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Cystitis in women

Lower abdominal pain is a symptom of cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary system.During the pathological process, for one reason or another (infectious agents, chemical and traumatic injuries), inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder occurs.

Cystitis is considered a typical disease of women.According to medical statistics, 80% of cystitis cases are in women.This is understandable from an anatomical point of view: women's urinary tract is much shorter than men's, which means that pathogens (mostly the agents of cystitis) encounter less resistance and travel to the bladder more quickly.This is why women should empty their bladder more frequently and if urinary retention occurs, the risk of developing cystitis increases significantly.

Cystitis doesn't just affect the mucous membrane of the bladder.In general, this is a rather complicated disease, entailing many complications and discomfort.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies depend on many factors:

  1. The nature of the pathological process;
  2. Localization of inflammation;
  3. A type of pathogen.

Cystitis is divided into types according to several criteria:

  • Based on the type of pathogen: bacterial cystitis (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonorrhea, other sexually transmitted pathogens, as well as staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and others) and non-bacterial cystitis (toxic, drug-induced, allergic);
  • According to the nature of the disease: acute cystitis (occurs in the acute stage with typical symptoms) and chronic (occurs in a latent or recurrent form);
  • Depending on the presence and type of organic (morphological) changes in the organ: ulcers, catarrhal, cysts;
  • Based on the location of the pathological process: cystitis of the bladder mucosa, affecting the submucosal layer, affecting the muscle layer.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

Pain due to cystitis

The nature and intensity of pain and discomfort during cystitis are purely individual and depend on the pain threshold, as well as the degree of damage to the bladder structures.

It is generally accepted that with cystitis, the pain is localized only in the bladder area.This is not entirely true.Often the pain can be diffuse (wandering) in nature.The pain from cystitis moves to the lumbar spine and the patient feels it as back pain.Pain syndrome can also be localized in the coccyx area.

The pain is often accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication of the body: headaches of varying intensity (localized in the forehead), weakness and fatigue, hyperthermia (increased body temperature) up to 37.5 - 38 degrees.Pain and toxic manifestations are considered a single symptom of the pathology and cannot be separated from each other, although with weakened immunity, hyperthermia may not be present.

Bloody cystitis in women

In some cases, women with cystitis may notice light pink or dark red urine.There can be two reasons for this: either we are talking about acute cystitis, or about its much more serious form - hemorrhagic cystitis.Distinguishing them is relatively simple;with acute cystitis, urine is red at the end of urination;with complicated cystitis, urine is red during defecation and retains its color during all subsequent defecation visits.

Also among the causes of cystitis:

  1. Injury to the bladder wall and urethra due to foreign objects;
  2. Lack of bladder muscle tone;
  3. Obstruction in the bladder, leading to the development of degenerative changes;
  4. Anatomical disorders (narrowing of the urinary tract lumen, compression of structures of the excretory system due to cancerous tumors).

Therefore, bloody cystitis in women is often a secondary disease caused by a number of factors.

Acute bloody cystitis and especially difficult hemorrhagic cystitis:

  • Severe pain is observed, constant and persistent.
  • Frequent urge to urinate;
  • The main manifestation of such forms of cystitis is bleeding.Despite the fact that blood begins to flow only a few hours after the onset of the acute phase, the intensity of bleeding can be so high that the blood under the influence of specific substances contained in the urine coagulates, forming large clots.Blood clots block the lumen of the urethra, leading to slow urine flow and thus complicating the patient's condition.

Itching and burning with cystitis

Itching and burning are probably the most common symptoms of cystitis in women after pain.Most often, both of these manifestations are observed with the allergic or infectious nature of cystitis.

Itching and burning also commonly occur with an allergic origin of cystitis.The allergen is recognized by the patient's immune system as an antigen, so the immune system produces specific antibodies to fight the "dangerous intruder".As a result of the reaction, antigen-antibody complexes are deposited on mast cells (basophils) located in the area of the urethra and urethra.Under the influence of the complex, basophils are destroyed, releasing a large amount of histamine, an itching mediator and causing unbearable itching and burning sensations.

For the same reasons, with inflammatory lesions, itching and burning are also observed: infectious agents and toxic products of their metabolic activity (bacterial origin cause cystitis) or specific substances contained in drugs accumulate in large quantities in the urine.When released, these substances act on nerve endings at the surface.

