What helps with cystitis: A comprehensive guide

What helps with cystitis? Symptoms and causes

When it comes to cystitis, it is important to recognize your body’s warning signs early. Some typical symptoms you should pay close attention to include:

• Burning when urinating: A strong burning or stinging sensation that occurs during or immediately after urination.
• Frequent urge to urinate: The feeling of needing to urinate again shortly after going to the toilet, often associated with only small amounts of urine.
• Lower abdominal pain: Unpleasant pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or bladder area.
• Changes in urine: Cloudy urine, an unusually strong or unpleasant smell, and in some cases the presence of blood.

These symptoms can occur individually or in combination and vary in intensity. They are a clear signal that something is wrong and should not be ignored. Early action can help improve the situation and avoid possible complications. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to increase your fluid intake and, if necessary, consult a doctor to assess the condition more precisely and initiate appropriate treatment.

A lower urinary tract infection (cystitis) is diagnosed when the symptoms are limited to the lower urinary tract, for example pain when urinating, an almost uncontrollable urge to urinate, and frequent urination in small amounts. If additional complaints such as pain in the kidney area or fever occur, an upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis) may also be present. In this case, urgent medical advice is required.

Causes of cystitis

The range of clinical presentations is diverse. It ranges from bacterial colonization of the bladder without symptoms to life-threatening blood poisoning if the inflammation is not treated properly. The primary cause of cystitis is infection of the bladder with bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the intestines. Women are affected more often than men due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to migrate into the bladder. In most cases, it is a woman’s own intestinal bacteria that reach the urethra. Other pathogens such as staphylococci, enterococci, or klebsiella can also cause an infection.

With increasing age, the frequency of the disease rises significantly. Looking at urinary tract infections in general, studies suggest that up to eight out of ten women are affected at least once in their lives. Each year, eleven percent of women fall ill, and about one third of them suffer three or more infections within a year. In older age, men are also more frequently affected by a bladder infection; however, the cause must be clearly differentiated from that in women. In men, the reason is often an enlarged prostate, which can obstruct urine outflow. Residual urine in the bladder can promote inflammation. Risk factors can include sexual intercourse, the use of certain contraceptives such as diaphragms, reduced immunity, and changes in hormone balance.

Risk factors for cystitis

Cystitis can have various causes, and some people are more susceptible to these infections than others. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of cystitis include:

• Sexual activity: Frequent sexual intercourse can increase the risk of cystitis, especially without the use of protective measures.
• Use of contraceptives: Certain contraceptive methods, such as diaphragms or spermicidal gels, can increase the risk.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormonal and physiological conditions change, which can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
• Menopause: After menopause, the vaginal flora changes, which can increase susceptibility to infections.
• Pre-existing conditions: Diabetes, kidney stones, or other conditions that impair urine flow increase the risk.
• Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system can make the body more susceptible to infections.

These factors contribute to certain individuals having a higher risk of developing cystitis. The immune system and susceptibility to infections also play a major role in addition to the factors already mentioned. There are various hypotheses that immune responses in cystitis are prematurely halted by the body in order to protect the bladder lining. This can leave bacteria behind, which may then cause chronic infections.

However, by understanding these risk factors and applying preventive measures, the risk of cystitis can be reduced.

Non-antibiotic treatment options

In addition to classic antibiotic therapy, there are various non-antibiotic treatment approaches:

• Plenty of fluid intake to flush out bacteria
• Use of medicinal plants and herbal teas that have a diuretic effect
• Heat therapy, such as hot water bottles on the lower abdomen, to relieve pain
• Probiotics to strengthen beneficial bacteria in the bladder and intestines

Because frequent sexual intercourse is a risk factor for cystitis, women are advised to urinate after sex to quickly flush out possible pathogens. Another typical patient group is women after menopause. Declining estrogen levels make the vaginal tissue drier and thinner. Bacteria can then settle and multiply more easily. After menopause, the number of lactobacilli in the vaginal area also decreases, reducing protection against harmful germs. In addition, from a certain age, residual urine often remains in the bladder, in which bacteria can multiply.

However, by understanding these risk factors and applying preventive measures, the risk of cystitis can be reduced.

Prevention of cystitis

The treatment of cystitis depends on whether the infection occurs acutely or chronically. In the case of acute cystitis, antibiotics may be avoided depending on the symptoms. According to research findings, symptoms subside within three to four days in up to 58 percent of people. With a herbal remedy, up to eight out of ten affected individuals can avoid antibiotic therapy.

Recurrent cystitis requires special treatments, ideally completely without antibiotics. Helpful everyday tips include the following:

• Pay attention to hygiene: Excessive care in the intimate area can damage the mucous membranes and makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate.
• Drink enough: Plenty of fluids flush the urinary tract and make it difficult for germs to accumulate.
• Keep the pelvic and bladder area warm: If the body gets cold, it becomes more susceptible to infections.
• Herbal remedies with germ-inhibiting or anti-inflammatory effects: Cranberries, for example, contain substances that can prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining. D-mannose also inhibits E. coli from attaching.
• Frequent urination: This prevents germs from settling in the urethra.
• Contraception: Spermicides change the vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection.
• Empty the bladder: Urinating after sexual intercourse can help flush out germs.
• Wiping technique: Clean from front to back. This reduces the risk of intestinal bacteria entering the urethra.

Cystitis is unpleasant, but with the right measures it can be treated well and prevented. Early treatment and preventive measures can help minimize the risk of infection and promote urinary tract health.

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Sources:

Bianca M-B., et al., 2020: Non-antibiotic treatments for urinary cystitis: an update; available online at https://journals.lww.com/courology/abstract/2020/11000/nonantibiotic_treatments_for_urinary_cystitis__an.13.aspx

Christina B., 2023: CYSTITIS: When every drop hurts; available online at https://www.spektrum.de/news/staendig-blasenentzuendung-wenn-harnwegsinfekte-immer-wiederkommen/2125227

RKI, 2020: Chapter 7 of the GBE report “Health situation of women in Germany”; available online at https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Gesundheitsmonitoring/Gesundheitsberichterstattung/GBEDownloadsB/frauenbericht/07_Sexuelle_reproduktive_Gesundheit.pdf?__blob=publicationFile

Sabrina L., et al., 2023: Evidence-based review of non-antibiotic strategies for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women: a patient-centered approach; available online at https://journals.lww.com/courology/abstract/2023/05000/evidence_based_review_of_nonantibiotic_urinary.4.aspx