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Do you have bladder infection symptoms or urinary tract (track) infection symptoms? Identifying the often painful symptoms and understanding how your body works will give you the power to be in control of your health.
The Bladder
Your body gets rid of waste through urine and there are several organs that help in this process. The bladder is the best known organ.
Here’s a little perspective on when you “need to go”: A healthy bladder stores as much as 2 cups of urine comfortably for several hours!
Bacteria and Bladder Infection
When bacteria enter into the body an infection can occur in one or several of the organs that help eliminate urine. In general, these types of infections are called urinary tract (track) infections. A bladder infection means that bacteria have invaded the bladder, multiplied in the urine, and caused an infection.
Cystitis is the type of bacteria that causes an infection in the bladder. Different types of bacteria can cause different types of urinary tract infections.
Bladder Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of a bladder infection can be uncomfortable and painful so it is important that you understand each one. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following bladder infection symptoms:
- Burning and/or painful sensation when urinating
- Frequent need to use the bathroom
- Small or no amounts of urine despite strong need to “go”
- Bloody urine
- Foul smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Mild fever
- Shakiness or fatigue
- Unusual/full feeling in the rectum (for men)
- Pain in lower pelvic area – above the pubic bone (for women)
It is important to consult a doctor about your symptoms of a bladder infection as they may be similar to other urinary tract problems such as Overactive Bladder (OAB).
Prevention and Treatment
Anyone who has had symptoms of a bladder infection will tell you that the best thing to do is avoid getting a bladder infection in the first place! Here are some strategies to prevent getting an infection in the bladder:
- Drink lots of water daily!
- Go to the bathroom frequently – don’t hold it!
- For girls: wipe front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum
- After bowel movements, wipe from front to back
- Go to the bathroom within 15 minutes of having sex
- Keep genital area clean and dry (watch out for sweaty clothes & wearing wet bathing suits too long)
- Wear cotton underwear
Bladder infections can be diagnosed by a doctor after having a laboratory examine your urine. This is a simple and fast process. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat a bladder infection. Treatment of a bladder infection may be longer based on your specific symptoms and severity.
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Bladder Infections 
