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 bladder mucosa occurs.

Cystitis is considered a typically female disease.According to medical statistics, 80% of all cases of cystitis are women.This is understandable from an anatomical point of view: women's urinary tracts are much shorter than those of men, which means that pathogens (which are mainly the causative agents of cystitis) encounter less resistance and travel faster towards the bladder.This is why women should empty their bladder more often, and if urinary retention occurs, the risk of developing cystitis increases significantly.

Cystitis affects not only the mucosa of the bladder.In general, this is a rather complex disease that involves many complications and inconveniences.

Symptoms, diagnostic and therapeutic 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:

• According to the type of pathogen: bacterial cystitis (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonorrhea, other pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and others) and non-bacterial cystitis (toxic, caused by drugs, allergies);
• According to the nature of the course of the disease: acute cystitis (which manifests itself in the acute phase with the manifestation of typical symptoms) and chronic (which manifests itself in a latent or recurrent form);
• Depending on the presence and type of organic (morphological) changes in the organ: ulcerative, catarrhal, cystic;
• Based on the localization of the pathological process: cystitis of the mucosa of the bladder, affecting the submucosal layer, affecting the muscular layer.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

Pain with cystitis

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

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 radiating (wandering) in nature.The pain caused by cystitis moves to the lumbosacral spine and patients feel as if they have back pain.The pain syndrome can also be localized in the coccyx area.

The pain is often accompanied by general symptoms of intoxication of the body: headache of varying intensity (localized on the forehead), weakness and fatigue, hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) up to 37.5 - 38 degrees.Pain and manifestations of intoxication are considered a single symptom of pathology and are inseparable from each other, although with weakened immunity there may be no hyperthermia.

Cystitis with blood in women

In some cases, women with cystitis may notice that their urine has a pale pink or deep red tint.There can be two reasons: either we are talking about acute cystitis or its much more serious form: hemorrhagic cystitis.It is relatively simple to distinguish them;with acute cystitis, urine acquires a reddish tint at the end of urination;in complicated cystitis, the urine is red throughout the act and maintains its shade during all subsequent trips to the toilet.

Also among the causes of cystitis:

1. Injuries to the walls of the bladder and urethra caused by foreign objects;
2. Lack of bladder muscle tone;
3. Congestion in the bladder, leading to the development of degenerative changes;
4. Anatomical disorders (stenosis of the lumen of the urinary canal, compression of the structures of the excretory system by an oncological neoplasm).

Therefore, very often cystitis with blood in women is a secondary pathology caused by certain factors.

Acute cystitis with blood and, especially, hemorrhagic cystitis is difficult:

• Intense pain is observed, which is constant and persistent.
• Frequent false urge to urinate;
• The main manifestation of such forms of cystitis is bleeding.Although 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 urine, coagulates, forming large blood clots.Blood clots, which block the lumen of the urethra, lead to a delay in the outflow of urine and, as a result, further complicate the patient's condition.

Itching and burning with cystitis

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

Itching and burning also often occur with the 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, the antigen-antibody complex is deposited on mast cells (basophils) located in the area of the urethra and urethra.Under the influence of the complex, basophils are destroyed, releasing large amounts of the substance histamine, which is a mediator of itching and causes an unbearable sensation of itching and burning.

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

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

Can there be fever with cystitis?

To answer the question correctly, you need to understand why body temperature rises.Hyperthermia occurs as a result of an acute immune reaction 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.Infectious cystitis is almost always accompanied by an increase in body temperature which varies from 37.5 to 38.2 degrees.This normal phenomenon indicates a strong immune system capable of resisting infections.The height of the numbers largely depends on the direct causative agent of the disease.

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 infections and even adenovirus cause significant hyperthermia, up to values of 39 degrees.

Causes of cystitis in women

As noted above, the disease in the vast majority of cases develops in women, due to the short and wide canal of the urethra, the close location of the anus and vagina (as is known, the opportunistic microflora of the mucous membranes of the colon and vagina can also cause the development of inflammation of the bladder, and it often happens that pathogenic bacteria live on the mucous membranes).microorganisms that do not manifest themselves up to a certain point).

In 85-90% of cases, cystitis in women develops precisely due to the penetration of a pathogenic or opportunistic microorganism (infectious cystitis).The pathogen does not always enter the bladder from the vagina or anus.

The penetration routes can be different:

1. Descending path.The infection can spread from the kidneys to the bladder;
2. Ascending path.What has already been mentioned occurs from the outside through the urethra into the bladder;
3. Hematogenous route.Relatively rarely, a bacterium or virus enters the bladder through the bloodstream.The cause can be any outbreak of an infectious lesion in the body, however, the possibility of a pathogen penetrating, for example, from the tonsils into the bladder, is extremely small, but still exists.
4. Lymphogenic pathway.The pathogen enters the bladder from the pelvic organs that have become inflamed.

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

• Taking some medications.These, for example, include cytostatic drugs used to combat malignant tumors;
• Allergic reactions.Allergies are most often local in nature.In some cases, the bladder is affected.

