Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most often affect the female body. In fact, almost every woman faces it at least once in her life. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life, bringing discomfort and unpleasant sensations. That is why it is necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible.
The disease is very insidious in psycho-emotional terms. Its appearance leads to the development of certain fears and complexes, and also increases the feeling of anxiety and irritability against the background of the need to visit the toilet frequently and refuse some familiar things.
What to do if signs of illness appear? Give up trying to remove them yourself or wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. It is better to consult a doctor immediately. Make an appointment with a specialist who will determine the true nature of the problem and make the correct diagnosis, as well as prescribe effective treatment. Doctors carry out a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and the prognosis for therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and with the help of high-tech equipment.
What is female cystitis
Pathology refers to inflammation in an acute or chronic form, occurring in the tissues of the urinary bladder (UB) and under the influence of a fungal or bacterial infection. However, a non-bacterial type of pathology is also known.
Cystitis in women is a frequently recurring problem. According to statistics, in half of all cases of the disease there is a repeat visit to a specialist within a year. As a rule, it is diagnosed in patients of childbearing age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease leads to its transition to a chronic stage. The latter is characterized by the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in other organs of the genitourinary system, as well as by periodic exacerbation of symptoms.
The course of the disease for a long period of time without treatment causes complications, which include:
- Formation of adhesions in MP.
- Malfunctions of the urinary system.
- Kidney failure.
- Bleeding and the appearance of ulcers on the walls of the bladder.
- Benign and malignant neoplasms.
Reasons for the appearance
Most often, inflammation of the bladder mucosa occurs due to the entry of fungi or bacteria into it. The threat of infection also increases due to the fact that the female urethra is short and wide, which allows pathogenic organisms to easily penetrate the urinary tract if the rules of intimate hygiene are not followed or sexually transmitted diseases develop.
The main factors that provoke the appearance of inflammation in the bladder of the female body are:
- Infections, including those transmitted through unprotected sex. In this case, the entry of pathogenic microorganisms has an ascending character. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
- Special manipulations and surgical interventions. For example, bladder catheterization for a long period of time significantly increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory processes.
- The use of certain detergents and products for intimate hygiene, the substances in which can cause an aggressive reaction of the body.
- Exposure to low temperatures due to reduced immune abilities. It is worth understanding that simply being in the cold cannot cause pathology. Such a stay becomes a provocateur for the development of cystitis in women with low immunity.
It is also necessary to take into account provoking factors, including:
- Chronic infection of any location.
- Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature suffered in the recent past.
- Disturbances in the hormonal system.
- Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
- Chaotic intimate life.
- obesity.
- Long-term use of certain drugs, which leads to a decrease in the protective properties of the body.
- Other pathologies, including diabetes mellitus, as well as the presence of foci of chronic infections in the body.
Symptoms of cystitis in women
The symptoms of the disease are very diverse, which is due to the variability of its forms. The main symptoms of all forms of cystitis are described below:
- The appearance of a feeling of discomfort and stretching in the area where the MP is located.
- A more frequent urge to urinate than usual, which has nothing to do with the volume of fluid consumed.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Impaired urine outflow, which is expressed in the release of a small volume of urine with a constant feeling of bladder fullness.
- A change in the color of the urine to brown or reddish, as well as a pungent odor that is different from normal.
- Unpleasant sensations during the process of emptying the bladder, expressed in pain and burning.
- bloating.
- False urge to defecate.
- Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
- Blood or mucous inclusions in the urine, its turbidity.
- Sleep disturbance.
In addition, signs of cystitis in women include chills, increased sweating, weakness and a slight increase in body temperature. In some cases, urinary incontinence is possible, caused by pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder.
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by mild symptoms and its presence can be indicated only by an excessively frequent urge to urinate. Signs of chronic pathology become more intense during exacerbations.
Diagnosis of cystitis
The first signs of pathology should be a reason to make an appointment with a specialist. During the appointment, a competent urologist will talk with the patient about the existing complaints of the condition, as well as analyze the medical history to identify risk factors for the disease. In some cases, the examination of the external genital organs allows us to determine what may be the source of the inflammatory process. In addition, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out to clarify the reasons that caused the unpleasant symptoms.
Before proceeding with the treatment of cystitis in women, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. To do this, the following manipulations are performed:
- Collection of urine for analysis of its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for the preparation and direct collection of urine.
