Causes Associated with Burning in a Bladder Infection

Bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the bladder. The bladder is a small balloon-like organ that stores urine not yet excreted by the body. A bladder infection is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting humans. Almost 1/3 of women have at least one bladder infection during their lifetime. These infections are considered simple or complicated, where simple bladder infections affect women with healthy urinary tracts and infections in men are considered complicated.

Causes of Burning in a Bladder Infection

There are many ways of bacteria being introduced into the urinary tract, where it will travel to the bladder. Women wiping from back to front is one of the top causes of female infections, while males can get the infection from sexual intercourse in the same manner women do. When bacteria is forced through the urethra during sexual intercourse, it travels through the urethra and up the urinary tract, and normally is drawn to the bladder, as this is the last point for the bacteria to enter in the system.

Burning in a Bladder Infection

Bacteria enter into the urinary tract and once the bacteria enter, they grow rapidly. When the bacteria begin to take over the bladder, more white blood cells are created to help fight off the infection. When you try to urinate, the body is trying to push out the infection, and this is what ultimately causes the burn: the body’s natural response to ridding itself of unwanted materials that have caused irritation from frequent urination.

What are Simple Bladder Infections?

Simple bladder infections start when bacteria enter the bladder. Since the female urinary tract is more complicated but shorter than a male’s, women are more likely to get them. The urethra of a female is located quite close to the rectum, and therefore bacteria have a shorter distance to enter the area than in men. Women wiping from back to front can cause these infections, as well as sexual intercourse are two main causes of the bladder infections.

What are Complicated Bladder Infections?

These infections normally affect those that have abnormal urinary tracts, and this makes them harder to treat. All bladder infections are complicated when they affect men, because the long urethra should keep the bacteria from entering the bladder. Nerve damage from injuries or diseases such as diabetes are some of the most common reasons for men contracting a bladder infection or a blocked flow of urination. The most common reason for a blocked flow of urine is an enlarged prostate, and this alone is a large problem for men over 50.

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

The need to urinate more often, but only passing small amounts of urine is the first sign of a bladder infection. A sudden urge to go and pain or burning during urination are the next signs one will feel. Going more often at night when this is not normal for you is another symptom, along with blood in the urine or pain in the lower stomach area. Chills, nausea and vomiting as well as back pain and confusion are all symptoms of complicated bladder infections, and may require longer periods of treatment.

Resources

AOL Health.com from the article Bladder Infections (Cystitis) last updated June 30, 2009

WebMd.com from the article Understanding Bladder Infections - Basic Information last reviewed on December 3, 2008.