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

1. Inflammation of the vagina (affected) and sexually transmitted diseases.Given the anatomical proximity of the vagina and urethra, the onset of cystitis is only a matter of time;
2. The same can be said about constipation and other intestinal problems (colitis, etc.).The microorganisms of the large intestine, also due to the anatomical proximity of the anus and external genitalia, can cause the formation of acute cystitis;
3. Nephrological diseases: kidney stones, nephritis and pyelonephritis, urinary retention.According to the descending principle, the infection often descends from the kidneys to the bladder and with urine stagnation, very serious pathologies and forms of cystitis can develop.
4. Peak hormonal states.Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause.The reason lies in changes in hormonal levels and, consequently, in the microflora of the mucous membranes of the vagina and urethra;
5. Predisposing factors also include endocrine diseases, in particular diabetes;
6. The risk group includes allergy sufferers and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Regardless of the causes and origin of the disease, cystitis includes a characteristic symptomatic complex:

• Frequent and painful urination.Burning, nagging pain in the bladder and urethra;
• The urge to urinate may be false;
• Urinary incontinence (sometimes);
• Increased nocturnal cravings without increased urine output.
• Constant pain in the pubic and perineal area, radiating to the lower back and coccyx.Pronounced pain at the beginning and end of urination;
• Dark-colored or cloudy urine, with pus impurities;
• General manifestations of intoxication.

If the cause is an allergy, painful 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 "have a drink" and "it will go away by itself" do not work here.

If the necessary course of treatment is not carried out on time, the consequences can be more than disastrous:

1. Kidney damage occurs along the ascending path.According to medical statistics, in 95% of cases, untreated cystitis causes serious kidney disease;
2. Women may suffer from urine backing up from the bladder to the kidneys.This happens extremely rarely;
3. Long-term and at the same time ineffective treatment of cystitis can lead to organic changes in the tissue of organs.The epithelium degenerates and, as a result, the bladder loses its elasticity, loses its ability to regenerate and decreases in size;
4. If specific treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, the risk of the disease becoming chronic is high.Chronic cystitis, especially infectious (and this happens very often) is a source 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 in time it becomes chronic.Relapses of cystitis are frequent and can occur almost several times a month.The disease puts extreme psychological pressure on a person, literally making a healthy member of society a hostage of the toilet.Furthermore, a dominant is formed in the human mind;
6. Weakening of the bladder sphincter.It can lead to the development of urinary incontinence.Most often it develops in older people.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The primary diagnosis involves an in-person visit by specialized specialists: urologist, nephrologist, gynecologist.

Specialists collect the medical history and establish the possible causes of the disease.

When taking anamnesis, doctors pay special attention to risk factors:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse;
• Hypothermia;
• Excessive emotional stress;
• Medicines taken;
• The presence of concomitant diseases and pathologies (mainly in the pelvic organs).

Laboratory research

Include:

1. Do a general blood test;
2. Do a general urine test;
3. Sending a urine test for cultures.

Among the instrumental methods, two main ones are used:

• Urethroscopy and cystoscopy.
• Ultrasound examination of the bladder.

How to relieve a cystitis attack?First aid at home

In more serious cases, it is recommended to resort to medications:

1. The best solution would be to take antispasmodics;
2. In addition to antispasmodics, pain is relieved by analgesics;
3. Herbal preparations containing oregano herbs and hop cones also help reduce spasm and pain caused by cystitis;
4. Under no circumstances should you take antibacterial drugs yourself.Taking antibiotics will certainly lead to a change in the picture of laboratory tests, and the specialist will not be able to establish the source and cause of the disease;
5. If the diagnosis is confirmed and already known to the patient, antimicrobial drugs can be used.

In all other cases it is better not to self-medicate.Attacks of complicated cystitis (with blood, hemorrhagic) are relieved exclusively in hospital settings.Otherwise, life-threatening bleeding may develop.

How to treat cystitis in women

Since cystitis in women most often develops due to an infectious lesion, specific therapy is aimed at destroying pathogens.

• In recent years, drugs from the fluoroquinolone group have proven their effectiveness.These antibiotics can only be taken according to the indications of a specialist;
• If diagnostic results reveal specific pathogens, appropriate antifungal, antimicrobial, or antiviral drugs are prescribed;
• To eliminate severe pain, antispasmodics and analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended;
• In the absence of allergies to medicinal herbs, it is allowed to take herbal teas based on cranberries, horsetail and bearberry.Preference should be given to unpackaged products;
• To quickly remove toxins from the body, it is recommended to increase your daily fluid intake.

Prevention of cystitis

Personal hygiene rules must be observed.For washing it is necessary to choose products that are neutral in their acid-base properties.Correct intimate hygiene is the key to the absence of relapses.

It is recommended to empty your bladder as often as possible.Stagnation of urine is fraught with the development of complications.