In general, a symptom such as itching with a probability of 95% indicates an allergic or infectious nature of cystitis, which means that there may be concomitant lesions in the vaginal mucosa.

Can you have a fever when you have cystitis?

To correctly answer the question, you need to understand why body temperature increases.Hyperthermia occurs as a result of an acute immune response to a substance or microorganism of foreign origin.At temperatures above 37 degrees, pathogens lose their previous activity and the intensity of their vital activity decreases sharply.Almost always, infectious cystitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature from 37.5 to 38.2 degrees.This normal phenomenon indicates a strong immune system that can fight infections.The height of the numbers largely depends on the direct pathogen.

For this reason, even cystitis of an infectious nature may not lead to an increase in temperature.For example, the causative agent of tuberculosis in the early stages of the disease is not manifested by an increase in temperature, while most sexually transmitted diseases and even adenovirus cause a significant increase in body temperature, up to a value of 39 degrees.

Causes of cystitis in women

As noted earlier, the disease in the vast majority of cases develops in women, due to the short and wide urethral canal, the close location of the anus and vagina (as is known, even the opportunistic microflora of the mucous membrane of the colon and vagina can cause the development of cystitis, and it often happens that pathogenic bacteria live on the mucous membrane).microorganisms do not manifest until a certain time).

In 85-90% of cases, cystitis in women develops precisely due to the invasion of pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms (infectious cystitis).Pathogens do not always enter the bladder from the vagina or anus.

Penetration routes can be different:

  1. Way down.Infection can spread from the kidneys to the bladder;
  2. The way up.What has been mentioned is from the outside through the urethra into the bladder;
  3. Blood sugar.It is relatively rare for bacteria or viruses to enter the bladder through the bloodstream.The cause can be any focus of infectious damage in the body, however, the possibility of the pathogen entering, for example, from the tonsils into the bladder, is extremely small but still exists.
  4. Lymphoblastic pathway.Pathogens enter the bladder from inflamed pelvic organs.

However, in addition to infectious origins, cystitis can develop due to:

  • Take certain medications.For example, among these are cytostatic drugs used to fight malignant tumors;
  • Allergic reactions.Allergies are often local in nature.In some cases, the bladder is affected.

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing cystitis:

  1. Vaginitis (colitis) and sexually transmitted diseases.Given the anatomical proximity of the vagina and urethra, the appearance of cystitis is only a matter of time;
  2. The same can be said about constipation and other intestinal problems (colitis, etc.).Microorganisms from the large intestine, also due to the anatomical proximity of the anus and external genitalia, can cause the formation of acute cystitis;
  3. Kidney diseases: kidney stones, nephritis and pyelonephritis, urinary retention.According to the principle of descent, the infection usually descends from the kidneys to the bladder, and when urine stagnates, very serious pathologies and forms of cystitis can develop.
  4. Hormonal state reaches its peak.Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause.The reason lies in changes in hormone levels and, consequently, in the microflora of the mucous membranes of the vagina and urethra;
  5. Risk factors also include endocrine diseases, especially diabetes;
  6. Risk groups include people with allergies as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Regardless of the cause and origin of the disease, cystitis includes a characteristic symptom complex:

  • Frequent and painful urination.Burning, persistent pain in the bladder and urethra;
  • The urge to urinate may be wrong;
  • Urinary incontinence (sometimes);
  • The urge increases at night without increasing urine output.
  • Constant pain in the pubic area and perineum, radiating to the lower back and tailbone.Sharp pain at the beginning and end of urination;
  • Urine is dark or cloudy, containing pus;
  • General manifestations of poisoning.

If the cause lies in allergies, itching and burning in the urethral area may develop.

Complications and consequences of cystitis

Cystitis is by no means a harmless disease, and the principles of “drink something” and “go away on your own” do not work here.

If the necessary treatment is not carried out promptly, the consequences can be even more severe:

  1. Along the way up, kidney damage occurs.According to medical statistics, in 95% of cases, untreated cystitis will cause severe kidney disease;
  2. Women may have urine from the bladder return to the kidneys.This happens extremely rarely;
  3. Long-term and ineffective treatment of cystitis can lead to organic changes in organ tissue.The epithelium degenerates, as a result of which the bladder loses its elasticity, loses its ability to regenerate, and decreases in size;
  4. If not treated promptly, the risk of the disease becoming chronic is very high.Chronic cystitis, especially infectious (and this is most often the case) is the cause of constant inflammation;
  5. Although it is difficult to call stress and depression direct complications of cystitis, they are.If the disease is not treated promptly, it will become chronic.Cystitis recurs frequently and can occur almost several times a month.This disease puts extreme psychological pressure on a person, literally turning a healthy member of society into a toilet hostage.Additionally, dominance is built into the human mind;
  6. Weakness of the bladder sphincter.May lead to the development of urinary incontinence.Usually, it develops in older people.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The main diagnosis includes direct examination by specialized specialists: urologist, nephrologist, gynecologist.

