Bladder Infection Symptoms
in Women

What Should I Do?

Try the following self-help for 24 hours or go ahead and see your doctor. If symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, you should see a physician.

• Drink one glass of water every hour for 8 hours. Then drink as much water as you can for the next 16 hours. Drinking water helps dilute and flush out the bacteria that are trying to stick to the bladder walls and the urinary tract.
  
  
• Drink as much unsweetened cranberry juice (obtained from a health food store) as you can tolerate. Cranberry juice prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall and urinary tract. Its acidity may make urine more acidic and less hospitable for bacterial growth.
  
  
• Decrease caffeine and alcohol intake to reduce irritation of the bladder and urethra.
  
  
• Avoid intercourse for 3-5 days and wear cotton underwear.
  
  
• See the How Can I Prevent Bladder Infections? section for more tips on how to take care of yourself.

Seeking Professional Help

Your physician may give you a small container for a midstream urine specimen. The sample is examined in the office for cells that indicate infection and then sent to a laboratory to identify the agents responsible for the infection. Your physician may prescribe antibiotics, antibacterials, or other drugs to treat the condition. Treatment usually lasts 3-7 days.


What Causes Bladder Infections in Women?

Normal urine is sterile. It contains fluids, salts, and waste products, but it is free of bacteria. Infection occurs when bacteria, usually from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. Another way that bacteria is introduced into the urethra is through the vagina and anal area. This is why it is important to urinate after intercourse to flush the urethra and the wipe from front to back after urination and bowel movements. The female urethra is very short, making it easy for the bacteria to reach the bladder and multiply, causing a bladder infection.

See the How Can I Prevent Bladder Infections? for more information on what causes bladder infections in women.

The bacteria may then migrate upward into the kidneys and cause a kidney infection. Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing a kidney infection. Scientists think that hormonal changes and shifts in the position of the urinary tract during pregnancy make it easier for bacteria to travel up the ureters to the kidneys.

Women who use the diaphragm as a form of birth control are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than women who use other forms of birth control. The diaphragm presses against the neck of the bladder, which inhibits normal urination. As urine flow decreases, pressure within the bladder increases, and the bladder is unable to completely empty itself. The pooled urine then acts as a growth medium for bacteria.

Infrequent urination and decreased intake of water also increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Women should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.


How Can I Prevent Bladder Infections?

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily and urinate frequently throughout the day
  
  
• Use minimal caffeine, alcohol and sugar on a daily basis
  
  
• Avoid daily use of panty liners and wear cotton underwear
  
  
• Use lubrication during intercourse and urinate within 10-20 minutes afterwards
  
  
• Wipe from front to back after urination or bowel movements
  
  
• Drink unsweetened cranberry juice regularly or
  
  
• Click here to learn about a daily supplement for women which contains 400 mg. of cranberry powder for urinary tract health.
  
  
• Building your immune defenses also helps to prevent infection. To learn about a daily supplement rich in antioxidants and specially formulated for women, click here.
  
  
• Take showers instead of baths
  
  
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches