Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder typically caused by urinary tract infection. It is characterized by painful urination and frequent urination. Other symptoms of cystitis include traces of blood in the urine, lower back pain, fever and general weakness. Usually women suffer cystitis more often than males on account of the short urethra that makes it more prone to bacteria. It is more common in pregnant women and post-menopausal women. Men who are more prone to cystitis are those with enlarged prostate. Urinary catheters, diaphragms and tampons can bring on a bout of cystitis infection. Keeping yourself well hydrated with water and cranberry juice helps prevent cystitis. Avoid vaginal deodorants. You can make the urine less acidic by taking sodium citrate or potassium citrate.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The cause for pelvic pain is often difficult to diagnose. Tissues around the pelvic organs might suffer increased or reduced sensitivity or irritation leading to pain in the area. Pelvic floor disorders can manifest as urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence. Typical pelvic disorders include interstitial cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or digestive disorders such as diverticulitis and colitis. Cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic congestion and Vulvovaginitis> are other pelvic conditions that lead to pelvic pain. Infections, pregnancy and childbirth, incorrect posture, trauma or surgery can lead to pain in the pelvic area.

Symptoms in Women

• Frequent urination with incomplete sensation
  
• Pelvic pain
  
• The feeling of incomplete bowel movement
  
• Vaginal or rectal prolapse (sagging of the vagina or rectum)
  
• Rectocele (protrusion of the rectum into the vagina)
  
• Cystocele ( herniation of the bladder into the vagina)
  
• Enterocele (a herniation of the intestine into the vagina)
  
• Sigmoidocele (a herniation of the sigmoid colon into the vagina)

Symptoms in Men:

• Urgency and frequency in urination
  
• Pain in testes and pain on ejaculation
  
• Reduced urinary flow
  
• Levator Ani Syndrome (pressure and pain in the sacrum)
  
• Constipation or strain during bowel movement

For constipation, low dose muscle relaxants are prescribed. Lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity are recommended. Rectal prolapse and rectocele may be treated through surgery. Cold laser involving a process wherein low-intensity laser light is applied to the tissue easing the pain and inflammation.

Urinary Tract Infection

Under normal circumstances, the urinary system and its structure helps ward off infection. Immune defenses also play a part. The urinary tract is the body's filtering system for removal of liquid wastes. Women may be more susceptible to UTI because their urethral opening is near the source of bacteria. Women who are newly sexually active or have a new sexual partner may be at increased risk of contracting Urinary Tract Infection.

Causes for UTI infection in women

• The female urethra is shorter and this makes it easier for bacteria to travel
  
• If the bladder is not completely emptied, it may lead to infection.
  
• Pregnant women and diabetic women are more likely to develop UTI
  
• Stones or tumor in the urinary tract can cause urinary tract
  
• Urinary catheters and nephrostomy tubes are also likely causes of UTI in women

UTI treatment

UTI treatment involves a course of antibiotics. Treatment of UTI is done with amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolones. Treating UTI caused by bladder outlet obstructions may necessitate surgery and hospitalization. Drinking plenty of water and fluids will aid in flushing away the bacteria from the urinary system. Some doctors recommend Vitamin C as it will make the urine acidic and thereby hostile to bacteria. The most important tip to prevent urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and kidney infections is to practice good personal hygiene.

Cause of Urinary Tract Infection

E. coli is the most common cause of UTI. When the infection is limited to the urethra, it is called urethritis. A bladder infection is called cystitis. If the UTI is not treated in time, the infection will travel up and infect the kidneys. Other microorganisms called Chlamydia and Mycoplasma are also known to cause UTI infection. Other causes of UTI are bladder outlet obstructions or suppressed immune system. Certain blood types enable bacteria to attach more easily to cells that line the urinary tract, causing recurrent infections.