Specialists collect a medical history and determine possible causes of the disease.

When collecting a history, doctors pay special attention to risk factors:

  • unprotected sex;
  • Hypothermia;
  • Excessive emotional stress;
  • Medicines used;
  • Presence of accompanying diseases and pathologies (mainly in the pelvic organs).

Laboratory research

Include:

  1. Do a general blood test;
  2. Do a general urine test;
  3. Send urine test for culture.

Among the tool methods, two main methods are used:

  • Urethoscopy and cystoscopy.
  • Bladder ultrasound examination.

How to ease an attack of cystitis?First aid at home

In severe cases, medication should be used:

  1. The best solution is to take antispasmodic drugs;
  2. In addition to antispasmodics, analgesics also relieve pain;
  3. Herbal preparations containing oregano and hops also help relieve spasms and pain caused by cystitis;
  4. In any case, you should not use antibacterial drugs on your own.Using antibiotics is guaranteed to change the picture of laboratory testing, the specialist will not be able to determine the origin and cause of the disease;
  5. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the patient already knows, you can use antibacterial drugs.

In all other cases, it is better not to self-medicate.Complicated cystitis attacks (blood, hemorrhage) only improve when hospitalized.Otherwise, life-threatening bleeding may develop.

How to treat cystitis in women

Since cystitis in women often develops as a result of infectious lesions, specific therapy is aimed at destroying the pathogen.

  • In recent years, fluoroquinolone drugs have proven their effectiveness.These antibiotics can only be taken as directed by a specialist;
  • If the diagnostic results reveal a specific pathogen, appropriate antifungal, antibacterial, or antiviral medications will be prescribed;
  • To eliminate severe pain, it is recommended to take antispasmodic and analgesic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • In the absence of an allergy to medicinal herbs, it is allowed to drink herbal teas made from cranberries, horsetail and bearberry.Priority should be given to unpackaged products;
  • To quickly remove toxins from the body, daily fluid intake should be increased.

Prevention of cystitis

Personal hygiene rules must be observed.For washing, you need to choose products with neutral acid-base properties.Proper intimate care is the key to no recurrence.

You should empty your bladder as often as possible.Stagnant urine has a higher risk of developing complications.

Hypothermia is not allowed.Feet should be kept warm and dry.

During the period of exacerbation of cystitis, it is necessary to increase the amount of liquid consumed to 2-2.5 liters per day: water, fresh natural juices, cranberry juice.You should limit drinking carbonated water and artificial drinks.

Both in cases of acute cystitis and in cases of more severe chronic cystitis, you should avoid wearing tight synthetic underwear.

Constipation indirectly affects the risk of developing cystitis.Therefore, preventive measures also include methods to improve bowel movements.

Answers to common questions

Which doctor should I contact if I have cystitis?

You should contact three specialists: a urologist, a nephrologist and a gynecologist.

Is it possible to have sex with cystitis?Is it sexually transmitted?

Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder.Of course, it is simply impossible to get cystitis during sex.

However, there is a high possibility of transmitting to your partner the infectious agents that cause cystitis.But we must make a reservation: transmission of pathogenic microorganisms is possible only if the disease is of infectious origin.In all other cases, the partner is safe.

On the other side of this issue, things are not so simple.Most competent experts advise women to abstain from sex during the disease.

However, if you cannot do without sex, you need to follow the recommendations:

  • Right before having sex, take a shower and wash your hands thoroughly;
  • Avoid touching the vagina.During cystitis, the mucous membrane is subjected to increased pressure because it cannot be completely protected from urine particles;
  • If concomitant uterine injury is suspected, rule out deep penetration;
  • At the end of intimacy, remember to wash the external genitalia;
  • Use barrier contraception (condoms only).

Cystitis after sex, what is the cause?

The development of cystitis after sexual intercourse is not a far-fetched problem.Postcoital cystitis (also called “honeymoon syndrome”) occurs in about 45% of cases.As a rule, it is detected after the first sexual intercourse.

