Bladder Infections - Decoding one of the Most Common Gynae Problem in Women

A bladder infection is a bacterial infection within the bladder. Some people call a bladder infection a urinary tract infection (UTI). This refers to a bacterial infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or the urethra. While most cases of bladder infection occur suddenly (acute), others may recur over the long term (chronic). Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection.

What causes Bladder Infection?
Bacteria that enter through the urethra and travel into the bladder cause bladder infections. Normally, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination. Men have added protection with the prostate gland, which secretes protective hormones as a safeguard against bacteria. Still, sometimes bacteria can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the body’s ability to destroy them, resulting in a bladder infection.
Bacteria that enter through the urethra and travel into the bladder cause bladder infections. Normally, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination. Men have added protection with the prostate gland, which secretes protective hormones as a safeguard against bacteria. Still, sometimes bacteria can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly.

Other factors can increase the risk of bladder infections for both men and women. These include:

• Advanced age
• Insufficient fluid intake
• Surgical procedure within the urinary tract
• A urinary catheter
• Urinary obstruction, which is a blockage in the bladder or urethra
• Urinary tract abnormality, which is caused by birth defects or injuries
• Urinary retention, which means difficulty emptying the bladder
• Narrowed urethra
• Bowel incontinence
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes

Symptoms for Bladder Infections

• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Urinating more often than usual
• Foul-smelling urine
  • Pain or burning when urinating
• A frequent sensation of having to urinate, which is called urgency
• Cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen or lower back

Bladder infections can also cause back pain. This pain is associated with pain in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, you might experience pain on both sides of your back or the middle of your back. Such symptoms mean the bladder infection has likely spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection can also cause a low fever. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.