region of the bladder.

Most do not have fever and usually are not very sick.

Cystitis is usually due to a bacterial infection of the urine. Occasionally, it can be caused by a virus.

The infection is more common in women because a woman's anatomy is designed in such a way that it makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder (short urethra).

Sexual intercourse, using spermicidal creams, and using diaphragms all increase the risk of developing Bladder Infection.

People who have a catheter in their bladder or who have to periodically catheterize themselves have a higher risk of developing Bladder Infection.

People with Bladder Cancers or abnormal connections between their bladder and intestines also have a higher risk of developing Bladder Infection.

Often times, treatment may be based on the symptoms alone, without additional tests.

Urinalysis (in which the urine is tested for the presence of an infection) is the most common method of diagnosis.

Blood and Urine cultures may also be required.

In women with frequent infections (more than three a year), a full examination of the urinary tract (usually by a specialist) needs to be done. Also, it is sometimes recommended that all men who develop any type of urinary infection, including Bladder Infections, need to be seen by a specialist.

Antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. There are a wide variety of antibiotics available for the treatment of Bladder Infections. Talk to your doctor to see which one is best for you.

Some infections only require 3 days of antibiotics. Other more serious infections require 7 to 10 days of antibiotic therapy.

Women who have more than three Bladder Infections per year may need prophylactic therapy (i.e., they are given antibiotics to prevent repeat infections).

The most common antibiotics used for prophylactic therapy are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and cephalexin. The antibiotics are taken once a day or at the time of intercourse.