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UROLOGY EDUCATION FOR OUR PATIENTS

UROLOGY EDUCATION FOR OUR PATIENTS

Acute Cystitis in Women

 

Why does it keep coming back?
Acute cystitis, commonly called a bladder infection, is a common urinary tract infection in women. Typical symptoms include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and a persistent feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually improve.
Having cystitis several times a year is not unusual. However, if it occurs almost every month or repeatedly within a short period, further evaluation may be appropriate.
 
Why does cystitis occur?
Cystitis does not mean that you are unclean or have poor hygiene. Most infections are caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the intestines and around the anus, even in healthy people.
Bacteria can enter the bladder through the urethra despite good hygiene. The urinary tract normally helps protect itself: urine flushes bacteria out, and the bladder lining helps prevent them from multiplying. Infection can occur when these defenses become less effective.
 
What can make cystitis more likely to recur?
  • Not drinking enough fluids or producing less urine
  • Holding urine for long periods
  • Fatigue, lack of sleep, or becoming chilled
  • Sexual intercourse
  • Reduced estrogen levels after menopause
  • Diabetes, particularly when glucose is present in the urine
Some women notice a pattern after sexual intercourse. Urinating reasonably soon afterward and maintaining adequate fluid intake may be helpful.
 
What if it keeps coming back almost every month?
Very frequent recurrence can sometimes be associated with a condition that interferes with normal urination or makes infection more likely. Examples include neurogenic bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, urethral stricture, a significant post-void residual, and bladder stones.
An important distinction: bladder cancer is not presented here as a cause of cystitis. However, it can cause cystitis-like urinary symptoms or blood in the urine and may, rarely, be an underlying separate condition. Recurrent symptoms or hematuria should therefore be assessed appropriately.
At our clinic, we consider each patient's symptoms and recurrence pattern and, when appropriate, perform ultrasonography and measure post-void residual urine. Even when these tests are normal, several smaller factors—such as fluid intake, urinary habits, physical condition, sexual activity, and hormonal changes—may contribute.
 
What can you do to help prevent recurrence?
  • Drink an appropriate amount of water throughout the day.
  • Avoid holding urine for unnecessarily long periods.
  • Keep warm and get adequate sleep and rest.
  • After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back.
  • If using a warm-water bidet toilet seat, avoid a strong jet or prolonged washing; use moderate pressure briefly.
  • If episodes tend to follow intercourse, urinate reasonably soon afterward and maintain hydration.
 
Seek prompt medical attention
Fever, chills, or pain in the back or side together with urinary symptoms may indicate pyelonephritis (a kidney infection). Please seek medical evaluation promptly.
 
A Message from the Director
Acute cystitis usually improves with appropriate treatment. We believe that treating the infection is only one part of good care. Understanding why it keeps returning and discussing how to reduce the risk of another episode are equally important.
Recurrent cystitis does not necessarily mean that a serious disease is present. When needed, we perform ultrasonography and post-void residual measurement, then discuss treatment and prevention suited to each patient. Please feel free to consult us if recurrent cystitis is troubling you.
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