"The urethra is a crisis area"

Luise Heine has been an editor at since 2012. The qualified biologist studied in Regensburg and Brisbane (Australia) and gained experience as a journalist in television, in the Ratgeber-Verlag and in a print magazine. In addition to her work at , she also writes for children, for example for the Stuttgarter Kinderzeitung, and has her own breakfast blog, “Kuchen zum Frühstück”.

More posts by Luise Heine All content is checked by medical journalists.

Pain when urinating, a strong urge to urinate, cramps in the abdomen - almost every woman knows the symptoms of a bladder infection. Is Sex the Trigger? Which tips help against the pain? The urologist Dr. Matthias Schulze in an interview.

Dr. Matthias Schulze

Dr. Schulze, why does a bladder infection affect women so easily?

Women are more likely to be affected because their anatomy makes infection more likely. The urethra is shorter and is located in a certain "crisis area". That means that everything is close together: vagina, anus, perineum. As a rule, bacteria get into the bladder in this way. Often, young women still wear the clothing style and the sexual style Activity contributes to cystitis.

The style of clothing?

Exactly, clothes that are too short, such as shorts or mini skirts. They can make you cool down more easily. And that favors inflammation.

You spoke of the female "crisis area". Does a bladder infection rule out sex?

Let me put it this way: A really juicy cystitis can also come from sexual activity, for example.

The famous honeymoon cystis ...

Exactly. I recommend pausing for a moment and investigating the cause. For example, does the partner bring the germs? Should I rethink my sexual practices? But if you still have a great desire for sex despite complaints, you shouldn't just go on like this. Or switch to petting.

Why does honeymoon cystitis develop with new partners?

It's not necessarily related to a new man. Basically, honeymoon cystitis comes from increased sexual activity - this is quite normal at a young age. And of course many at this age are also more willing to experiment. You try out sexual practices that encourage the introduction of intestinal germs into the vagina.

Everything was just fine, then comes the great pain when urinating. Why do the symptoms appear so suddenly?

Do that? It probably just seems like that to you. The crucial question is when you got infected. It may take one to three days before you feel the first signs. The type of germ also plays a role. It's not the bacteria that hurt, it's the body's reaction to them. In the tissue, messenger substances are formed that signal the pain receptors: this is where inflammation takes place! That is why an antibiotic does not help against pain, for example. It only fights the germs, not the inflammation.

And what then helps against the pain?

A pain medication, very simple. When it comes to headaches, most people also take a pill, why not when it comes to cystitis? I'm a conventional doctor and think: It's better to take a painkiller for a short time, then you don't torment yourself like that.

Acidic drinks or coffee are said to make the pain worse. Is that correct?

To be honest, I don't really understand this connection. Because the urine first has to be produced by the kidneys. Of course, food and drinks influence its composition. A glass of orange juice will stop the urine from burning in the urethra. You can also have a cup of coffee without a guilty conscience. In any case, the drinks you mentioned do not make the pain worse.

If you have a bladder infection, drink a lot! How much is much

The rule of thumb is: two liters a day. The second rule: not as much as possible, but plenty. This is always good, also for digestion and metabolism. Pouring too much into yourself is rather counterproductive because it can lead to shifts in the mineral balance. It is best to drink mineral water and an apple spritzer in between. Then maybe you can eat a banana - much like doing sports.

Many take refuge in the bathtub to relax - is that a good idea?

Yes why not? However, it has to be clean water, otherwise germs can penetrate again. You can relax in the bathtub because it is warm. And that relieves the pain. Sitz baths, for example with chamomile, are also good - the plant disinfects and soothes irritated mucous membranes.

If hip baths, drinks and hot water bottles didn't help - when should you see a doctor?

If it doesn't get better after two to three days, then you should see a doctor. In the beginning, the family doctor is enough, especially with the first cystitis. If you have it very often, i.e. three to four times a year, you should consult a specialist.

Dr. Schulze, thank you for talking to us.

The interview was conducted by Luise Heine, it was made available by Mydoc.de.

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