Bladder infection
A bladder infection is most often caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. For people with weakened immune systems, yeast can cause bladder infections as well.
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra.
Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. Other cases may be chronic, meaning they recur over the long term. Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection.
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Can bladder infections be prevented?
Certain lifestyle changes may reduce your chances of getting a bladder infection.
If you have been experiencing recurrent bladder infections, your doctor may recommend prophylactic treatment. This consists of antibiotics taken in small daily doses to prevent or control future bladder infections.
Lifestyle changes
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that some of the following lifestyle changes may help reduce or eliminate the occurrence of bladder infections:
- Drink six to eight glasses of water a day, but consult with your doctor about the correct amount of fluid based on your overall health.
- Drink cranberry juice daily.
- Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
- Wipe from front to back after urinating if you are female.
- Don’t use douches, feminine hygiene sprays, scented soaps, or powders.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
- Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide and change to an alternate form of birth control.
- Use nonspermicidal lubricated condoms.
- Urinate before and after sexual activity.
Preventive antibiotic treatment
If you’re a woman experiencing recurrent bladder infections, your doctor may give you a prescription for daily antibiotics to prevent infections or to take when you feel the symptoms of a bladder infection.
They may also have you take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual activity.
Long-term outlook
Most bladder infections subside within 48 hours of taking the appropriate antibiotic. It’s important to finish all antibiotics prescribed, even if you’re feeling better.
Some bladder infections can worsen and spread to the kidneys due to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, delayed or inadequate treatment, or other health issues.
If you have recurrent UTIs, it’s important to see your doctor. You many need certain tests to make sure your urinary system is otherwise healthy.
Chronic bladder infections require a combination of treatment and more aggressive preventive measures. Long-term daily antibiotics may be necessary in some cases.
Being proactive about bladder infections can help reduce their occurrence as well as the pain and possible complications that accompany them. The earlier you seek treatment, the less likely it is that the infection will spread and the sooner you’ll feel better.