female cystitis

Cystitis is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary system.In pathological processes, inflammation of the bladder mucosa occurs for some reason (infectious substances, chemical damage and trauma).

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

Cystitis affects more than just the bladder mucosa.Generally speaking, it is a fairly complex disease that brings with it a lot of complications and discomfort.

Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment 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 different types according to the following criteria:

• Divided by pathogen type: bacterial cystitis (Chlamydia, Ureaplasma, gonorrhea, other sexually transmitted disease pathogens, and Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, etc.) and non-bacterial cystitis (caused by toxic, drugs, allergies);
• According to the nature of the course of the disease: acute cystitis (occurring in the acute phase, with typical symptoms) and chronic (latent phase or relapse phase);
• According to the presence and type of organic (morphological) changes in the organ: ulcerative, catarrhal, cystic;
• Positioning based on the pathological process: Cystitis involves the bladder mucosa, affects the submucosa, and affects the muscular layer.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

cystitis pain

The nature and intensity of pain and discomfort during cystitis is completely individual and depends on the pain threshold and the degree of damage to the bladder structure itself.

It is generally believed that the pain of cystitis is limited to the bladder area.This is not entirely correct.Often, the pain may be radiating (migratory) in nature.The pain caused by cystitis will be transferred to the lumbosacral spine, and the patient will feel pain in the back.The pain syndrome may also be localized to the coccyx region.

Pain is often accompanied by general symptoms of physical intoxication: headache of varying degrees (located on the forehead), weakness and fatigue, hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) up to 37.5 - 38 degrees.Pain and intoxication manifestations are considered to be single pathological symptoms and are inseparable from each other, although hyperthermia may not occur due to decreased immunity.

Female cystitis with blood

In some cases, women with cystitis may notice that their urine is pale pink or dark red.There may be two reasons for this: either we are talking about acute cystitis or its more serious form - hemorrhagic cystitis.Distinguishing them is relatively simple; with acute cystitis, the urine is light red at the end of urination; with complicated cystitis, the urine is red throughout and retains its color during all subsequent trips to the toilet.

Other causes of cystitis include:

1. The wall of the bladder and urethra is damaged by foreign bodies;
2. Insufficient bladder muscle tone;
3. Bladder congestion, leading to degenerative changes;
4. Anatomical diseases (stenosis of urethral lumen, tumor compression of excretory system structures).

Therefore, bloody cystitis in women is mostly secondary lesions caused by certain factors.

Acute bloody cystitis, especially hemorrhagic cystitis, is difficult to:

• Persistent and persistent severe pain was observed.
• Frequent false urges to urinate;
• The main manifestation of this type of cystitis is bleeding.Although blood begins to flow only a few hours after the onset of the acute phase, the intensity of the bleeding can be so high that the blood clots under the influence of specific substances contained in the urine, forming large clots.The patient's condition is further complicated by a blood clot blocking the urethral lumen, causing a delay in the flow of urine.

Itching and burning sensation caused by cystitis

Itching and burning are probably the most common symptoms of cystitis in women after pain.Often, both manifestations are associated with the allergic or infectious nature of cystitis.

Itching and burning are also common in allergic cystitis.Allergens are recognized as antigens by the patient's immune system, which produces specific antibodies to fight the "dangerous invader."As a result of the reaction, antigen-antibody complexes are deposited on mast cells (basophils) located in the urethra and urethra area.Under the influence of the complex, basophils are destroyed, releasing large amounts of histamine substances, which are mediators of itching and cause unbearable itching and burning sensations.

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

In general, symptoms such as itching have a 95% chance of indicating that the cystitis is allergic or infectious in nature, meaning that accompanying vaginal mucosal lesions may be present.

Does cystitis cause fever?

To answer this question correctly, you need to understand why body temperature rises.Hyperthermia is the result of an acute immune response to foreign substances or microorganisms.When the temperature is higher than 37 degrees, the pathogen loses its previous activity and the intensity of its life activities drops sharply.Infectious cystitis is almost always accompanied by an increase in body temperature, ranging from 37.5 to 38.2 degrees.This normal behavior indicates a strong immune system that can fight infection.The number depends largely on the direct causative agent of the disease.

