Bladder Infection Signs

The medical term to describe bladder infection is cystitis. It is also called urinary tract infection (UTI). Women are more prone to bladder infection because of their anatomy, especially the size of urethra. The pathogenic bacteria enter the urethra, multiplies in number and cause an infection. More than 80% of the bladder infection is caused by E.Coli. Other bacteria responsible for bladder infection are Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Proteus species.

It is observed that almost 90% of the women suffer from it once or many times in their lifetime. Some are lucky to experience it only once while some have to spend their entire life suffering from it very often. The major reasons behind the occurrence of bladder infection are as follows.

Reasons for Bladder Infection: There are two major causes of bladder infection. During sexual intercourse, the bacteria present in the vagina get rubbed into the uterus and enter the bladder. In the bladder, it grows, multiplies in number and causes the infection. Secondly, when the bladder is full with urine, the bladder muscles stretch to hold it. When the urine is released out, the bladder contracts again. This is natural but when you practice holding the urine beyond bladder's capacity for longer periods of time, the bladder muscles over stretch. Over time the bladder muscles get weakened. The bladder does not empty itself well and every time a little urine is left in it. This gives ideal atmosphere for the bacteria to grow and cause infection.

A woman is at a higher risk of bladder infection during pregnancy, past menopause or while suffering from diabetes. The symptoms of bladder infection in women are painful, irritating and highly uncomfortable. The signs and symptoms of a bladder infection are mentioned below.

Bladder Infection Signs and Symptoms

• Sharp and burning sensation in the urethra during urination.
• Frequent and constant urge to urinate which cannot be delayed. Usually, a person urinates seven times a day. If the number of urination time increases more than this, you can suspect a bladder infection.
• Most of the times, very little or no urine is released.
• Presence of blood in the urine.
• The urine may be cloudy or foul smelling.
• Soreness in the lower abdomen, or on the sides.
• Back pain just above the waist.
• When bacteria enter the ureter and the kidneys as well, then symptoms such as nausea, chills, fever and vomiting may occur.

The above bladder infection symptoms are similar to the ones that occur on vagina or vulva as well. Consult a physiologist without delay. Only he can tell you the exact organ affected. Medical professionals conduct urine test for detection of infection. The urine sample is cultured and tested for bacterial and white blood cell count. If the number goes beyond limits, he concludes it to be a bladder infection.