The bladder is connected to the kidneys by two tubes called ureters that carry urine into the bladder, where it is stored until you pass it into the outside world through a single tube called a urethra. An overactive bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. Overactive bladder is also referred to as urge incontinence and is a form of urinary incontinence (unintentional loss of urine). An infection of the bladder is one of the more frequent sites of infections in humans.

Bladder infections are more common among women than men because of their shorter urethra, making it easer for bacteria from the anus or genital area to reach the bladder. Bladder infections often occur in young women who have just become sexually active and have sexual intercourse often. In addition, bladder infections can occur anytime the flow of urine is blocked or emptying of the bladder is incomplete due to an enlarged prostate in men or pregnancy in women.

Symptoms of bladder infections include a burning sensation when urinating. This is the most common symptom of having bladder infection. Any pain or difficulty in urination may also be due to a bladder infection. Frequent urge to urinate or the urine has a strong, foul odor is another sign. Bladder spasms and a fever or chills are other clues that one has a bladder infection. The most common treatment for a bladder infection would be taking an antibiotic. Another thing that is commonly used to help aid treatment would be to increase the amount of water in your diet or drink cranberry juice.

Treatment for Bladder Infections

Bladder infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent the spread of infection to the kidneys. Treatment for women is usually short-term; most patients respond within three days. Men do not respond as well to short-term treatment and may require seven to ten days of oral antibiotics. The doctor may also prescribe Pyridium, a medicine that helps reduce the pain and spasm of the bladder during the first couple of days.

For women, taking an antibiotic by mouth for 3 days is usually effective if the infection has not led to any complications, although some doctors prefer to give a single dose. For more stubborn infections, an antibiotic is usually taken for 7 to 10 days. For men, cystitis usually is caused by prostatitis, and antibiotic treatment is usually required for weeks.

Bladder infection treatment using cucumber- Cucumber juice is one of the most used remedy from people suffering from cystitis. It is a very affective diuretic. Juice 1 cucumber and mix in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Drink this at least 3 times in a 24 hour period.

Azo-Standard is available OTC and often relieves the pain associated with urinary tract infections; however it does not cure the underlying infection and you must see your health care provider for traditional treatment.

Surgery may be necessary to relieve any physical obstruction to the flow of urine or to correct a structural abnormality that makes infection more likely, such as a drooping uterus or bladder. Until surgery can occur, draining urine from an obstructed area through a catheter helps control the infection. Usually, an antibiotic is given before surgery to reduce the risk of the infection spreading throughout the body.