Recurring Bladder Infections

After common cold, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered to be the most common type of infections in humans. UTI is a bacterial infection (mainly due to Escherichia coli or E.coli) that can affect any part of the urinary tract. In case of urinary tract infections, this bacteria enters the bladder or kidney and multiplies in number. Bladder infection, otherwise known as cystitis, is the most common form of urinary tract infection. Bladder infections are more common in women, due to their anatomy. It can be due to the fact that the urethra (the passage from the bladder through which urine is excreted) is smaller in women and the urethra opening is located close to the vagina and rectum, making it easier for the bacteria to enter the urethra. Recurring bladder infections in men are very uncommon, given the fact that men suffer less from this condition, as compared to women.

Symptoms and Causes

Bladder infections are more common in women, and most women must have experienced this condition at least once in their lifetime. But some people, especially females, suffer from recurrent bladder infections. Studies show that around 20% of women who have suffered from an UTI will get affected at least once more in their lifetime. Among them, 30% have chances of one more episode of bladder infection and 80% of the latter category will have recurring bladder infections. This may be due to the different strains of bacteria that causes UTI at different times. Even though all the infections are caused by E.coli, the strains can vary, making it distinct infections. Latest studies show that the condition may be due to the ability of the bacteria to get themselves attached to the cells that line the urinary tract. It is also suggested that the cells that line the urethra and vagina in women allow the bacteria to get attached easily. This could be the another cause for the condition.

Whatever the cause, those who have had an experience of UTI can straightaway recognize the symptoms of the infection, when it comes up the next time. The most common symptoms include frequent urination, urge to urinate at night, pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy/milky and foul-smelling urine, pus or blood in the urine, or urethral discharge and mild fever. It is not necessary that affected people must have all the symptoms. In some cases, the affected person may not experience any symptoms. Also, the symptoms may vary from one person to another. Fever can be an indication of the spread of infection to the kidneys. In such cases, the affected person may also feel pain in the back or side below the ribs, nausea, or vomiting.

Recurring bladder infections in children are uncommon, but kids too can get affected by bladder infection. Poor toilet habits and prolonged use of diapers, contribute to this condition in children. While both girls and boys can get affected by bladder infection, it has been observed that uncircumcised boys are more at risk. In the case of kids as well, recurrent bladder infection in males is very rare, but it does not mean they do not get infected by UTI. However, as compared to females, reports of UTI in males are very less. Catheters placed in the urethra and bladder can also be a source of bladder infection. People with kidney stones, diabetes and women who use a diaphragm for birth control, are considered to be at risk of developing this condition.

How to Prevent Recurring Bladder Infections

The most common treatment for bladder infection is antibiotics, which can fight the bacteria. Once the infection is cleared, you have to start measures which can help in preventing recurrent bladder infections. The following are some tips and guidelines which can help you in this task.

• The golden rule is to drink lots of water, in order to flush out the bacteria.
• In case of women, cleaning the genital area is very important. Go for showers, instead of baths and make sure that you clean the genital area before and after intercourse.
• Cranberry and cranberry juice are very popular as a home remedy to prevent recurring bladder infections. Consume fresh cranberry or cranberry juice for best results.
• Don't resist the urge to urinate, and do it whenever you feel like. Urinating right after sex is also recommended, so that the bacteria gets flushed out.
• Always wipe from front to back, in order to prevent the entry of bacteria from the vagina and anus to the urethra.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, sugars and refined carbohydrates in your diet.
• Avoid thongs and tight pants and change sanitary pads at regular intervals. Go for 100% cotton underclothes, because nylon underwear can trap moisture, creating a favorable environment for the bacteria to multiply.
• Increase the intake of probiotics like probiotic yogurt, which can aid to maintain a healthy pH level in the bladder.

All the above said measures can reduce the risk of recurring bladder infections. But once infected, you have to consult a doctor and go for relevant treatment, in order to prevent further complications. Once fully cured, adopt preventive measures to avoid another episode of bladder infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.