- General blood test from a vein. It is conducted to check the presence or absence of other diseases and to assess the general condition.
- Bacterial culture of urine, which allows you to isolate the pathogen using a special medium. In addition, the technique is aimed at determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which allows choosing an effective drug for cystitis in women.
- Cystoscopy, which involves examining the lining of the bladder by inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end through the urethra. The picture is displayed on the monitor and the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the tissues. Tissue samples can be taken for further histological examination.
- Ultrasound examination of kidneys and bladder.
Treatment of cystitis
The treatment program is prescribed by a doctor and is determined by the identified provocateurs of the development of the inflammatory process. Competent therapy should be aimed at combating pathogens and other factors that cause the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.
In the case of an acute course of the disease, the specialist prescribes antimicrobial drugs even before receiving the test results. This is necessary to minimize the risk of complications. The therapeutic course can then be adjusted to achieve the best results. In any case, the decision on how to treat cystitis in women should be made by a qualified doctor.
antibiotics
Medicines of this group have the ability to destroy pathogens, as well as stop the infection to prevent its spread to other organs. In the early stages of treatment of an acute disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which are effective against gram-negative bacteria. If the research results show that the isolated microorganisms are not sensitive to these drugs, it is necessary to adjust the therapy. In the case of a chronic disease, drugs are prescribed after obtaining diagnostic results.
The duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women varies from three to fourteen days. During this time you should see a doctor.
Diuretics
This group includes drugs that have a diuretic effect. Their intake increases the flow of urine, which leads to washing the pathogenic flora from the body, as well as reducing the level of irritating substances. Diuretics are relatively rarely prescribed as a means of combating the disease. In general, experts give preference to herbal options.
Antispasmodics
Medicines from this group have also shown their effectiveness in solving such urological problems as cystitis in women. Taking antispasmodics in the form of tablets does not have a targeted effect in the area of the bladder. In this case, there is a systemic effect at the level of all vessels and organs.
There is an opinion that prescribing drugs from this group as part of the treatment of the disease is unjustified. This is due to their effect on the muscle layer of the bladder, while the pathology is inflammation of its mucous membrane, which has nothing to do with muscles.
Vitamin preparations
During the rehabilitation period, vitamins are taken to restore and maintain the body's immune functions. In addition, they can be prescribed as a component of the main treatment and for preventive purposes.
The choice in favor of certain vitamin preparations, as well as their dosage, is based on a number of aspects, including the general condition and well-being of the patient, the form of the inflammatory process, etc. Cystitis requires the use of vitamins that:
- help strengthen local immunity;
- stimulate the functioning of the bladder;
- acceleration of the tissue regeneration process.
All the above functions work well:
- Multivitamins containing at least two components.
- Vitamin complexes indicated for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. It promotes recovery and general strengthening of the body.
- Monovitamins prescribed for severe immune deficiency and chronic diseases characterized by frequent exacerbations.
It is important to remember that self-prescribing vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets from cystitis in women is strictly prohibited. The choice of one or another drug and the determination of its optimal dosage, as well as the frequency of administration and the duration of the course of treatment are determined only by the doctor.
Features of the diet for cystitis
The effectiveness of the treatment largely depends on the diet that the woman follows during the treatment. It is recommended to follow certain rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks throughout the therapeutic course. These rules mean:
- Exclusion of spices, marinades, smoked meats and pickles. You should also avoid sweets and fried foods. You should aim to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, as well as tea and coffee, should be prohibited.
- Reduce consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meats.
- Minimizing the consumption of dairy and fermented milk products. The consumption of unsalted and low-fat cheeses, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, milk in small quantities is allowed.
- Increasing the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables in the daily diet, as well as vegetable oils, cereals and bran.
Cystitis in pregnant women
In cases where a disease is diagnosed in a woman who is carrying a child, it is mandatory to follow the rules described below:
- Do not take antibiotics on your own initiative to eliminate the problem, unless prescribed by your doctor. This is due to the fact that taking antibacterial drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus, and only a qualified specialist knows which drugs are safe during pregnancy.
- Avoid drips, which involve administering liquid medication into the urethra and bladder. Manipulation is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Avoid taking drugs that are part of the non-steroidal group and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can cause the development of pathologies in the child.
- Do not undergo physiotherapy treatment.
- Reduce the frequency of taking hot baths, and also avoid visiting saunas, baths and steam rooms to prevent overheating, which can cause uterine hypertonicity.
