How can I measure the pH value in the urine myself?
To measure the pH value in the urine itself, so-called pH indicator strips are required. You can buy these in any pharmacy. A urine pH strip contains different pH measuring ranges.
Ideal are measuring ranges between 4.5 and 8.0, otherwise you can use strips with a scale from 5.0 to 10.0. Hold the pH-indicator paper briefly under the urine stream or in a cup of fresh urine. You can read the result on the test strips after a few seconds.
There is a characteristic color tone for each pH value on the pH scale. Compare this color of the test strip with the color sample in the package insert. The corresponding pH value can be read from the color sample on the package insert. The pH measurement in urine does not work with urine that has been in the cup for a long time, since the pH value changes quickly at room temperature and becomes more alkaline.
How does the pH value change during cystitis?
In the course of a cystitis the urine changes. In most cases, an infection of the urinary tract and the bladder results in a significantly increased pH value >7.0. A basic pH value is therefore an indication of a urinary tract infection.
The bacterium E. coli (Escherichia coli) is an intestinal bacterium that frequently causes cystitis. This bacterium has a neutral pH value of 7 and can multiply very well at values close to its pH optimum. Neutral to slightly alkaline values are therefore ideal for E. coli.
The different bacteria that cause cystitis have different properties. Overall, an alkalization of the pH-value in the urine is observed, i.e. the pH-value goes up on the scale from 1 to 14. If a strongly alkaline pH value is present, there is a risk of “infection stone formation”. This means that urinary stones can form and cause complications.
