Symtoms.org - Bladder Infection Symtoms

A bladder infection is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. The inner lining of the bladder becomes inflamed, and the urine becomes full of bacteria.

Bladder infections are more common among women than men because of their shorter urethra, making it easer for bacteria from the anus or genital area to reach the bladder. Bladder infections often occur in young women who have just become sexually active and have sexual intercourse often. In addition, bladder infections can occur anytime the flow of urine is blocked or emptying of the bladder is incomplete due to an enlarged prostate in men or pregnancy in women.

Bacteria that have traveled up the urethra and into the bladder usually cause bladder infections. The most common bacteria associated with bladder infections in women include Escherichia coli (about eighty percent of cases), Staphylococcus saprophyticus , Klebsiella, Enterobacter , and Proteus species. Risk factors include sexual intercourse, use of a diaphragm for birth control, an abnormally short urethra, diabetes or chronic dehydration, the absence of a specific enzyme in vaginal secretions, inadequate personal hygiene and pregnancy.

In males, bladder infections are often the result of kidney complications or prostate infections. Bladder infections in men are most likely to be caused by E. coli or another gram-negative bacterium.

Symptoms of a bladder infection in both men and women include painful urination, a sudden strong desire to urinate, an increase in the frequency of urination, cloudy urine that spells bad, and blood in the urine. Large quantities of blood in the urine may be caused by an acute bladder infection. Many patients also experience fever, pain in the lower back, nausea and vomiting and shaking chills.

To diagnose a bladder infection, the doctor will examine the patient and may test both the blood and urine. A laboratory test of the urine will reveal if bacteria is present, which usually indicates infection. The doctor may also examine the patient’s abdomen and lower back to check for bladder or kidney enlargements.

Female patients may also require a pelvic examination. Female patients with a reoccurring infection may also be given an ultrasound test of the kidneys and bladder to check for structural abnormalities.

Bladder infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent the spread of infection to the kidneys. Treatment for women is usually short-term; most patients respond within three days. Men do not respond as well to short-term treatment and may require seven to ten days of oral antibiotics. The doctor may also prescribe Pyridium, a medicine that helps reduce the pain and spasm of the bladder during the first couple of days.

Over fifty percent of older men with a bladder infection also suffer from infection of the prostate gland, so the doctor will treat that with antibiotics as well.

A minority of women with complicated bladder infections may require surgical treatment to prevent recurrent infections. Surgery is also used to treat reflux problems (movement of the urine backwards) or other anatomical abnormalities in males.

The patient may be asked to provide another sample of urine to be tested after all antibiotics have been take to make sure the infection is gone. Prompt treatment of a bladder infection with antibiotics usually controls the infection and relieves the symptoms in a day or two.

To prevent another bladder infection, the female patient should drink large amounts of fluid, urinate frequently and empty the bladder each time, particularly after intercourse, and properly clean the area around the urethra. Female patients should also wipe from front to back after a bowel movement and wash the genital area after each bath or shower.

In males, the primary preventive measure is prompt treatment of prostate infections, drinking large amounts of fluid and frequently emptying the bladder. Men, especially if uncircumcised, should always wash the penis (gently pulling back the foreskin) during bathing.

This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.