Frequencies
In general, women are much more frequently affected by an inflammation of the bladder than men. One of the reasons for this is that the urethra, which is the connection between the bladder and the outside world, is much shorter in women. This risk is further increased in sexually active women, especially when using a diaphragm or spermicides as a contraceptive method.
Urinary tract infections also often occur in close temporal relation to sexual intercourse, especially the so-called “honeymoon cystitis“, during honeymoon. The incidence of bladder inflammation is also increased during pregnancy, where care must be taken to ensure that the inflammation does not spread to the kidney area. With age, the frequency of urinary tract infections also increases, since changes in the bacterial flora in the genital area can increase the colonization of other pathogens. In men, a urinary tract infection, when it occurs, usually occurs immediately as a complicated course with kidney involvement and should be clarified particularly thoroughly. Further risk factors for an inflammation of the bladder are diabetes mellitus or congenital malformations of the urinary tract.
Symptoms
There are a whole range of symptoms that indicate an inflammation of the bladder. These include problems with urination, such asPain, burning, a particularly strong urge to urinate or even frequent urination with only small amounts. If a burning sensation occurs during urination during the whole time, it is usually more likely to be a (co-)inflammation of the urethra.
A burning sensation after urination can also indicate an inflammation of the bladder. An unusual smell of urine can often be perceived. Blood admixtures and clouding of the urine are possible.
A new occurrence of incontinence can be indicative of an inflammation of the bladder. Other symptoms include flank pain, fever, pressure pain around the bladder, and a general feeling of illness. In children, the inflammation of the bladder can also be indicated by rather unspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