Therapy for pathology in the later stages of pregnancy has practically no differences from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. However, in this case, the threat to the child resulting from taking medication is significantly reduced.
It is worth remembering that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor determines what to do with cystitis in women during pregnancy. That is why you should immediately inform the gynecologist about the first signs of illness and strictly follow all the recommendations received.
Prevention
The threat of developing the disease can be reduced by following simple preventive measures. They provide:
- Avoid hypothermia.
- Ensuring that the bladder is emptied at the first urge.
- Maintaining a healthy intimate life, avoiding promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
- Daily consumption of clean drinking water in sufficient volume.
- Timely treatment of any infections of the genitourinary system.
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
Preventing cystitis in women also involves regular bowel movements. An active lifestyle is also important, for which it is recommended to include physical activity in your daily schedule. Thanks to this, you can get rid of congestion in the pelvic organs and stabilize the urination process.
The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course, which significantly reduces the level of quality of life. However, a competent approach to treatment allows you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other signs, as well as prevent the development of unwanted complications. Specialists will provide a professional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, and will also tell you about the rules of behavior necessary to prevent the disease.
FAQ
Many women are interested in information about the disease, as it is one of the most common urological diseases. If you have knowledge about preventive measures, as well as the signs of cystitis and the possible methods of its treatment, you can much more easily deal with the problem if it arises. Below are frequently asked questions about pathology, as well as detailed answers to them.
Is there such a thing as chronic cystitis?
The lack of timely treatment of the acute form of the disease leads to its transition into a chronic course. Chronic cystitis is defined as bladder inflammation that occurs at least twice within six months or includes three recurrent episodes within one year. There are the following types:
- Primary, characterized by the initial development of inflammation in the bladder.
- Secondary, in which the inflammatory process first appears in nearby organs and then spreads to the MP.
How does cystitis hurt in women?
The disease is characterized by a rather painful course. With development, the woman begins to experience pain in the lower lumbar region, as well as in the lower abdomen. Painful sensations and a burning sensation during urination are also observed. There is a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder, despite the fact that frequent urges to void result in the release of a small amount of urine.
What infections cause female cystitis?
The main infectious agent of the disease is Escherichia coli. It accounts for about eighty percent of all cases of cystitis in women. But its causative agents can also be other microorganisms, including those that cause STIs. The entry of a pathogen into the bladder does not always lead to pathology, since the body's protective functions are aimed at fighting it.
Causes of frequent cystitis
The key factor causing recurrence of disease episodes is the behavioral aspect:
- Indiscriminate intercourse.
- Taking antibiotics that negatively affect the microflora of the vagina and intestines.
- Frequent change of partner.
Women at risk of recurrent pathology are:
- Those using spermicides for contraception.
- Postmenopause.
Among the possible reasons leading to redevelopment:
- Residual urine after urination, which is caused by genital prolapse.
- Decreased estrogen levels.
- Features of the location of the urethra caused by anatomical anomalies.
Can cystitis cause incontinence?
The disease can lead to such an unpleasant condition as urinary incontinence. It occurs as a result of pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, due to which it cannot function normally.
Can cystitis cause constipation?
Constipation can play a role in the development of pathology. The fact is that the bladder and intestines are located very close, and when feces accumulate in the second, it presses on the first. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which ultimately disrupts their functioning and causes inflammation.
Constipation may occur with cystitis in women. But it has nothing to do with this disease.
What can you do for cystitis with guardianship?
Treatment of the disease during breastfeeding should be carried out with caution, because during its course it affects the health of not only the mother, but also the child. Only a competent doctor can choose an appropriate and, most importantly, safe therapeutic regimen. In this case, drugs are prescribed that are not excreted in breast milk or have no toxic effect on the baby's body.
Taking any medication without a doctor's prescription is strictly prohibited. To relieve the symptoms of the disease, you can use:
- Dry heat placed in lower abdomen.
- Antispasmodics allowed during breastfeeding.
A special diet and sleep are recommended. The decision on the possibility of continuing breastfeeding is made by the doctor, taking into account the drugs prescribed to the mother.
Is it possible to eat sweets with cystitis?
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment aimed at eliminating the pathology, it is recommended to adhere to a special diet. This includes excluding certain drinks and foods from the diet, including sweets. After full recovery, you can return to your normal lifestyle and diet.