Female hygiene is a sensitive topic. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to it in order to prevent a possible infection. Therefore, you should know about it to understand how it arises and how you can prevent it.
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common diseases: it affects the majority of women at least once.
But having some questions about it is legitimate: will the cystitis transmitted during sexual intercourse? What is their connection to menstruation?
Sisters Republic tries to answer all your questions on this topic!
A bladder infection, what is that?
A urinary tract infection, also known as cystitis, can affect one or more parts of the Harnsystems concerning: ureters, bladder, kidneys, and urethra. In 90% of cases, it is triggered by the bacteria Escherichia coli or E. coli.
There are 3 types of urinary tract infections:
- Infectious Cystitis: This occurs when the bacterium Escherichia coli is detected in the urine. This is the most common form of infection. Most often, women are affected.
- Infectious Urethritis: "This only affects the urethra, which explains its name. It is known as a sexually transmitted infection. It is also quite common in men and poses little risk."
- Pyelonephritis: This is the worst condition: When the bladder infection ascends, the renal pelvis and the kidney become inflamed.
"Women are more often affected by this type of inflammation than men:" at least 50% of the women had already had one. The female ureters are indeed shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
The causes
In a normal state, urine is sterile and consists of 96% water, salts, and organic compounds. To combat urinary tract infections, the body has natural defenses:
- The urine flow. Simply put: Urination expels the bacteria and makes it more difficult for them to ascend into the bladder and kidneys.
- The acidity of the urine: The pH value of the urine is below 5.5, which makes it difficult for bacteria to grow.
- The shape of the ureters
- The very smooth surface of the urethra, to limit the rise of bacteria.
- The bladder wall. "This contains immune cells and antibacterial substances."
However, these protective mechanisms are not always sufficient. Sometimes pathogens manage to penetrate the urinary tract and infect the urine - this is an infection.
The symptoms
Although a bladder infection is a common infection, its symptoms are no less unpleasant:
- An unusually frequent urination.
- A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Persistent urge to urinate, without actually needing to urinate.
- An unpleasant smell of urine.
- "It can happen that urine contains blood. This is not a reason to panic, but completely normal."
"However, if the urinary tract infection is not treated early enough, it can worsen and lead to a kidney infection. This is manifested in addition to the symptoms of a classic bladder infection by the following symptoms:"
- Chills.
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen or in the genital organs or in the lower back.
- A deterioration of the general condition.
- Vomit.
risk factors
In a urinary tract infection, several risk factors are distinguished:
- sexual intercourse. During sexual intercourse, there is an increased risk that microorganisms can enter the urethra.
- The wiping motion after defecation. Wiping from back to front is risky, as bacteria from the anus can enter the urethra.
- The use of spermicides or a diaphragm may increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Cystitis and the period: what is the connection?
The hormonal background
Bladder infections occur more frequently during pregnancy or after menopause. This phenomenon suggests that hormones play a role. The lack of estrogens leads to a disturbed hormonal balance. As a result, the mucous membranes of the vagina and urethra are more sensitive than normal.
The inflammatory connection
The vaginal flora can be irritated in various ways. The onset of menstruation also means a constant flow of blood and material that originally comes from the destruction of the uterine wall onto the mucous membrane.
Therefore, menstruation exacerbates the already existing inflammation, which can ultimately lead to a urinary tract infection. For this reason, it is quite common to get a urinary tract infection during menstruation..
The connection with regard to irritations.
Tight clothing or poorly fitting hygiene products represent mechanical factors that lead to irritation. For this reason, menstrual underwear is a safe solution, as their extremely absorbent properties prevent friction in the crotch and thus do not cause irritation. The vagina and vulva can become irritated from daily friction, and when this phenomenon increases, the risk of a bladder infection is inevitable.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is the diagnosis made?
To diagnose a urinary tract infection, it is sufficient to visit your general practitioner. They will directly examine your urine and can immediately diagnose the bladder infection..
The existing treatment methods
There is a medication treatment whose effect sets in almost immediately. A prescription is required for this. In a natural treatment, drinking a very large amount of water can serve the purpose. However, this method is more time-consuming and painful.
Tips for Everyday Life
To avoid urinary tract infections, you should pay attention to just a few things in your daily life. Here are some of them:
- Drink plenty of water. If you drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, you will urinate more. This way, you naturally flush out any existing bacteria. This tip is especially important after sexual intercourse. Because during intimacy, the likelihood of germs and microorganisms developing and causing an infection is highest..
- Avoid wearing tight pants. "These create a strong friction, which can lead to urinary loss."
- Pay attention to impeccable intimate hygiene. The vaginal flora is a very sensitive area. Poor hygiene poses a risk for the spread of microbes.