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

During an exacerbation of cystitis, it is worth increasing the volume of liquid consumed to 2-2.5 liters per day: water, fresh natural juices, cranberry juice.You should refrain from drinking carbonated water and artificial drinks.

Both in cases of acute cystitis and in cases of exacerbation of chronic cystitis, wearing tight synthetic underwear should be avoided.

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

Answers to the most frequently asked questions

Which doctor should I contact for 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 through sexual contact.

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

As for the other side of this issue, not everything is so simple.The most competent specialists recommend women to abstain from sexual activity for the duration of the disease.

However, if you cannot do without sexual contact, you need to follow the advice:

• Immediately before sexual intercourse, wash your body and clean your hands thoroughly;
• Avoid touching the vagina.During cystitis, the mucosa is subjected to increased stress, since it is impossible to completely protect it from urine particles;
• If concomitant damage to the uterus is suspected, exclude deep penetration;
• At the end of intimacy, be sure to wash the external genitals;
• Use barrier contraceptives (condoms only).

Cystitis after intimacy, what are the causes?

Developing cystitis after sex 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, is a congenital anomaly of the genitourinary system;
2. Another common reason is lack of proper hygiene.The partner may not be aware of this, as there are numerous microorganisms on the surface of the penis.As a result, the woman's urethra is attacked by an infectious agent.This group of reasons also includes alternating vaginal and anal intercourse without changing the condom or without replacing it at all.In this case, the causative agent of cystitis is the intestinal microflora (bacillus);
3. Vaginal dryness.Due to excessive dryness of the vaginal mucosa, cracking of the tissues occurs.The result is affected, which rapidly causes the development of cystitis.In this case, cystitis becomes a secondary disease.Therefore, it is not possible to have sex if the woman's genitals lack desire and sufficient hydration;
4. It is also worth remembering about sexually transmitted diseases.If the partner is sick or a carrier, the woman quickly becomes infected and in this case there is a risk not only of developing a sexually transmitted disease itself, but also of secondary cystitis.

Is it possible to play sports with cystitis?

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

Avoid:

• Visits to fitness clubs.Aerobics and exercises can lead to mechanical irritation of the urethra and bladder, as a result the symptoms will significantly worsen;
• I swim.Swimming is allowed, but not for more than 10-20 minutes.Prolonged exposure to cold water (30-50 minutes) definitely leads to local hypothermia.As a result of cooling, local immunity will decrease, and within a few hours the symptoms of cystitis will become more pronounced;
• Winter sports.Almost all winter sports involve prolonged exposure to the cold.Under such conditions, the risk of developing hypothermia and worsening cystitis increases significantly.Figure skating enthusiasts are advised to dress as warmly as possible, cover the pelvic and perineal area and never sit on the ice;
• Active sports associated with increased physical activity and a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure are excluded: boxing, wrestling, cycling.

However, there are numerous sports recommended for cystitis.They tension the muscles of the body evenly 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.It is harmful to wear tight, tight clothing.A tracksuit should not be tight;preference should be given to light, but at the same time warm clothing made from natural materials.

Is it possible to take a hot bath if you suffer from cystitis?

In general, the issue is very controversial.To answer this question we must start once again from the patient's current conditions and the course of the disease.You can take hot baths (warm, but not hot) only in the phase in which cystitis does not yet manifest itself with specific symptoms.In this case, gentle warming is not only not contraindicated, but also useful.

As soon as any of the following symptoms appear, thermal procedures are strictly contraindicated:

1. Muscle spasms (sharp pain and cramps in the lower abdomen and pubic area);
2. Burning and tingling during urination;
3. Blood or pus in the urine.

If we talk only about the initial stages of the disease, heating is allowed, but they should be used only within reasonable limits:

• Heating with dry heat.The salt is heated in a container to 38-40 degrees, poured into a cloth bag and applied to the sore spot;
• Foot baths.The tub is filled with warm water, after which you should take a foot bath for 10-20 minutes.Then the feet are dried and warm socks are put on;
• Sitz baths.In the early stages of the development of cystitis, you can do sitz baths with the addition of medicinal herbs.In this case, the water temperature should not be higher than 37 degrees, and the duration of the bath should be up to 10 minutes.Even a hot bath is prohibited in cases where other organs besides the bladder are affected;
• Hot shower.The optimal way to relieve cystitis and carry out hygienic procedures during the course of the disease;
• Warm your hands with heat.A palm is placed on the bladder area for several hours;
• Heating compress with eucalyptus oil.Effective in the absence of acute symptoms.But it is contraindicated in case of allergies.

Can menstruation be delayed due to cystitis?

There is no direct cause-effect relationship between cystitis and menstrual irregularities.However, as mentioned above, cystitis in women rarely occurs only with damage to the bladder.As the infection increases, it often affects the genital organs, including the uterus and ovaries located in the abdominal cavity.

The ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogen, a specific female hormone, which in itself helps to normalize the menstrual cycle.When the infection spreads to the ovaries, estrogen production decreases.As a result, the cycle is interrupted and therefore a delay in menstruation is possible.