Therefore, even infectious cystitis may not cause an increase in body temperature.For example, the causative agent of tuberculosis does not manifest itself through an increase in temperature during the first stages of the disease, whereas most sexually transmitted infections and even adenoviruses cause significant hyperthermia, up to 39 degrees.

Causes of cystitis in women

As mentioned before, the vast majority of cases occur in women due to the short and wide urethra and the close position of the anus and vagina (it is known that even the opportunistic microbiota of the colon and vaginal mucosa can contribute to the development of bladder inflammation, and it often happens that pathogenic bacteria live on the mucosa).microorganisms that do not manifest themselves until a certain point).

In 85-90% of cases, cystitis in women occurs precisely due to the invasion of pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms (infectious cystitis).Pathogens don't always enter the bladder from the vagina or anus.

Penetration pathways may vary:

1. descent path.The infection can spread from the kidneys to the bladder;
2. Ascending path.Already mentioned is the entry from the outside through the urethra into the bladder;
3. Blood route.It is relatively rare for bacteria or viruses to enter the bladder through the bloodstream.The cause may be any focus of infectious disease in the body, however, the possibility of pathogens entering the bladder from the tonsils is extremely small, but still exists.
4. Lymphopoietic pathways.Pathogens enter the bladder from inflamed pelvic organs.

However, in addition to infectious causes, cystitis can also occur due to:

• taking certain medications.These include, for example, cytostatic drugs used to combat malignancies;
• allergic reaction.Allergies are usually localized.In some cases, the bladder can be affected.

Several factors increase your risk of developing cystitis:

1. Inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and sexually transmitted diseases.Given the close anatomical proximity of the vagina and urethra, it is only a matter of time before cystitis develops.
2. The same goes for constipation and other intestinal problems (colitis, etc.).Due to the anatomical proximity of the anus and external genitalia, microorganisms from the large intestine may trigger the development of acute cystitis;
3. Kidney diseases: kidney stones, nephritis and pyelonephritis, urinary retention.According to the principle of descent, infection usually descends from the kidneys to the bladder, and as urine stagnates, very serious lesions and cystitis may occur.
4. Peak hormonal state.Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause.The reasons are due to changes in hormonal levels and changes in the microflora of the vaginal and urethral mucosa;
5. Predisposing factors also include endocrine diseases, especially diabetes;
6. High-risk groups include allergy sufferers and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Regardless of the cause and origin of the disease, cystitis includes a characteristic cluster of symptoms:

• Frequent and painful urination.Burning, persistent pain in the bladder and urethra;
• The urge to urinate may be fake;
• urinary incontinence (sometimes);
• The urge to urinate increases at night but the urine output does not.
• Persistent pain in the pubic and perineal areas, radiating to the lower back and tailbone.Significant pain at the beginning and end of urination;
• Dark or cloudy urine mixed with pus;
• General manifestations of poisoning.

If allergies are the cause, pain, itching, and burning may occur in the urethral area.

Complications and consequences of cystitis

Cystitis is by no means a harmless disease, and the "drink something" and "it will go away on its own" principles don't work here.

If necessary treatment is not provided promptly, the consequences can be catastrophic:

1. Along the ascending path, kidney damage occurs.According to medical statistics, untreated cystitis can lead to severe kidney disease in 95% of cases;
2. Women may suffer from urine returning from the bladder to the kidneys.This rarely happens;
3. Long-term and ineffective treatment of cystitis can lead to organic changes in organ tissues.Epithelial degeneration, causing the bladder to lose elasticity, regenerative capacity, and shrink in size;
4. Without prompt and targeted treatment, the risk of the disease becoming chronic is high.Chronic cystitis, especially infectious cystitis (which is the most common condition), is a source of ongoing inflammation;
5. Although it's difficult to call stress and depression direct complications of cystitis, they certainly are.If the pathology is not treated promptly, it can become chronic.Relapses of cystitis are frequent, occurring almost several times a month.The disease can cause extreme psychological stress, effectively making otherwise healthy members of society hostage to the toilet.Furthermore, a dominant force is formed in the human mind;
6. The bladder sphincter is weakened.May cause urinary incontinence.Most commonly, it occurs in older adults.

