Cystitis in women

Cystitis is one of the most common diseases of the genitourinary system.During the pathological process, for one reason or another (infectious agents, chemical and traumatic injuries), inflammation of the bladder mucosa occurs.

Cystitis is considered a typically female disease.According to medical statistics, 80% of all cystitis cases are women.This is understandable from an anatomical point of view: the urinary tract of women is much shorter than that of men, which means that pathogens (which are mostly the causative agents of cystitis) encounter less resistance and travel faster to the bladder.That is why women must empty the bladder more frequently and, if urinary retention occurs, the risk of developing cystitis increases significantly.

Cystitis affects not only the mucous membrane of the bladder.In general, it is a fairly complex disease that entails many complications and discomfort.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies depend on many factors:

1. The nature of the pathological process;
2. Location of inflammation;
3. A type of pathogen.

Cystitis is divided into types based on several criteria:

• Depending on the type of pathogen: bacterial cystitis (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonorrhea, other pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and others) and non-bacterial cystitis (toxic, caused by medications, allergies);
• Depending on the nature of the course of the disease: acute cystitis (occurring in the acute phase with the manifestation of typical symptoms) and chronic (occurring in a latent or recurrent form);
• Depending on the presence and type of organic (morphological) changes in the organ: ulcerative, catarrhal, cystic;
• Depending on the localization of the pathological process: cystitis of the bladder mucosa, affecting the submucosal layer, affecting the muscular layer.

Symptoms of cystitis in women

Pain with cystitis

The nature and intensity of pain and discomfort during cystitis are purely individual and depend on the pain threshold, as well as the degree of damage to the bladder structures themselves.

It is generally accepted that with cystitis the pain is localized only in the bladder area.This is not entirely true.Often the pain can be radiating (wandering) in nature.The pain from cystitis moves to the lumbosacral spine and patients feel that their back hurts.Pain syndrome can also be localized in the coccyx area.

The pain is usually accompanied by general symptoms of intoxication of the body: headache of varying intensity (localized in the forehead), weakness and fatigue, hyperthermia (increased body temperature) up to 37.5 - 38 degrees.Pain and manifestations of intoxication are considered a single symptom of pathology and are inseparable from each other, although with weakened immunity there may be no hyperthermia.

Cystitis with blood in women.

In some cases, women with cystitis may notice that their urine has a pale pink or deep red tint.There may be two reasons for this: either we are talking about acute cystitis or its much more serious form - hemorrhagic cystitis.It is relatively easy to distinguish them;with acute cystitis, urine acquires a reddish tint at the end of urination;with complicated cystitis, the urine is red throughout the act and retains its shade during all subsequent trips to the toilet.

Also among the causes of cystitis:

1. Injury to the walls of the bladder and urethra from foreign objects;
2. Lack of tone of the bladder muscles;
3. Congestion in the bladder, leading to the development of degenerative changes;
4. Anatomical disorders (stenosis of the lumen of the urinary canal, compression of the structures of the excretory system by an oncological neoplasm).

Therefore, most often bloody cystitis in women is a secondary pathology caused by certain factors.

Acute bloody cystitis and especially hemorrhagic cystitis is difficult:

• Intense pain is observed, which is constant and persistent.
• False and frequent urge to urinate;
• The main manifestation of these forms of cystitis is bleeding.Despite the fact that blood begins to come out only a few hours after the start of the acute phase, the intensity of bleeding can be so high that the blood, under the influence of specific substances contained in the urine, coagulates, forming large clots.Blood clots, which clog the lumen of the urethra, cause a delay in the outflow of urine and, as a result, further complicate the patient's condition.

Itching and burning with cystitis.

Itching and burning are perhaps the most common symptoms of cystitis in women after pain.Usually, both manifestations are observed in cystitis of an allergic or infectious nature.

Itching and burning also usually appear in cystitis of allergic origin.The allergen is recognized by the patient's immune system as an antigen, as a result of which the immune system produces specific antibodies to combat the "dangerous intruder."As a result of the reaction, the antigen-antibody complex is 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 the substance histamine, which is an itch mediator and causes an unbearable sensation of itching and burning.

For similar reasons, itching and burning are also observed in inflammatory lesions: infectious agents and toxic products of their metabolic activity (with bacterial origin of cystitis) or specific substances contained in medications accumulate in the urine in large quantities.When released, these substances affect superficial nerve endings.

