Those affected should better refrain from thong
Everything that disinfects is not good for the genital area. Even if the funds are suitable for the mucous membranes. Many women dab some of the product on the urethral entrance immediately after intercourse in the hopes of killing the pathogens. But this alleged precautionary measure does more harm than good. On the one hand, the agent destroys the important, good bacteria. On the other hand, it does not even reach the pathogens in the bladder.
Going to the bathroom after sex
Tip: go to the bathroom after sex. This is because the urethra is flushed through and pathogens are eliminated. Therefore it is very important to drink enough. It should be two liters a day.
If you know that you are prone to bladder infections, it is best to wash the sensitive region only with warm water or clean it with a mild oil – without any other additives such as fragrances, dyes or preservatives.
Be careful with panty liners and toilet paper with a fresh scent
The waiver of unnecessary additives also applies to toilet paper. The wet versions in particular usually contain fragrances and preservatives. Care should also be taken with panty liners with floral or fresh notes. The fragrances they contain can also damage the vaginal flora.
Choose breathable underwear
However, panty liners that are not air-permeable are particularly unfavorable. The accumulated body heat and moisture create an ideal climate for bacteria. Breathable insoles are a better choice. This also applies to underpants. In contrast to synthetic laundry, cotton is permeable to air and transports moisture away.
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If, despite all the precautionary measures, a bladder infection has occurred, the seven-day rule applies: If there is no improvement after seven days, a doctor should be consulted at the latest. If the pain cannot be tolerated when urinating or if there is a fever, there is no reason to wait: the recommendation is to go straight to the doctor.
In everyday life, we usually only notice the bladder when it presses uncomfortably and drives us to the nearest toilet. Otherwise, the organ with the elastic muscles behaves inconspicuously. Unless she’s sick. Then we become aware of symptoms such as blood in the urine, pain or burning sensation. What are the bladder diseases and what are the causes.
It is estimated that every second woman will have a cystitis at some point in their life. It hits many people again and again. The bladder disease is caused by different pathogens. Mostly, however, intestinal germs are to blame if the constant urge to urinate and burning sensation torment when urinating and it comes to unpleasant abdominal pain.
Widespread bladder disease: cystitis
To prevent the germs from getting into the bladder in the first place, the most important measure is to drink enough so that the urinary tract is flushed regularly. This is also important after sexual intercourse, because through the friction during sex, intestinal bacteria quickly enter the bladder via the urethra, which is only four centimeters long in women, and cause an infection there. Sometimes only the urethra is affected by the bacteria. Then one speaks of an inflammation of the urethra (urethritis).
A typical symptom of a urinary tract infection is what is known as pollakiuria. It is characterized by a significantly increased frequency of urination with mostly low urine loss.
Hypothermia and too much hygiene are also not good: soaps, shower gels, lotions and intimate sprays also promote cystitis and urethritis, as they weaken the natural protective function of the intimate flora. Experts therefore recommend washing with clean water.
If, despite all precautionary measures, a bladder infection has occurred, drinking a lot and keeping warm can often reduce the inflammation. However, if the symptoms of the urinary tract infection worsen, a doctor should be consulted.
Bladder weakness is a taboo subject
Problems with the bladder are also known to those affected by urinary incontinence (commonly known as bladder weakness). They have a hard time holding back urine. The bladder empties unintentionally, either in smaller or larger amounts. There are many forms of incontinence. Stress incontinence, for example, is common. If the pressure in the abdomen increases, for example when coughing, laughing or lifting heavy objects, urine will leak.
What is an irritable bladder? The irritable bladder – also called overactive bladder – is a disorder of the bladder function, which is characterized by a sudden, urgent need to urinate despite the bladder being only slightly filled.euthanasia argumentative essay Especially women between the ages of 30 and 50 are often affected.
Doctors speak of urge incontinence when, despite the urinary bladder being almost empty, a strong urge to urinate suddenly occurs and those affected often cannot make it to the toilet in time. Among other things, weakened pelvic floor muscles or injuries, for example after operations, can be the cause. Nerve irritation and damage can also lead to incontinence. Even if incontinence is a taboo topic: Only an open discussion with the doctor can help to find the right therapy for the unwanted urine leakage.
Lowering of the bladder as a cause of incontinence
Often a lowering of the bladder is to blame for incontinence and the urge to urinate. The disease often affects women. When the bladder subsides, the bladder moves down towards the pelvic floor. Various muscles and ligaments usually hold the bladder in place in the pelvis. However, they can be overstretched as a result of childbirth or weak connective tissue.
There are various therapy options available for treating a sagging bladder. Slight forms of a descensus can be significantly alleviated through pelvic floor exercises. Surgery is also possible for more severe forms.
Bladder stones can cause severe pain
Urinary stones or ureter stones can also plague the bladder. According to the German Society for Urology, bladder stones usually form due to voiding disorders, such as those that can arise from an enlarged prostate. If the urethra is narrowed, there will always be some residual urine in the bladder. First, small crystals form. If they clump together, they grow into a stone. The risk increases if the daily intake is too small to adequately flush the drainage organs. Often, however, the stones do not form in the bladder itself, but in the kidneys. At some point they migrate through the ureters into the bladder, remain there due to a voiding disorder and continue to grow in size.
