Frequent Bladder Infections: Know the Causes of Bladder Infections and how to Prevent Them

Causes of Bladder Infections

A bladder infection, also known as cystitis or lower urinary tract infection, is an inflammation of the bladder. Bladder infections are quite common in females but very rare in males. It is believed that females are more at risk because their urethra (the passage from the bladder through which urine is excreted) is smaller and the urethra opening is close to both the vagina and the rectum.

External bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli (E. coli), making its way up the urethra is one of the major causes of bladder infections.

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

The following are symptoms of a bladder infection:

• increased urinary frequency (mostly at night)
• burning and pain on urination (specifically at the end of urination)
• cloudy and foul-smelling urine
• lower abdominal pain
• low-grade fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or lower).

Preventing Frequent Bladder Infections

Practice good genital hygiene, including wiping from front to back after urination and bowel movements. Wiping from the back to the front can cause E. coli from the rectum to enter the urethra.

Make regular urination a habit; avoid long waits.

Increase fluid intake, especially water, to a minimum of 6-8 glasses per day. Fluids help flush bacteria out of the body.

Cranberries and blueberries acidify the urine and help prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder. If you buy juice, make sure it is 100% pure juice (most brands are mixed with water and sugar). You can also buy cranberry extracts in a pill form.

Avoid bladder irritants such as alcohol, caffeine products, and carbonated beverages.

Limit simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Wear 100% cotton underwear. Avoid wearing thongs and tight pants.

Change sanitary pads frequently.

Avoid irritants such as scented soaps and bubble baths.

Vigorous or frequent sexual activity can contribute to bladder infections. Urinate before and after intercourse to empty the bladder and cleanse the urethra. Washing the labia and urethra before and after sex with a strong tea of hydrastis canadensis (2 teaspoons per cup) is also an effective way in preventing frequent bladder infections.

If you use a diaphragm for contraception, try changing methods or using another size of diaphragm.

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