Bladder Infection
Bladder infections are one of the most common infections and affect about 40%-60% of all women sometime in their lives. Whether it’s your first bladder infection or you struggle with recurring infections, Dr. Robert Gregory Owens provides compassionate, customized treatment at Advanced Pelvic Surgery, the premier pelvic floor rehab center in Southern Ohio, to relieve your symptoms and address the underlying problem. Early treatment prevents complications, so don’t wait to call the office in West Chester, Ohio or book an appointment online.
Bladder Infection Q & A
What causes a bladder infection?
A bladder infection, called cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection. For more information, click here. A simple bladder infection occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra -- the tube that carries urine out of your body -- to the bladder, causing inflammation. You have a complicated bladder infection when a problem with your urinary tract makes the infection difficult to treat. This situation can occur when urine flow is blocked, or urine is retained in the bladder. In some cases, cystitis develops due to drugs, radiation therapy, and irritants such as spermicides, feminine hygiene spray, and long-term use of an indwelling catheter. Dr. Owens has practiced Urogynecology in Cincinnati for more than 20 years, so you can count on his experience to treat even the most difficult cases.
Why are women susceptible to bladder infections?
Women are more likely to develop bladder infections because of their anatomy. First, the urethra is close to the vagina and anus where bacteria thrive. Second, the urethra is short, so bacteria can easily travel to the bladder.
- Besides their anatomy, women are more susceptible due to the following:
- Pregnancy interferes with bladder function, increasing the risk of cystitis
- Intercourse and spermicides increase your risk of cystitis
- Decreased estrogen due to menopause affects urethra tissues, increasing susceptibility to repeated infections
- A prolapsed uterus or bladder affects the ability to empty the bladder
What symptoms develop when you have a bladder infection?
Bladder infections can cause one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Frequent need to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Passing only a small amount of urine
- Passing urine that’s cloudy or has a strong smell
- Blood in your urine
- Pelvic pain and discomfort
If the infection spreads into your kidneys, your symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, back pain, or confusion.
How is a bladder infection diagnosed?
A urinalysis diagnoses a bladder infection by testing for the presence of bacteria or inflammation in your urine. Dr. Owens may also order a urine culture to determine which bacteria is causing your infection.
You may receive ultrasound or CT scan for recurring bladder infections, or when Dr. Owens has concerns about a potential blockage in your urinary tract.
How is a bladder infection treated?
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for simple cystitis caused by a bacterial infection. Dr. Owens may recommend other options if an underlying health condition or urinary tract blockage contribute to the problem.
As a physician who’s double board-certified in OB/GYN and female pelvic medicine and surgery -- and a doctor who listens to your concerns -- you can count on Dr. Owens to promptly treat and relieve your symptoms.
To relieve your symptoms and prevent complications with the help of an expert, call Advanced Pelvic Surgery or book an appointment with Dr. Owens online at the first symptoms of a bladder infection.
For a review of bladder infections click here.