Cystitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the bladder, mostly due to bacterial infection in the urinary tract (UTI), especially in women who have a short urethra located close to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder than in men.
One of the most common causes is after sexual intercourse, which may unknowingly introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Besides infection, there are other risk factors that can trigger this condition, such as improper cleaning of the genital area, use of tampons, catheterization, or even side effects from medication, radiation therapy, and other diseases related to the urinary system. Do not overlook abnormal urination symptoms because if left untreated, it may progress to an upper urinary tract infection and affect kidney function in the long term.
What symptoms indicate that you have cystitis?
Frequent urination more than 10 times a day in small amounts, especially needing to get up frequently at night to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, pain at the tip of the urethra after urination, and in some cases, blood in the urine.
How is cystitis treated?
Generally, antibiotics are prescribed for about 3-5 days, but if the patient has severe symptoms, antibiotics may need to be taken for 7-10 days.
How can cystitis be prevented?
- Avoid holding urine for long periods unnecessarily, as this may allow bacteria remaining in the bladder to grow well.
- Drink plenty of water, about 8-10 glasses a day, to help flush out bacteria from the body quickly.
- Clean the genital area every time after urination and defecation. Women should always clean from front to back.
- Clean the body and urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.
Is frequent urination dangerous?
Normally, we urinate an average of 6-8 times a day, but if you go to the bathroom more often than this, aside from excessive water intake, it could be a warning sign of some health problems.
- Diabetes, because the body cannot control high blood glucose levels, so it tries to adjust by eliminating excess glucose through urine.
- Cystitis, which is a continuous infection inflammation from the urethra, caused by frequently holding urine for long periods and poor genital hygiene.
- Kidney disease, due to abnormal kidney function where the kidneys cannot reabsorb water as well as before, causing more frequent and increased urine output.
- Overactive bladder (OAB) causes frequent urination both day and night, sudden urgent urination that cannot be delayed, and urinary leakage.
- Prostate enlargement, a condition where the prostate gland abnormally enlarges for unknown reasons and compresses the urethra, causing difficulty urinating, incomplete urination, and frequent urination.
- Pregnancy, because the uterus enlarges and presses on the bladder, causing pregnant women to urinate more frequently than usual.
- Medications and certain substances, as some medications may have side effects causing more frequent urination, such as diuretics, as well as consuming large amounts of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
If you have frequent urination without drinking more water or consuming more caffeine and alcohol than usual, and it affects your daily life and sleep, along with other warning symptoms such as blood in urine, pain during urination, urinary incontinence, fever, etc., you should see a doctor immediately. Those who have this problem can consult a urologist, Dr. Suebpong Angchoun (License No. 29458).
