Share:

Bladder infections are painful and can disrupt your daily routine, but they’re a common problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors diagnose about 3 million bladder infections in the U.S. each year, primarily in women 14 and older. Dr. John P. Judd and his team at Midwest Urogynecology are renowned providers of women’s health care in the St. Louis, MO, area, offering expert treatment for conditions affecting women’s pelvic floor organs. Most bladder infections can be self-diagnosed, and early detection and treatment are essential to keep the bacteria from spreading.

Bladder infections St. Louis MOA bacterial infection of the bladder usually can be attributed to Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In addition to E. coli, which occurs naturally in the large intestines, bladder infections can be caused by the sexually transmitted diseases mycoplasma and chlamydia.

Bacteria can enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. If there are too many bacteria or they’re not adequately eliminated through urination, an infection can develop.  Most of the time, bladder infections are acute and occur suddenly, but they can be treated in a matter of days. However, some bladder infections are chronic.

Bladder infections sometimes are referred to as urinary tract infections (UTIs). This refers to a bacterial infection of any area of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or kidneys. Like bladder infections, UTIs also are more common in women.

Key symptoms of a bladder infection include pelvic pain; a more urgent and frequent need to urinate; pain or a burning sensation during urination; and foul-smelling, bloody, or cloudy urine. Bladder infections also can cause cramping or pain in the lower back or abdomen. Such pain usually occurs on both sides simultaneously or in the middle of the back, and it typically is due to the infection spreading to the kidneys. If this has occurred, you may have a mild fever. Some people also experience urinary incontinence as a result of a bladder infection.

A bladder infection is a serious condition that should be treated as such. For help with this or other gynecological concerns, visit the caring, trustworthy professionals at Midwest Urogynecology in St. Louis. They are committed to improving women’s lives by offering state-of-the-art health care that treats an array of conditions, including vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence. Call (314) 596-9955 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website for more information about treatments.

tracking