It becomes particularly uncomfortable when the stone slips in front of the bladder outlet and blocks it. Doctors then speak of a urinary obstacle. Typical warning signals include: difficult and interrupted urination, an irritated urinary bladder, increased urge to urinate and cramp-like abdominal pain. Blood in the urine can also be an indication: If the small, pointed crystals stick, injuries often occur.
But bladder stones can also behave inconspicuously. They are often discovered accidentally during an ultrasound scan.
Most dangerous bladder disease: bladder cancer
According to estimates by the Robert Koch Institute, around 29,000 people in Germany develop bladder cancer every year, the majority of whom are men. The mean age of onset is around 73 years. According to the German Cancer Aid, the main risk factor is smoking.
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An increased urge to urinate, problems with emptying the bladder and later pelvic abdominal pain are possible symptoms of a bladder tumor and should always be clarified. Blood in the urine is also an important warning sign. This symptom occurs in 80 percent of all patients with bladder cancer or other malignant tumors of the lower urinary tract, according to the German Cancer Aid. In general: blood in the urine is always a warning sign that must be clarified by the urologist.
Sources used: German Cancer Aid
Almost every woman has thong in her closet. After all, they ensure a nice bottom in the pants, without annoying underwear seams. Few people are aware that the narrow panties increase the risk of bladder infections. We asked an expert what increases the risk of urinary tract infection.
It is estimated that every second woman will have a cystitis at some point in their life. It hits many people again and again. The disease is caused by different pathogens. In most cases, however, intestinal germs are to blame for the infection, which leads to a constant urge to urinate and the unpleasant burning sensation in the toilet.
In connection with the intestinal germs, the choice of underwear in particular plays an important role in infection. String thongs are particularly critical: "It is true that thong, unlike ‘normal’ briefs, have direct contact with the anus"says Dr. Christian Albring, President of the Professional Association of Gynecologists. "This allows them to absorb more germs from this body region and distribute them forward towards the vagina through the natural movement of the body. From there, the bacteria rise through the urethra or are massaged up during sexual intercourse."
Those affected should better avoid thong
Albring recommends that if a woman often struggles with bladder infections, it is worth trying to do without the thongs, emphasizing in the same breath how important it is to change narrow panties every day, just like any other underwear . "If necessary, even more often, for example if you do a lot of sport and you sweat", so the advice of the gynecologist. Because moisture causes the germs to spread faster.
Cotton kills bacteria naturally
For this reason, synthetic fabrics are also not a good choice for the sensitive area, as you sweat faster in them. Albring advises women to wear underwear made of cotton and microfiber, as these are breathable. "As a result, captured bacteria dry out faster and are killed off"explains the expert.
But women don’t have to be afraid of old-fashioned models. Cotton and microfiber can also be chic. The underwear manufacturers have long been offering fine pieces that don’t look the same as from grandma’s wardrobe. According to Albring, it is also important that the fabric can be washed in a 60-degree wash cycle so that all germs are killed.
Sex is one of the risk factors
But it’s not just the wrong underwear that can lead to bladder infections. The germs can also be passed on through sexual intercourse. "Many patients report that the inflammation develops after intercourse"says Albring, advising to go to the bathroom immediately after sex. Because in this way the urethra is flushed through and germs no longer have a chance.
According to the gynecologist, it can generally help to drink enough before and after sexual intercourse so that possible germs cannot establish themselves in the urinary tract.
Semen can cause bladder infections
"If urinary tract infections recur frequently after sex and the woman has optimal hygiene, the partner’s sperm should be examined as it can also contain germs", recommends Albring. Even careless, violent sex can superficially damage the mucous membrane of the intimate zone and thus also the urethra and thus promote the penetration of the pathogens, the expert warns. And: "After anal sex, the partner must never enter the vagina afterwards"he emphasizes.
Soaps and lotions are a no-go in the genital area
But too much hygiene in the intimate area damages the natural defenses and thus promotes the development of germs. Albring recommends that his patients stay away from soap, shower gel and lotions. "Women should only clean themselves in the genital area with clear water"he advises.
Weakened defenses disrupt the immune system
The natural defense can also be weakened by a temporary weakness of the immune system or a disturbed blood flow to the urethra. Vulnerable women then quickly develop a bladder infection. So what can patients do? "Changing clothes quickly after swimming helps. And don’t sit on a cold surface for too long, so that the functioning mucous membrane barrier, which protects women from pathogens, is not disturbed"says Albring.
Antibiotics don’t always have to be
If, despite all the precautionary measures, a cystitis does develop, it can sometimes work to successfully reduce the inflammation by drinking a lot and keeping warm. "However, if this does not work and the symptoms even worsen, antibiotics should be taken", advises Albring. This is important to prevent the inflammation from becoming chronic or spreading to the kidneys.
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No sex with cystitis
In the case of an infection, it is also important that the woman refrain from sex until the cystitis has completely healed, emphasizes Albring. This means that there should no longer be any pain or burning sensation when urinating, there should no longer be an unnecessary urge to urinate and the woman no longer feels sore in the genital area.
Cystitis affects men much less often than women. When it hits them, however, they show much more severe symptoms.