More than half of all women get it at least once in their lives and many of them repeatedly – a bladder infection. Sexually active women in particular are often affected by uncomplicated urinary tract infections. This is why female cystitis used to be called “honeymoon cystitis”. Bladder infection or cystitis is an acute inflammation of the urinary bladder. The causes of acute cystitis are usually ascending infections or so-called smear infections.
Female anatomy as a risk factor
In women, their anatomy is already a risk factor. Namely, women have a relatively short urethra. This makes it easier for bacteria to “travel up” to the bladder and cause cystitis. This carry-over of germs into the bladder can be favored by other factors.
10 home remedies for cystitis
Caution smear infections
In addition to the much shorter urethra of women (4 centimeters compared to 20 centimeters in men), it is also in close proximity to the genital and anal region. This means that bacteria can easily enter the urethra from the vagina – increasing the risk of smear infection, for example through sexual intercourse.
During sexual intercourse, the vagina is also strained and the vaginal milieu is frequently affected. This makes it easier for bacteria to multiply. Because cystitis in women used to occur frequently after the honeymoon, doctors at that time also referred to it as “honeymoon sickness.”
Symptoms
Frequent urination or pain during urination are the most common symptoms of cystitis. The pain can radiate to the entire lower abdomen. Despite the strong urge to urinate, however, the amounts of urine passed are very small. Other possible symptoms of cystitis include cloudy urine and bad-smelling discharge.
Therapy
In most cases, uncomplicated acute cystitis is short-lived, provided it is treated in a timely manner. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for treatment. Common active ingredients include cotrimoxazole or fosfomycin. After taking them, the inflammation usually subsides within a few days. Nevertheless, the mucosa still needs one to two weeks to heal completely. Herbal teas and local heat can relieve the pain and support the healing process.
Tip: Those prone to bladder infections should empty the bladder after sexual intercourse and drink about half a liter of mineral water to flush any germs out of the body.
