What to do in case of recurrent cystitis?

1. I am a 23 year old woman and have had recurring bladder infections for a year now. Each time I get another course of antibiotics from the doctor, but that doesn't seem so healthy to me either. How come it keeps coming back and how do I get rid of it?

1. Ton Dapper, general practitioner Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder. Cystitis is not contagious, but it can come back. Cystitis is more common in women than in men, especially of childbearing age. In the 20-50 age group, urinary tract infections are 50 times more common in women than in men. Cystitis often occurs in women after sexual intercourse, probably because the urethra is slightly bruised. Furthermore, the urethra is shorter in women than in men: the barrier for bacteria to the bladder is therefore smaller in women. Bacteria from the intestine and around the urethra are thus more likely to enter the bladder. In men, the most common cause of recurrent cystitis is persistent bacterial infection of the prostate. Sometimes a bladder infection does not cause any symptoms and the condition is often diagnosed by accident (for example, during a urine test for driving license inspection). Symptom-free cystitis is common in the elderly, which can cause urinary incontinence. It is usually not clear why someone gets a bladder infection again and again. Sometimes a cause can be found with specialist research

What are the symptoms?

1. You feel the urge to urinate more often and you urinate more often with smaller amounts. The urge itself can hurt. The urination itself hurts or causes a burning sensation. You can also have pain in your lower abdomen, above the pubic bone or in the lower back. With a bladder infection you do not have a fever, at most a little increase. The urine is often cloudy, and blood is visible to the naked eye in about 30 percent of people.

Recommendations

1. You can take some measures to prevent bacteria from building up in your bladder. Make sure you drink a lot. Do not delay urinating unnecessarily, but go to the toilet if you feel the urge. Empty the bladder completely. Women who often have cystitis are advised to urinate after intercourse. Bacteria that have entered the urethra during sex, urinate quickly. Acidifying your urine by taking cranberry products (for example, cranberry juice) can sometimes help prevent bladder infections.

Treatment A bladder infection can pass on its own. Usually you will be given antibiotics to fight the bacteria. Then the inflammation can heal quickly. There is also less chance that the inflammation will spread to the renal pelvis or to the prostate in men. Always finish the treatment, even if you no longer have complaints. Otherwise, bacteria can remain in the bladder and cause inflammation again Women generally do not need to have their urine checked after completing the course. Do contact us if you get a fever or become ill or if the complaints persist. A bladder infection also often has delayed effects: the inflammation is over, but the complaints can persist for a few days. In case of recurring bladder infections it is wise to culture the urine. In the laboratory, it is immediately determined to which antibiotic the cultivated bacteria is sensitive. Discuss this with your doctor. Do you also have a health question? Click here and ask your question to an expert

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