Page 1 - Bladder Infections in Women

Urological Health
Bladder infections in women
Bladder infections in women are common, usually easily treated and rarely associated with
serious problems.
ladder infection (cystitis) is common in women,
Busually easily treated and rarely leads to serious
complications. It is important to know how to prevent
it, treat it and when to see your doctor.
Urine is produced by the kidneys, carried through the
ureters and stored in the bladder until it is appropriate
to empty through the urethra.
kidney
ureter
bladder
ureter
bladder
urethra
Front view Side view
What is a bladder infection?
The typical experience of a bladder infection is
the sudden onset of frequent, painful and urgent
urination. Low back or lower abdominal pain may be
present. The urine is often cloudy and foul smelling.
Symptoms may range from very mild to severe. In
simple bladder infections there is no fever, flank pain,
nausea or vomiting that might suggest a more serious
kidney infection.
Bladder infections are common, affecting about
5% of women each year. They rarely lead to kidney
infections or other serious problems.
What causes these infections?
Many kinds of bacteria grow normally in the bowel,
the vagina and on the skin. The bladder and
urine are normally sterile or free of bacteria. When
bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra and
become established, a bladder infection develops.
Occasionally, bacteria can grow in the bladder
without causing inflammation or symptoms—in this
situation, treatment is not always necessary.
Why do women get bladder
infections more often than men?
Women are more prone to bladder infections for
several reasons. The shorter urethra in women allows
bacteria to enter the bladder more easily. Sexual
intercourse may also promote entry of bacteria
through the woman’s urethra into the bladder.
Bacteria causing bladder infections are not passed
between sexual partners.
What other problems mimic bladder infection?
Any inflammation in the bladder, urethra or vagina
may cause similar symptoms of discomfort with
urination. Typically, bladder infection symptoms occur
suddenly and are more severe than those of vaginal
infections that are often associated with itching,
vaginal discharge or discomfort with sex.
How is a bladder infection
diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a bladder infection depends on the
presence of symptoms, finding bacteria and signs
of inflammation in the urine and one’s response
to treatment. A properly obtained mid-stream
urine specimen is critical. An immediate office
urine examination (urinalysis) may show evidence
of inflammation, but cannot identify the type of
bacteria causing infection. Definitive proof of a
bladder infection requires identification of the specific
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