There are several reasons for this:

  1. The most common, but at the same time the most difficult to eliminate, are birth defects of the genitourinary system;
  2. Another common reason is lack of proper hygiene.Your partner may not be aware of this as there are many microorganisms on the surface of the penis.As a result, the woman's urethra is attacked by infectious agents.This group of reasons also includes alternating vaginal and anal sex without changing condoms or not using condoms at all.In this case, the agent causing cystitis is intestinal microflora (bacilli);
  3. Vaginal dryness.Due to excessive dryness of the vaginal mucosa, tissue cracking occurs.The result is colitis, which quickly provokes the development of cystitis.In this case, cystitis becomes a secondary disease.Therefore, you cannot have sex if the woman's genitals lack desire and sufficient hydration;
  4. It is also worth remembering about sexually transmitted diseases.If the sexual partner is sick or is a carrier, the woman will quickly become infected and in this case there is not only a risk of sexually transmitted diseases, but also a risk of secondary cystitis.

Can you play sports with cystitis?

In this case, everything is purely individual and depends on the patient's condition and the severity of cystitis.However, some physical activities must be given up.

Stay away from:

  • Visit fitness clubs.Aerobics and exercises can lead to mechanical irritation of the urethra and bladder, as a result of which symptoms will become more severe;
  • Swimming.Swimming is allowed but not more than 10-20 minutes.Prolonged exposure to cold water (30-50 minutes) will inevitably lead to local hypothermia.Due to cooling, local immunity will decrease and in just a few hours the symptoms of cystitis will become more pronounced;
  • Winter sports.Almost all winter sports involve long-term exposure to cold.Under such conditions, the risk of hypothermia and exacerbation of cystitis will increase significantly.Figure skating enthusiasts should dress as warmly as possible, covering the pelvic and perineal areas, and should never sit on the ice;
  • Exclude active sports that involve increased physical activity and a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure: boxing, wrestling, cycling.

However, there are some sports that are recommended for cystitis.They evenly stretch the body's muscles and do not cause significant fatigue.These are jogging, walking, basketball, volleyball.Dancing is also allowed.It is important to remember that clothing must be appropriate.Wearing tight, tight clothes is harmful.Tracksuits should not be tight;Priority should be given to light but at the same time warm clothes made from natural materials.

Can you take a hot bath if you have cystitis?

In general, this issue is still very controversial.To answer this question, we must proceed from the patient's current condition and the course of the disease.You can only take a warm bath (warm but not hot) at a stage when cystitis has not yet appeared with specific symptoms.In this case, light warming is not only not contraindicated, but also useful.

As soon as one of the following symptoms appears, heat treatment procedures are strictly contraindicated:

  1. Muscle spasms (throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen and pubic area);
  2. Burning and stinging when urinating;
  3. Blood or pus in the urine.

If we are talking only about the initial stages of the disease, warm-ups are allowed, but they are used only within reasonable limits:

  • Heat with dry heat.Salt is heated in a jar to 38-40 degrees, poured into a cloth bag and applied to the painful area;
  • Soak your feet.The basin is filled with warm water, then you should soak your feet for 10-20 minutes.After that, the feet are dried and warm socks are put on;
  • Sitz bath.In the early stages of the development of cystitis, you can take a sitz bath with the addition of medicinal herbs.In this case, the water temperature should not be higher than 37 degrees and the bathing time should be a maximum of 10 minutes.Even warm baths are prohibited in cases where organs other than the bladder are affected;
  • Take a warm bath.Optimal ways to reduce cystitis and carry out hygienic procedures during the course of the disease;
  • Warm your hands with warmth.Place the palm of your hand on the bladder area for several hours;
  • Apply warm compresses with eucalyptus oil.Effective in the absence of acute symptoms.But it is contraindicated for allergies.

Can menstruation be delayed due to cystitis?

There is no direct cause-and-effect relationship between cystitis and irregular menstruation.However, as mentioned earlier, cystitis in women rarely occurs only when the bladder is damaged.As the infection progresses, it often affects the genital organs, including the uterus and ovaries located in the abdominal cavity.

The ovaries are responsible for producing estrogen, a specific female hormone, which helps normalize the menstrual cycle.When the infection spreads to the ovaries, estrogen production decreases.As a result, the cycle is interrupted and menstruation may be delayed.