In general, a symptom such as itching with a probability of 95% indicates an allergic or infectious nature of cystitis, which means that concomitant lesions of the vaginal mucosa are possible.

Can there be fever with cystitis?

To correctly answer the question, it is necessary to understand why body temperature increases.Hyperthermia occurs as a result of an acute immune reaction to a substance or microorganism of foreign origin.At temperatures above 37 degrees, pathogens lose their previous activity and the intensity of their vital activity decreases sharply.Almost always, infectious cystitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature ranging from 37.5 to 38.2 degrees.This normal phenomenon indicates a strong immune system that can resist infections.The height of the figures largely depends on the direct causative agent of the disease.

For this reason, even cystitis of an infectious nature may not cause an increase in temperature.For example, the causative agent of tuberculosis in the early stages of the disease is not manifested by an increase in temperature, while most sexually transmitted infections and even adenoviruses cause significant hyperthermia, up to values of 39 degrees.

Causes of cystitis in women

As noted above, the disease in the vast majority of cases develops in women, which is due to the short and wide canal of the urethra, the close location of the anus and vagina (as is known, even the opportunistic microflora of the mucous membranes of the colon and vagina can cause the development of inflammation of the bladder, and it often happens that pathogenic bacteria live on the mucous membranes).microorganisms that do not manifest themselves to a certain extent).

In 85-90% of cases, cystitis in women develops precisely due to the penetration of a pathogenic or opportunistic microorganism (infectious cystitis).The pathogen does not always enter the bladder from the vagina or anus.

Penetration routes can be different:

1. Descending path.The infection can spread from the kidneys to the bladder;
2. Ascending path.What has already been mentioned is from the outside through the urethra to the bladder;
3. Hematogenous route.It is relatively rare for a bacteria or virus to enter the bladder through the bloodstream.The cause can be any focus of an infectious lesion in the body;However, the possibility of a pathogen passing, for example, from the tonsils to the bladder, is extremely small, but still exists.
4. Lymphogenic pathway.The pathogen enters the bladder from pelvic organs that have become inflamed.

However, in addition to the infectious origin, cystitis can develop due to:

• Take certain medications.These include, for example, cytostatic drugs used to combat malignant neoplasms;
• Allergic reactions.Allergies are usually local in nature.In some cases, the bladder is affected.

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing cystitis:

1. Inflammation of the vagina (colpitis) and sexually transmitted diseases.Given the anatomical proximity of the vagina and urethra, the onset of cystitis is only a matter of time;
2. The same can be said for constipation and other intestinal problems (colitis, etc.).Microorganisms of the large intestine, also due to the anatomical proximity of the anus and external genitalia, can provoke the formation of acute cystitis;
3. Nephrological diseases: kidney stones, nephritis and pyelonephritis, urinary retention.According to the descending principle, the infection often descends from the kidneys to the bladder, and with stagnation of urine, very serious pathologies and forms of cystitis can develop.
4. Peak hormonal states.Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause.The reason lies in changes in hormonal levels and, as a consequence, in the microflora of the mucous membranes of the vagina and urethra;
5. Predisposing factors also include endocrine diseases, especially diabetes;
6. The risk group includes allergic people, as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Regardless of the causes and origin of the disease, cystitis includes a characteristic symptom complex:

• Frequent and painful urination.Burning, persistent pain in the bladder and urethra;
• The need to urinate may be false;
• Urinary incontinence (sometimes);
• Increased urge to urinate at night without increased urine production.
• Constant pain in the pubic and perineal area, which radiates to the lower back and tailbone.Pronounced pain at the beginning and end of urination;
• Urine of dark or cloudy color, with admixtures of pus;
• General manifestations of intoxication.

If the cause is an allergy, painful itching and burning may appear in the urethral area.

Complications and consequences of cystitis.

Cystitis is by no means a harmless disease, and the principles of "drink something" and "it will pass on its own" do not work here.

If the necessary treatment is not carried out in time, the consequences can be more than disastrous:

1. Along the ascending path, kidney damage occurs.According to medical statistics, in 95% of cases, untreated cystitis leads to serious kidney disease;
2. Women may suffer because urine returns from the bladder to the kidneys.This happens very rarely;
3. Prolonged and at the same time ineffective treatment of cystitis can lead to organic changes in the tissue of the organs.The epithelium degenerates and, as a result, the bladder loses elasticity, loses its ability to regenerate and decreases in size;
4. If specific treatment is not carried out in time, there is a high risk that the disease will become chronic.Chronic cystitis, especially infectious (and this happens most often) is a source of constant inflammation;
5. Although it is difficult to consider stress and depression to be direct complications of cystitis, they are.If the pathology is not treated in time, it becomes chronic.Cystitis relapses are common and can occur almost several times a month.The disease puts extreme psychological pressure on a person, literally turning a healthy member of society into a hostage to the toilet.Furthermore, a dominant is formed in the human mind;
6. Weakening of the bladder sphincter.It can lead to the development of urinary incontinence.Most often it develops in older people.

