Bladder Infection: Brief Version

What is a bladder infection?

The bladder is the part of your body that stores urine. When bacteria get into the bladder, it can get infected.

How does it happen?

A bladder infection happens when bacteria from the skin get into the bladder.

• Bacteria can be spread by the way you wipe after going to the bathroom.
• Bacteria can spread when you have sex.
• An infection may also happen if something is blocking the flow of urine. For example, an enlarged prostate gland in a man or pressure from a baby in a pregnant woman might cause this problem.

Women get bladder infections more often than men.

What are the symptoms?

• You may feel the need to urinate a lot.
• You may feel a burning or stinging when you urinate.
• You may have cramps in your lower belly or back.
• Your urine may be cloudy and smell bad.
• There may be blood in your urine.
• You may leak urine.
• You may have a fever or chills.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms. He or she may also:

• Give you an exam.
• Test your urine.
• Do blood tests.

How is it treated?

Your healthcare provider will give you antibiotics. You may also need pain medicine.

Sometimes you may be sick enough to need to take your antibiotics by vein (IV) at the hospital.

How long will it take to get well?

If you get treated early, you will get well quickly. Most of the time, the medicine makes you feel better in 1 to 2 days. Sometimes it may take several days to feel better.

How can I take care of myself?

• Take all the antibiotics that your healthcare provider gives you, even when you feel better.
• Drink more water.

If you have a fever:

• Rest in bed.
• Ask your healthcare provider what medicine you should take to lower your fever.
• Take your temperature every day.

If you are not getting better after 48 hours, call your healthcare provider. If your provider asked you to come back in a few days, be sure to make that appointment and keep it.

What can I do to help prevent bladder infection?

Urinate often during the day. You should also urinate after you have sex.

If you are a woman, it is important to:

• Keep the area around your vagina clean.
• Wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom.
• Gently wash the area around your vagina when you bathe or shower.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Use pantyhose with cotton crotches.
• Avoid tight clothing. Wear loose pants.
• Do not wear a wet bathing suit for a long time.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have bladder infections often. You may need extra tests to find out why. Your provider may prescribe medicine that helps prevent bladder infections.

If you are a man, remember to:

• Always wash your penis when you bathe or shower. If you are not circumcised, gently pull back the foreskin and wash the tip of the penis when you bathe.