Bladder infection is a common diagnosis in women

Bladder infections are among the most common infections, especially for women. It is estimated that every woman ahs had or will have bladder infection at some point in her life. This type of urinary tract infection is not dangerous and it rarely has complications if diagnosed and treated on time.

Bladder infections in women

Women are more prone to bladder infections because of the way their urethra is shaped. It is shorter and thus less likely to be affected by the bacteria. While bladder infections in women are common and not considered dangerous, in men they are taken very seriously because the male urethra is longer and it takes much more for the bacteria to penetrate the bladder.

The symptoms of bladder infection commonly include frequent urge to urinate even if there is little or no urine, a burning or stinging sensation or pressure while urinating and discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen that resembles menstrual cramps. Sometimes the symptoms may include cloudy urine that smells bad or traces of blood in it, fever, chills and urine incontinence.

Bladder infection, which is also called cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection, which means if it progresses, it can affect other parts of the tract, for example the kidneys. However, because the symptoms are quite uncomfortable, women usually seek medical attention and the infection is caught and treated on time, before it has a chance to spread. Complications following bladder infections are considered to be rare.

Treatment for bladder infections

It is recommended to see a doctor as soon as one or more of the symptoms are noticed. That way the chances of getting rid of the infection quickly are much bigger. These infections are usually treated with antibiotics and in most cases they clear up after ten or 14 days of taking the prescribed medication.

The recovery can be accelerated by drinking large amounts of fluids, especially water, which will increase the urination and flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract. It is also recommended to drink cranberry juice, one of the best natural remedies for urinary tract infections. This juice contains hippuric acid which makes the urine more acidic and less favorable for the bacteria.

Some women suffer from recurring bladder infections and have problems with it several times a year. Recurring infections can be prevented by eating healthy and taking vitamins, but also by drinking cranberry juice and water with some salt diluted in it.