The main cause of cystitis (up to 80% of cases*)
The bacterium Escherichia coli (pictured), also known as E. coli. E. coli is a natural inhabitant of the intestines, but when it enters the bladder and multiplies there, it causes inflammation. Less commonly, the causative agents of the disease are Klebsiella, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus.
The pathogens penetrate in an ascending manner, climbing up the urethra. In women, it is shorter and wider than in men. Women are more susceptible to this disease.
A bladder infection can be very painful and debilitating, and can also lead to more serious problems if the bacteria get into the kidneys.
*Ronald A. The etiology of urinary tract infection: traditional and emerging pathogens. Am J Med 2002; 113:14s–9s
According to the nature of the course, cystitis is divided into acute and recurrent (chronic), which is subdivided into an exacerbation phase (relapse) and a remission phase. Special forms of recurrent cystitis are also distinguished – postcoital cystitis and cystitis in menopause.
Acute cystitis
It is characterized by frequent and painful urination, spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, clouding of the urine, and general weakness. In the absence of appropriate treatment or improperly selected therapy, acute cystitis becomes chronic.
Recurrent (chronic) cystitis
It manifests with regular exacerbations: 2 exacerbations within six months or 3 exacerbations within one year. Between exacerbations, there is a period of "calm" of the disease.
Postcoital cystitis
Or "honeymoon cystitis". One of the forms of recurrent cystitis, which develops in women within 1-2 days after sexual intercourse. This may be partly due to the movements during intercourse, which can move bacteria into the bladder. There may also be slight damage to the urethra, which helps bacteria multiply. Especially if the vagina is dry during intercourse. The discharge of vaginal secretions may be impaired when using spermicides or uterine caps.
Cystitis in menopause
"Postmenopausal cystitis" is part of the concept of "urogenital syndrome" - a complex of vaginal and urinary symptoms associated with the development of atrophic and dystrophic processes in the estrogen-dependent tissues and structures of the lower third of the genitourinary system: the bladder, urethra, vagina, the connecting apparatus of the small pelvis and the muscles of the pelvic floor. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause and its effect on the mucous membrane of the genitourinary organs predisposes to bladder infections. Recurrent urinary tract infections seriously affect the daily lives of women over 50 in various areas of activity, such as social, sexual and work tasks.