Diagnosis of cystitis

Primary diagnosis includes an in-person examination by specialized specialists: urologist, nephrologist, gynecologist.

Specialists collect anamnesis and establish possible causes of the disease.

When collecting anamnesis, doctors pay special attention to risk factors:

• Unprotected sexual relations;
• Hypothermia;
• Excessive emotional stress;
• Medications taken;
• The presence of concomitant diseases and pathologies (mainly in the pelvic organs).

laboratory research

Include:

1. Carry out a general blood test;
2. Perform a general urine test;
3. Submit urine test for cultures.

Among the instrumental methods, two main ones are used:

• Urethroscopy and cystoscopy.
• Ultrasound examination of the bladder.

How to relieve a cystitis attack?First aid at home.

In severe cases, it is recommended to resort to medications:

1. The best solution would be to take antispasmodics;
2. In addition to antispasmodics, pain is relieved by analgesics;
3. Herbal preparations containing oregano and hop cones also help reduce spasms and pain caused by cystitis;
4. Under no circumstances should you take antibacterial medications yourself.It is guaranteed that the reception of antibiotics will cause a change in the result of laboratory tests and the specialist will not be able to establish the origin and cause of the disease;
5. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the patient already knows it, they can resort to taking antimicrobial medications.

In all other cases, it is better not to self-medicate.Attacks of complicated cystitis (bloody, hemorrhagic) are relieved exclusively in a hospital.Otherwise, life-threatening bleeding may develop.

How to treat cystitis in women.

Since cystitis in women most often develops due to an infectious lesion, specific therapy is aimed at destroying pathogens.

• In recent years, drugs from the fluoroquinolone group have proven effective.These antibiotics can only be taken as directed by a specialist;
• If the diagnostic results reveal specific pathogens, appropriate antifungal, antimicrobial or antiviral medications are prescribed;
• To eliminate severe pain, antispasmodics and analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended;
• In the absence of allergies to medicinal herbs, it is allowed to take infusions based on cranberries, horsetail and bearberry.Preference should be given to unpackaged products;
• To quickly remove toxins from the body, it is recommended to increase daily fluid intake.

Cystitis prevention

Personal hygiene rules must be observed.For washing, you should choose products that are neutral in their acid-base properties.Proper intimate care is the key to the absence of relapses.

It is recommended to empty the bladder as frequently as possible.Stagnation of urine is fraught with complications.

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

During an exacerbation of cystitis, it is worth increasing the volume of fluid consumed to 2-2.5 liters per day: water, fresh natural juices, cranberry juice.You should refrain from drinking carbonated water and artificial drinks.

Both in case of acute cystitis and in case of exacerbation of chronic cystitis, the use of tight synthetic underwear should be avoided.

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

Answers to popular questions.

Which doctor should I contact if I have cystitis?

You must contact three specialists: a urologist, a nephrologist and a gynecologist.

Is it possible to have sexual relations with cystitis?Is it sexually transmitted?

Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder.Of course, it is simply impossible to get cystitis from sexual contact.

However, there is a high probability of transmitting those infectious agents that caused cystitis to your partner.But a reservation must be made: the transmission of pathogenic microflora is only possible if the disease is of infectious origin.In all other cases, the couple is safe.

As for the other aspect of this question, not everything is so simple.The most competent specialists recommend that women abstain from sexual activity for the duration of the disease.

However, if you cannot do without sexual contact, you should follow the recommendations:

• Immediately before having sex, wash your body and wash your hands thoroughly;
• Avoid touching the vagina.During cystitis, the mucous membrane is subject to increased stress, since it is impossible to completely protect it from urine particles;
• If there is suspicion of concomitant damage to the uterus, exclude deep penetration;
• At the end of intimacy, be sure to wash the external genitals;
• Use barrier contraceptives (condoms only).

Cystitis after intimacy, what are the causes?

