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What are the Signs of a Bladder Infection?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The signs of a bladder infection are quite distinctive, making the condition very easy to diagnose in many cases. In fact, a whole family of conditions known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause a constellation of similar symptoms, with the usual treatment being the administration of antibiotics to kill the organisms behind the infection. Patients should seek medical attention if they notice these signs, because untreated infections can lead to kidney damage or sepsis.

A bladder infection, known formally as cystitis, occurs when inflammation and infection appear in the bladder. The most common symptom is difficulty urinating, which may be paired with a sensation of the need to urinate but minimal urine output. People may also experience a sense of pressure in the lower abdomen, or pain and soreness around the abdomen and back. The urine produced can be cloudy or reddish in color, and it may be quite painful to urinate for some patients. Other symptom of an infection include a fever, dizziness, and sense of fatigue.

Cranberry pills can help with a bladder infection.
Cranberry pills can help with a bladder infection.

Some patients experience recurrent infections, in which case the signs of a bladder infection may be very familiar. It is still a good idea for these patients to seek medical care unless they have been given a standing prescription for antibiotics specifically to deal with recurrent bladder infections. If three or more infections occur in a short period of time, it may be necessary to consult a urologist to find out what's causing them.

Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.
Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.

Medical professionals may diagnose a UTI based on an interview with patient interview in which the signs of a bladder infection are described, but they often ask for a urine sample to confirm the presence of bacteria. An ultrasound imaging study may also be performed to provide additional information about the patient's condition. In the case of patients with recurrent bladder infections, the healthcare provider may recommend an extended course of antibiotics to see if this prevents the re-emergence of the infection.

Urine samples will help to confirm the presence of a bladder infection.
Urine samples will help to confirm the presence of a bladder infection.

There are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing a bladder infection, including the consumption of things that will increase acid in the urine, reducing the bacterial population. Cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for UTIs, and it is best consumed on a regular basis to prevent the infection from appearing in the first place. Maintaining scrupulous hygiene around the urethra will also cut down on the risks of developing an infection.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

CopperPipe

Certain types of STDs can also be associated with bladder infections.

For instance, chlamydia is known to up the chances of a UTI in both men and women, as is mycoplasma homina, which can also be sexually transmitted.

In fact, these are one of the leading causes of male bladder infections in men under the age of sixty.

So, practice safe sex, and keep your urinary tract healthy!

closerfan12

I had an old doctor who used to call bladder infections in women the honeymooner's disease.

Apparently it is really common for women who just start having sex during their honeymoon to develop UTIs, since they are new to the whole thing and don't know how to prevent them after intercourse.

Since so many new brides come back from their honeymoons with UTIs, doctor's started calling it honeymooner's disease and I guess it stuck.

LittleMan

@anon86276 -- Those are two of the classic symptoms of a bladder infection -- particularly if you start to see blood in your urine.

In any case, I would advise you to see a doctor, so that he can find out what's going on down there and get it cleared up for you.

There's no sense in taking that kind of risk with your health.

anon86276

so if my lower tummy hurts and my pee is cloudy then i might be infected, and this has been going on for about two days.

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    • Cranberry pills can help with a bladder infection.
      Cranberry pills can help with a bladder infection.
    • Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.
      By: Galina Mikhalishina
      Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.
    • Urine samples will help to confirm the presence of a bladder infection.
      By: Rob Byron
      Urine samples will help to confirm the presence of a bladder infection.
    • A bath in apple cider vinegar and water may help relieve a bladder infection.
      By: rimglow
      A bath in apple cider vinegar and water may help relieve a bladder infection.
    • Antibiotics are the most commonly used treatment for urinary tract infections.
      By: Syda Productions
      Antibiotics are the most commonly used treatment for urinary tract infections.