For some unknown reasons, some women get bladder infections repeatedly. This is called chronic cystitis. According to Dr. Robert Pugach, medical director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, the main key to preventing infections is to urinate. Urinating several times a day prevents bladder infections by flushing bacteria out of the urethra.

Contact a urologist in your area if you have any of these symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

Bacterial infections affect the lower and upper urinary tract. Lower urinary tract infection is considered a simple cystitis (bladder infection). These symptoms consist of:

• pain when urinating
• frequent urination
• urge to urinate
• Pain and pressure in the lower abdomen
• Urine is cloudy, dark, or has a strong odor

Upper urinary tract infection symptoms technically recognized as pyelonephritis (kidney infection):

• Back pain under the side ribs where the kidneys are located
• Fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting
• Along with symptoms of a bladder infection

Causes of UTIs

Women are more prone to UTIs because the urethra in women is shorter than the urethra in men. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Germs enter your system through the urethra. The germs that commonly cause infections are those found in feces. These germs come from wiping from back to forehead and enter the urethra, then travel to the bladder and possibly the kidneys. If left untreated, it can cause serious health risks or death. Other causes of urinary tract infections should be taken into account:

• Sex can push germs into the urethra
• Not drinking enough water
• if you have diabetes
• yes you are pregnant
• Dehydration
• Lack of good personal hygiene.

Another cause of chronic cystitis is decreased estrogen. It is possible for one to experience chronic UTI symptoms without actually having a bladder infection. This hormonal change causes vaginal tissue to shrink and the urethra to narrow. Changes in the urethra can affect the bladder with ongoing inflammation and irritation of the bladder muscles.

Dr. Pugach has treated many patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections. Although her urine cultures are negative and show red and white blood cells but no bacteria, the patient is still prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, treatment consists of short-term relief of symptoms before returning in a month. This is usually very discouraging as it is chronic.

At Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, Dr. Pugach specializes in many female bladder control problems and treats this with an in-office procedure. This procedure gently stretches and returns the urethra to its original size and only takes about two minutes. To soften the urethra, estrogen cream is used and antibiotics are prescribed to help heal the bladder. After the procedure, patients may experience a mild burning sensation when urinating for approximately 1 to 2 days. Soon after, the UTI symptoms will dissipate.