Bladder Infection (Cystitis)

Prevention

Women can help to prevent bladder infections by wiping from front to back with toilet tissue after a bowel movement and by urinating after having sexual intercourse. Some women who have two or more bladder infections every year take an antibiotic after sexual encounters, three times per week, or daily to prevent infection. Other measures that may help to prevent bladder infections include going to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, drinking plenty of fluids every day, and avoiding the use of a diaphragm for contraception because it can increase the risk of cystitis. Some studies suggest that drinking cranberry juice or taking vitamin C may also decrease your risk of acquiring a urinary tract infection.

Treatment

Treatment varies, depending on the type of problem:

Simple Bladder Infection Simple bladder infections in women usually are treated with a three-day course of an antibiotic, such as trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Co-trimoxazole). Women with recurring bladder infections (more than two per year) may benefit from preventive antibiotics, either taken as a regular dose or after sexual intercourse.

Complicated Bladder Infection Complicated bladder infections are more difficult to treat. The choice of antibiotic, the strength of the medication and the length of treatment vary depending on the circumstances. Often, antibiotics need to be taken for 10 days or more. Patients with severe symptoms (fever, confusion, nausea, vomiting, etc.) that suggest the bacteria have spread to the blood usually will need to be treated in a hospital. Kidney infections sometimes can be treated without hospitalization. However, if the patient is elderly or has a weakened immune system, debilitating medical condition, or an abnormal urinary system, they likely will need to be admitted to a hospital for treatment.