Text size:

Bladder Infections

Bladder infections may occur when bacteria remain in the bladder instead of being flushed out with urine. As the germs grow, an infection causes inflammation – redness, swelling and pain – in the bladder. The medical term for any kind of bladder inflammation, including a bladder infection, is known as cystitis. Long-term bladder infections is called chronic or recurrent cystitis. It is commonly confused and even misdiagnosed as interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, a more serious condition that is not related to bacterial infection.

Any abnormality of the urinary tract that obstructs the flow of urine (a kidney stone, for example) can facilitate an infection. In men, an enlarged prostate gland also can slow the flow of urine and impede proper bladder emptying, which can raise the risk of infection. People with diabetes, or any other disorder that suppresses the immune system, have a higher risk of a bladder or urinary tract infection because of changes in the immune system.

A bladder infection is typically less serious than a kidney infection. Antibiotic treatment may relieve symptoms of a bladder infection in a couple days while a kidney infection may demand several weeks of treatment.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect millions of people each year and are the second-most common type of infection in the body. Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, however when men get UTIs they are often more serious and difficult to treat.

A urinary tract infection is an infection to any part of the urinary system, consisting of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Normally, urine is free of bacteria, viruses and fungi, but does contain fluids, salts and waste products. Infections are caused when tiny organisms, usually bacteria (primarily e-coli), cling to the digestive tract, in the vagina, or around the urethra, which is at the entrance to the urinary tract. Often these bacteria enter the urethra and travel to the bladder and kidneys. Usually, the body removes the bacteria through normal bladder movement, and there are no symptoms. However, some people – including women and older people of both sexes – seem to be prone to infection.

Ureter and Kidney Infections

If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may then travel further up the ureters to multiply and infect the kidneys. Urethritis is swelling and irritation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. Most UTIs, especially in women, are caused by bacteria from the rectal area, due to the proximity between the rectum and urethra. Bacteria may also enter the urethra during sex and cause infection.

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) may cause fever, back pain and nausea, and could require hospitalization. Pyelonephritis can result in damage and scarring of the kidneys over time. Urinary Tract Infections can be especially dangerous for older people and pregnant women, as well as for those with diabetes and those who have difficulty urinating.

Symptoms of a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection

  • Burning feeling when you urinate
  • Frequent or intense urges to urinate, even when you have little urine to pass
  • Inability to completely void bladder
  • Pain in your back or lower abdomen
  • Cloudy, dark, bloody, or unusual-smelling urine
  • Fever, chills, night sweats
  • Nausea, vomiting

Testing for a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection

  • PUF questionnaire
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood tests
  • Physical and pelvic exams
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  • Voiding cystourethrogram
  • Cytoscopy

Treatment for a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection

  • Behavioral modifications
  • Antibiotics
  • Oral antiseptic medications

Prevention of a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection

Doctors suggest these preventative measures to avoid a urinary tract infection:

  • Drink plenty of water (six to eight glasses) every day.
  • Drink cranberry juice or take vitamin C. Both increase the acid in the urine so bacteria can't grow easily. Cranberry juice also makes the bladder wall slippery, so bacteria can't stick to it.
  • Do not resist the urge to urinate. Bacteria can grow when urine stays in the bladder too long.
  • Women should wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina or urethra.
  • Take showers instead of tub baths.
  • Cleanse the genital area before and after sexual intercourse.
  • Urinate shortly after sex. This can flush away bacteria that might have entered the urethra during sex. Drinking a glass of water will also help.
  • Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches, which may irritate the urethra.
  • For women, using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control can lead to UTIs by increasing bacteria growth.

Learn more about urinary tract infections in adults and children.



Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Bladder Health Program of South Florida website should be used solely for educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a healthcare provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications. Always ask your physician about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits.

Share