The bladder infection is characterized by the inflammation of the bladder and by the abundance of bacteria in the urine. The shorter urethra of the women makes them being more susceptible of developing bladder infections of many types. In this way, the bacteria from the outside, be it the case of anus or genital area, may enter easily the urethra causing the inflammation of the bladder and then some other unpleasant symptoms. Inadequate hygiene, chronic dehydration and diabetes are also some possible causes or risk factors of the bladder infections.

The most frequent type of the bladder infection is cystitis in the case of women (there are rare cases of cystitis among the men) and there are many causes of this affection. Some abnormal connection between the intestine and the bladder may contribute to the bacteria to enter the bladder and cause cystitis. In the case of women cystitis may be developed easier due to the exposure to cold temperatures having improper clothes for protection, some sexual positions that hurt the urethra, the pregnancy period that may contribute to the appearance of cystitis and some other related factors. The risk of cystitis is greater in the case of using the diaphragm.

The symptoms of cystitis are frequent need of urinating without having drunk so many liquids, pain during urination, uncontrollable loss of urine caused by the urgent need of urinating, pain in the pubic area, the change of the urine color, especially reddish nuances or visible signs of blood. The function of the bladder may be damaged because of nerve damage, causing so many troubles and discomfort. In some cases large amounts of blood present in the urine indicate an acute and severe bladder infection that requires the consultation of a health care provider and a proper treatment for relieving the serious symptoms and for eliminating the bacteria. Fever, nausea and vomiting, as well as shaking chills are some other symptoms of the bladder infections.

Women may prevent the bladder infection using some common tips, such as: increasing the intake of the liquids; urinating often and trying not to postpone this action; urinating quickly after the sexual intercourse and avoiding the use of diaphragm and spermicides as a method for birth control. Taking antibiotics after the sexual intercourse several times a week may be also a method of preventing the bladder infections. The explanation is that during the sexual intercourse some bacteria may be introduced and may cause some bladder infections; taking antibiotics may destroy them and may contribute to the restoration of the natural balance. The advantage of this preventive method is that its cost is affordable and is much cheaper than several treatments for the bladder infections. The disadvantage may be the side effects of antibiotics and the alternative medicine would present all the negative long term consequences of taking antibiotics so frequently with no obvious and recommended need. After all, this is the choice and responsibility of the persons who suffer from this type of infection. Cranberry juice may be another preventive manner and in this case this is a natural method. The idea is that cranberry juice contains a special substance that helps decreasing the growth of the bacteria that are responsible for the bladder infections.

Men should also take care of their health and respect the rules and principles of the personal hygiene. Drinking many liquids is a recommended preventing method of the bladder infections. Men should also empty the bladder as soon as the need for it appears with no delay. Another important aspect in preventing the development of the bladder infections is the prompt and efficient treatment of the prostate infections.