Definition
A cystitis belongs to the group of lower urinary tract infections. In young years and in middle age it occurs significantly more frequently in women than in men. This is because the urethra of women is much shorter and the bacteria can therefore reach the bladder more easily from the outside. Pregnant women have an even higher risk of developing cystitis than non-pregnant women. 4-7% of women suffer from cystitis at least once during pregnancy During pregnancy, different rules apply to drug treatment than to non-pregnant women, as untreated cystitis can pose risks for the unborn child.
Causes
Cystitis is caused by bacteria that enter the bladder from outside via the urethra. There they then trigger an inflammatory reaction. This happens much more frequently in women than in men because the woman’s urethra is only about 5 cm long.
The bacteria therefore enter the bladder by a shorter route than in men. The reason for the increase during pregnancy is anatomical: During pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to reduced peristalsis (movement of the muscles) of the ureters. In addition, the right ureter in particular is compressed by the uterus, which is getting bigger and bigger, i.e. compressed a little bit.
Both these factors lead to a slight reduction in the flow of urine, the bacteria can be flushed out less well and an inflammatory reaction occurs more quickly. The pathogens that cause cystitis originate in the majority of cases from the intestinal flora. Causes of infection are mainly to be found in incorrect intimate hygiene.
If, for example, after going to the toilet, you do not wipe from the front to the back but from the back to the front, germs from the anal area reach the vagina where they can pass through the urethra to the bladder. Even if a washcloth is used to clean the vagina and anus, this can lead to contamination. Other causes of cystitis are certain sexual practices, such as anal intercourse performed just before vaginal intercourse.
Some women also react very sensitively to sexual intercourse with a new partner and develop a bladder infection shortly afterwards. This is called honeymoon cystitis. Risk factors for the occurrence of cystitis are, apart from pregnancy, kidney stones, diabetes mellitus and permanent bladder catheters.
What are the first signs of cystitis?
The first signs of cystitis differ from woman to woman. Some women first complain that they have to go to the toilet much more often than usual, so there is an increased urge to urinate. Others first notice a slight pulling in the lower abdomen which occurs mainly during urination. Sometimes a red colouring of the urine occurs first, although this is rather rare in a pure cystitis. Signs of a bladder infection can also be slight discomfort and fatigue.