Diagnosis of cystitis

The initial diagnosis includes an on-site examination by specialized experts such as urologists, nephrologists, gynecologists, etc.

The specialist takes a medical history and determines the possible causes of the disease.

When taking a medical history, doctors pay special attention to risk factors:

• unprotected sexual intercourse;
• low temperature;
• Excessive emotional stress;
• medications taken;
• The presence of concomitant diseases and pathologies (mainly in the pelvic organs).

laboratory research

include:

1. Perform general blood tests;
2. Perform a general urine test;
3. Submit urine culture test.

Among instrumental methods, two main types are used:

• Urethroscopy and cystoscopy.
• Bladder ultrasound.

How to relieve a cystitis attack?home first aid

If the situation is severe, drug treatment is recommended:

1. The best solution is to take antispasmodics;
2. In addition to antispasmodics, analgesics can also relieve pain;
3. Herbal preparations containing oregano and hop cones may also help relieve cramps and pain caused by cystitis;
4. Under no circumstances should you self-administer antimicrobials.Taking antibiotics will certainly cause changes in laboratory test results, and experts will not be able to determine the source and cause of the disease;
5. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the patient is known, you can take antibacterial drugs.

In all other cases, it is best not to self-medicate.Episodes of complicated cystitis (bloody, hemorrhagic) can only be relieved in a hospital setting.Otherwise, life-threatening bleeding may occur.

How to treat female cystitis

Since cystitis in women is most often caused by infectious lesions, specific treatments are aimed at eliminating the causative agent.

• In recent years, fluoroquinolones have demonstrated their effectiveness.These antibiotics should only be taken as directed by a specialist;
• If the diagnosis indicates a specific pathogen, appropriate antifungal, antibacterial, or antiviral medications are prescribed;
• To eliminate severe pain, it is recommended to use antispasmodic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Herbal teas of bilberry, horsetail and bearberry can be taken in the absence of allergies to herbs.Priority should be given to unpackaged products;
• To quickly eliminate toxins from the body, it is recommended to increase daily fluid intake.

Prevent cystitis

Personal hygiene rules must be followed.When washing, you need to choose products with neutral acid and alkali.Proper intimate care is key to avoiding relapse.

It is recommended to empty the bladder as often as possible.Stagnation of urine can cause complications.

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

During an exacerbation of cystitis, it is worth increasing the intake of fluids to 2-2.5 liters per day: water, fresh natural juices, cranberry juice.You should avoid carbonated water and artificial drinks.

Whether you have acute cystitis or exacerbation of chronic cystitis, you should avoid wearing tight synthetic underwear.

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

Answers to frequently asked questions

Which doctor should I contact for cystitis?

There are three specialists you should contact: a urologist, a nephrologist, and a gynecologist.

Can I have sex with cystitis?Is it sexually transmitted?

Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder.Of course, it is impossible to contract cystitis through sexual contact.

However, the possibility of transmitting the infectious agent that causes cystitis to your partner is high.But we must be cautious: pathogenic microorganisms are only likely to spread if the disease is contagious.In all other cases, partners are safe.

As for the other side of the problem, it's not that simple.Most competent experts recommend that women avoid sexual activity during their illness.

However, if you cannot avoid sexual contact, you need to follow these recommendations:

• Wash yourself immediately and clean your hands thoroughly before having sex;
• Avoid contact with the vagina.During cystitis, the pressure on the mucosa increases, since it is impossible to completely protect it from urine particles;
• If concomitant injury to the uterus is suspected, the possibility of deep penetration should be ruled out;
• After the intimate relationship ends, be sure to clean the external genitalia;
• Use barrier contraception (condoms only).

What are the causes of cystitis after intimacy?

Cystitis after sex is not a far-fetched problem.Postcoital cystitis (also known as "honeymoon syndrome") occurs in approximately 45% of cases.Usually, it is detected after the first sexual intercourse.

