Urethritis: What Really Helps?

Constantly going to the toilet, burning, itching – unpleasant! Cystitis is a typical women’s problem – two out of three women get it at least once in their life, sometimes it becomes chronic. What helps?

Urethritis: What is that?

Urethritis – doctors also speak of cystitis – is an infection of the lower urinary tract (urethra or bladder). Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria; the pathogens in the urinary tract usually come from the intestines and enter the bladder through the urethra.

An inflammation of the bladder can be easily treated and is usually bothersome but harmless. However, if the cystitis is carried forward and rises to the kidneys (inflammation of the renal pelvis), the inflammation can spread to other organs. In extreme cases, there is a threat of life-threatening blood poisoning as a result of urinary tract infections.

Is there a difference to urinary tract infection?

The generalising term “urinary tract infection” or urinary bladder inflammation stands for a bacterial inflammation of the bladder mucosa, usually also simultaneously of the urethra. Rarely does it also refer to inflammation of the renal pelvis. Thus, an inflammation of the bladder or bladder infection is only understood to be a lower urinary tract infection, which in most cases is caused by e.coli bacteria.

However, germs in the urine are not always signs of a bladder infection: If there is more than one pathogen in the urine, this rather speaks for a contamination of the sample. On the other hand, if less than 100,000 germs per millilitre are found, this is not yet a sign of cystitis. The doctor will only treat people with an increased risk of cystitis (pregnant women, diabetics, etc.) or in cases of acute urgency and the usual symptoms.

Who gets a bladder infection (urethritis)?

Urethritis is a typical women’s problem – two out of three women get it at least once in their life. This is because their urethra is shorter than that of men; the pathogens reach their destination quickly. Pregnant women are particularly often affected. Since the cystitis can easily develop into a renal pelvic inflammation and cause a miscarriage, they are always treated with antibiotics.

If the immune system is weakened, e.g. by stress or antibiotics, this can promote cystitis. Frequent sex irritates the mucous membranes so that the bacteria have an easy time – this is also known as “honeymoon cystitis“. Exaggerated intimate hygiene weakens the natural defence of the urinary tract against the bacteria. Spermicidal creams are also suspected of weakening the vaginal flora. Women during and after menopause also tend to suffer from cystitis because of the hormonal changes.

Which complaints should make me sit up and take notice?

Typical for cystitis: You have to go to the toilet constantly and suffer from a so-called irritable bladder, but then only a few drops come out. Besides, it also burns like hell when you urinate. Blood in the urine and purulent, cloudy discharge can also be alarm signals for cystitis.

How does the doctor determine whether I am affected?

The doctor first checks with his patient to see whether the orifice of the urethra is reddened and whether there is discharge. Laboratory testing of medium jet urine for bacteria reveals every second infection of the bladder and kidneys. Test strips for urine show elevated values for white blood cells and nitrite in the case of a bladder infection.

How can I treat a cystitis (urethritis)?

A slight bladder infection can be treated with home remedies. If the symptoms are still not over after one or two days despite various household remedies (lots of drinking, bladder and kidney tea, cranberries etc.), you should go to the doctor and get treatment, as well as for fever or discoloured urine. In addition, if you suffer from recurrent cystitis more than three times a year, you should see your doctor to clarify the causes.

In most cases, the doctor can get the inflammation under control with antibiotic treatment. However, if the therapy does not work and the cystitis recurs or does not disappear at all, doctors opt for long-term therapy with antibiotics. Those affected then have to take medication against the urinary tract infection for four to six weeks according to the doctor’s instructions.

Are there also gentle healing methods?

The first time you pull your bladder, you should wrap yourself warm and place a hot water bottle or a hot hay-flower pack (pharmacy) on your stomach. This helps against the burning sensation and the constant urge to urinate.

The most important and easiest household remedy against urinary tract infections: Drink water! In addition to the usual amounts, drink about three litres of herbal tea or mineral water a day. The pathogens, for example e.Coli bacteria or germs, are washed out of the body by drinking. Cranberry or cranberry juice also often helps – it contains germicidal substances that flush the bacteria and germs out via the urinary tract when you urinate (if you don’t like the juice: both are also available as capsules). The effect is even stronger if you also drink three to six cups of a special medicinal tea for the bladder and kidneys.

How useful is vaccination against cystitis?

A vaccination is supposed to make you immune to the triggers of cystitis. The body is repeatedly exposed to killed pathogens – the immune system should thus become fit for the defence against the germs. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence that the vaccination actually protects against cystitis and strengthens the immune system. Some patients are less likely to be caught by urinary tract infections afterwards, while others will still get a new infection of the urethra, bladder or renal pelvis.

Vaccinations can be administered by tablet and syringe. The tablets (Uro-Vaxom) must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach for three months. After a break of three months, another treatment follows, usually for one month.

However, Uro-Vaxom only protects against cystitis caused by coli bacteria. The costs of the treatment are covered by health insurance companies. The situation is different with the injection (Strovac): here patients have to pay for their medication themselves. For three weeks there is an injection every week, after one year the therapy has to be refreshed.

Can I have sex during a bladder infection?

Bladder infections are usually treated with antibiotics, this kills the unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract, but it also kills the lactic acid producing bacteria and other germs can spread easily.

How can I prevent urethritis?

1. If you flush your bladder well by drinking a lot, you reduce the risk of bacteria settling there and causing an infection with possible blood in your urine.
2. The bladder should be emptied regularly and completely in the toilet. Not only when it is full.
3. When using the toilet, always wipe your bottom from the vagina to the anus – this way germs from the intestines have no chance of getting into the urethra or urinary tract.
4. Don’t sit on cold surfaces, wear undershirts and cotton underwear, in winter take out your woollen trousers and thick socks, take off your swimsuit after swimming – this is actually the best protection against an infection, because cold weakens the body’s defences and makes it easy for bacteria.
5. It is best to wash the pubic area only with warm water – and NOT with special intimate lotions. These can cause a burning sensation and pain when urinating.
6. For women who often have cystitis, certain contraceptives are more suitable than others. Condoms protect against bacteria that enter the vagina during sex. Mechanical contraceptives like the coil are not recommended. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.
7. Go to the toilet after sex so that germs can be flushed out and an inflammation of the bladder can be prevented. This is how you prevent urinary tract infections.
8. There is scientific evidence that cranberry juice or cranberry tablets can prevent cystitis, especially in women who often get the infection.