McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
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What is a bladder infection?

The bladder is the part of your body that stores urine. When bacteria get into the bladder, it can get infected.

How does it happen?

A bladder infection happens when bacteria from the skin get into the bladder. Bacteria can be spread by the way you wipe after going to the bathroom. Bacteria can also spread when you have sex. An infection may also happen if something is blocking the flow of urine. For example, an enlarged prostate in a man or a baby in a pregnant woman might cause this problem.

Women get bladder infections more often than men.

What are the symptoms?

• You feel the need to urinate a lot.
• You may feel a burning or stinging when you urinate.
• You may have cramps in your lower belly or back.
• Your urine is cloudy and smells bad.
• There may be blood in your urine.
• You may leak urine.
• You may have a fever or chills.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider may:

• Give you an exam.
• Test your urine.
• Do blood tests.

How is it treated?

Your health care provider will give you antibiotics. You may also need pain medicine.

How long will it take to get well?

If you get treated early, you will get well quickly. Most of the time, the medicine fixes the problem within 24 to 48 hours.

How can I take care of myself?

• Take all the antibiotics that your health care provider gives you, even when you feel better.
• If your provider gives you pain medicine, take it while you are waiting for the antibiotics to start working.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
• Get another urine test after you are done with your medicine, if your health care provider says you should.

If you have a fever:

• Rest in bed.
• Ask your health care provider what medicine you should take to lower your fever.
• Take your temperature every day.

If you are not getting better after 48 hours, call your health care provider right away.

What can I do to help prevent bladder infection?

Urinate often during the day. You should also urinate after you have sex.

If you are a woman, it is important to:

• Keep the area around your vagina clean.
• Wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom.
• Wash the area around your vagina when you bathe or shower.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Use pantyhose with cotton crotches.
• Avoid tight clothing. Wear loose pants.
• Do not wear a wet bathing suit for a long time.

If you have stopped having your periods because of menopause and are not taking estrogen, you may need to use a vaginal cream. Sometimes this cream helps prevent bladder infections after menopause.

Talk to your health care provider if you are pregnant or if you have bladder infections often. You may need extra tests or special medicine.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.