Developing cystitis after having sex is not an outlandish problem.Postcoital cystitis (also called “honeymoon syndrome”) occurs in approximately 45% of cases.As a rule, it is detected after the first sexual intercourse.

There are several reasons for this:

1. The most common, but at the same time the most difficult to eliminate, is a congenital anomaly of the genitourinary system;
2. Another common reason is lack of proper hygiene.The partner may not realize this, while there are many microorganisms on the surface of the penis.As a result, the woman's urethra is attacked by an infectious agent.This group of reasons also includes alternating vaginal and anal sex without changing a condom or without it.In this case, the causative agent of cystitis is the intestinal microflora (bacillus);
3. Vaginal dryness.Due to excessive dryness of the vaginal mucosa, cracking of the tissue occurs.The result is colpitis, which quickly leads to the development of cystitis.In this case, cystitis becomes a secondary disease.Therefore, sexual relations cannot be had if the woman's genitals lack desire and sufficient hydration;
4. It is also worth remembering sexually transmitted diseases.If the partner is sick or is a carrier, the woman quickly becomes infected and in this case there is a risk of not only developing a sexually transmitted disease, but also secondary cystitis.

Is it possible to play sports with cystitis?

In this case, everything is purely individual and depends on the patient's condition and the severity of cystitis.However, it is necessary to abandon a series of physical activities.

Avoid:

• Visits to gyms.Aerobic exercises and exercises can cause mechanical irritation of the urethra and bladder, as a result, the symptoms will significantly worsen;
• Swim.Swimming is allowed, but no more than 10 to 20 minutes.Prolonged exposure to cold water (30-50 minutes) is guaranteed to cause local hypothermia.As a result of cooling, local immunity will decrease and within a few hours the symptoms of cystitis will become more pronounced;
• Winter sports.Almost all winter sports involve prolonged exposure to the cold.In such conditions, the risk of developing hypothermia and worsening cystitis increases significantly.People who are fond of figure skating are recommended to dress as warmly as possible, cover the pelvic and perineal area and never sit on the ice;
• Active sports associated with increased physical activity and a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure are excluded: boxing, wrestling, cycling.

However, there are several sports that are recommended for cystitis.They evenly tighten the muscles of the body and do not cause significant fatigue.These are jogging, walking, basketball, volleyball.Dancing is also allowed.It is important to remember that clothing must be appropriate.It is harmful to wear tight and tight clothing.A tracksuit should not be tight;Preference should be given to light, but at the same time warm clothing made of natural materials.

Is it possible to take a hot bath if you have cystitis?

In general, the topic is very controversial.To answer this, we must start again from the patient's current state and the course of the disease.You can take warm baths (warm, but not hot) only at the stage when cystitis has not yet manifested itself with specific symptoms.In this case, a slight warm-up is not only not contraindicated, but also useful.

As soon as one of the following symptoms appears, thermal procedures are strictly contraindicated:

1. Muscle spasms (sharp, cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen and pubic area);
2. Burning and stinging when urinating;
3. Blood or pus in the urine.

If we talk only about the initial stages of the disease, warming is allowed, but it should be used only within reasonable limits:

• Warming with dry heat.The salt is heated in a container to 38-40 degrees, poured into a cloth bag and applied to the sore area;
• Foot baths.The container is filled with warm water, after which a foot bath should be taken for 10 to 20 minutes.Then they dry their feet and put on warm socks;
• Sitz baths.In the early stages of the development of cystitis, you can take sitz baths with the addition of medicinal herbs.In this case, the water temperature should not exceed 37 degrees and the duration of the bath should be up to 10 minutes.Even a warm bath is prohibited in cases where organs other than the bladder are affected;
• Warm shower.The optimal way to relieve cystitis and carry out hygiene procedures during the course of the disease;
• Warming your hands with warmth.A palm is placed on the bladder area for several hours;
• Hot compress with eucalyptus oil.Effective in the absence of acute symptoms.But it is contraindicated in case of allergies.

Can menstruation be delayed due to cystitis?

There is no direct cause and effect relationship between cystitis and menstrual irregularities.However, as mentioned above, rarely cystitis in women occurs only with damage to the bladder.As the infection increases, it often affects the genital organs, including the uterus and ovaries located in the abdominal cavity.

The ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogen, a specific female hormone, which itself helps to normalize the menstrual cycle.When the infection spreads to the ovaries, estrogen production decreases.As a result, the cycle is disturbed and then a delay in menstruation is possible.