There are several reasons for this:

1. The most common, but also the most difficult to eliminate, are congenital anomalies of the genitourinary system;
2. Another common cause is a lack of proper hygiene.Your partner may not realize it, but there are many microorganisms on the surface of your 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 condoms or not using condoms at all.In this case, the causative agent of cystitis is the intestinal microbiota (Bacillus species);
3. Vaginal dryness.Due to excessive dryness of the vaginal mucosa, tissue cracks can occur.The result is vaginitis, which can quickly lead to the development of cystitis.In this case, cystitis becomes a secondary disease.Therefore, if a woman’s genitals lack libido and adequate moisture, she will not be able to have sex;
4. It's also worth remembering about sexually transmitted diseases.If a partner is sick or a carrier, a woman can quickly become infected, in which case there is a risk not only of contracting the sexually transmitted disease itself, but also of secondary cystitis.

Can I participate in exercise if I have cystitis?

In this case, everything is purely individual and depends on the patient's condition and the severity of the cystitis.However, some physical activity must be given up.

avoid:

• Visit a health club.Aerobic exercise and exercise can cause mechanical irritation of the urethra and bladder, which can significantly worsen symptoms;
• swim.You can swim, but the swimming time cannot exceed 10-20 minutes.Prolonged exposure to cold water (30-50 minutes) will certainly result in localized hypothermia.Due to cold, local immunity will decrease, and the symptoms of cystitis will become more obvious in just a few hours;
• winter sports.Almost all winter sports involve prolonged exposure to the cold.In this case, the risk of hypothermia and exacerbation of cystitis increases significantly.Avid figure skaters are advised to dress as warmly as possible, cover their pelvic and perineal areas, and never sit on the ice;
• Active sports associated with increased physical activity and a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure are not included: boxing, wrestling, cycling.

However, there are many exercises suitable for treating cystitis.They tighten the muscles of the body evenly and do not cause noticeable fatigue.These are jogging, walking, basketball, volleyball.Dancing is also allowed.It is important to remember that clothing must be appropriate.Wearing tight, constricting clothing can be harmful.Sportswear should not be tight; preference should be given to clothes made of natural materials that are lightweight but at the same time warm.

Can I take a hot bath if I have cystitis?

Overall, this issue is very controversial.To answer this question, we must again start from the patient's current condition and course.Only at the stage of cystitis when specific symptoms have not yet appeared, you can take a lukewarm (warm, but not hot) bath.In this case, light heating is not only not contraindicated, but also useful.

Heat therapy is strictly prohibited once one of the following symptoms occurs:

1. Muscle cramps (severe cramping pain in the lower abdomen and pubic area);
2. Burning and stinging sensation when urinating;
3. Blood or pus in the urine.

If we are talking only about the initial stages of the disease, then warm-up is allowed, but only within reasonable limits:

• Use dry heat.Heat the salt in a container to 38-40 degrees, pour it into a cloth bag, and apply it to the sore area;
• Footbath.Fill the basin with warm water and then take a foot bath for 10-20 minutes.Then dry your feet and put on warm socks;
• Sitz bath.In the first stages of the development of cystitis, you can add herbs to your sitz bath.In this case, the water temperature should not be higher than 37 degrees, and the bathing time should be no more than 10 minutes.Even hot baths are prohibited if organs other than the bladder are affected;
• Warm shower.The best way to relieve cystitis and perform hygienic procedures during the course of the disease;
• Warm your hands with warmth.Place your palms on the bladder area for several hours;
• Use eucalyptus oil as a hot compress.Effective in the absence of acute symptoms.However, it is prohibited for those with allergies.

Can cystitis cause delayed menstruation?

There is no direct cause-and-effect relationship between cystitis and irregular menstruation.However, as mentioned previously, women rarely develop cystitis with only bladder damage.As the infection increases, it often affects the reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries, which are located in the abdominal cavity.

The ovaries are responsible for producing estrogen (a specific female hormone), which itself helps normalize the menstrual cycle.When the infection spreads to the ovaries, estrogen production decreases.As a result, the cycle is disrupted and menstruation may then be delayed.