Is a bladder infection contagious?

Since cystitis is usually a bacterial infection, it is also contagious. The greatest risk of infection is during unprotected sexual intercourse. Theoretically there is also a risk of infection if the same toilet is used.

But the risk of infection is very low. To be on the safe side, the person concerned should not share a towel with anyone during this time and at best use a towel only once and then change it immediately after use. The toilet should also be cleaned regularly.

Diagnosis

The first choice is the urine examination (U-status). The fastest detection is achieved with the help of a test strip that is immersed in the patient’s urine for about 30 seconds. By changing the colour of the individual fields, the acid value, pH value, protein, sugar, white blood cells and red blood cells can be detected, and indirectly bacteria via the breakdown product nitrite.

A second method is the so-called “Urikult” system. A culture medium for bacteria is briefly immersed in the patient’s urine. Any bacteria present there settle on the culture medium.

The number of colonies found can be used to draw the line between significant and insignificant contamination of the urine with bacteria (>105/ml urine=significant infection). It is also very important that the bacteria found are tested for their sensitivity to various antibiotics. Based on the test result, the doctor will determine the drug therapy.

The blood values/laboratory values are usually not changed. An exception are the white blood cells (leukocytes) and so-called inflammation parameters such as the C-reactive protein (CRP). In the case of recurrent (recurrent) or complicated cystitis, an ultrasound should be performed, as these can indicate as yet unrecognised anatomical malformations or obstructions to drainage.

If the ultrasound is conspicuous, a urogram may be necessary to assess urine excretion (especially in younger patients, this can reveal a reflux of urine from the bladder). In this procedure, a contrast medium containing iodine is introduced into the vein and then excreted by the kidneys. After 7 and 15 minutes, X-rays are taken, on which: become visible.

Anomalies, cysts, congestion, tumours and more can be seen. In men a urinary flow disturbance can be excluded. In case of severe damage: no more urogram may be performed.

Serum creatinine is a measure of the function of the kidneys. The normal value is approx. 0.8-1.2 mg/dl.

An endoscopic examination (examination of the bladder with a tube camera) is prohibited during acute inflammation and can only be carried out after the symptoms have disappeared. An endoscope (similar to gastroscopy or colonoscopy) is inserted into the bladder via the urethra. The bladder is then filled with water and illuminated by the endoscope.

It is possible to detect the emptying of the ureters into the bladder, inflammation of the mucous membrane, tumours, foreign bodies as well as stones, and if necessary they can be removed. Congenital changes can also be precisely localised. The operation is performed under local anaesthetic. With a quick and easy self-test at home you can determine a first suspicion of a bladder infection yourself. – Kidneys

Renal pelvis
Ureter and
Urinary bladder
Of the liver
Diseases of the thyroid gland
Plasmocytoma
Contrast medium allergy or
Kidney weakness (renal insufficiency – from a serum creatinine level of >2 mg/dl)