Bladder infection in women
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Bladder infection in women: Essentials
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What are the symptoms of a bladder infection?

If you have a bladder infection, you'll probably have a burning pain when you urinate. You might also need to urinate often and without warning.

Your urine might be a cloudy color and smell bad. It might contain blood. You might also have pain in your lower abdomen and discomfort during sex.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose a bladder infection over the phone. But if you have any unusual symptoms (such as a fever, pain in your side, nausea or vomiting) or you are at all worried, you should see your doctor.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Fihn SD.
Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.
New England Journal of Medicine. 2003: 349: 259-266.
 
 
 
 
 
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Your doctor or nurse can do a simple test on a sample of your urine to check whether you have a bladder infection. The test will show if you have signs of an infection. Your urine might need further testing if your doctor wants to know what sort of
 
 
 
 
 
bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.
 
 
 
 
 
bacteria is causing your infection. This can help your doctor decide what
 
 
 
 
 
antibiotics
These medications are used to help your immune system fight infection. There are a number of different types of antibiotics that work in different ways to get rid of bacteria, parasites and other infectious agents. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
 
 
 
 
 
antibiotic you need.

An infection in your bladder can spread to your
 
 
 
 
 
kidney
Your kidneys are organs that filter your blood to make urine. You have two of them, on either side of your abdominal cavity, toward your back.
 
 
 
 
 
kidneys. This is a more serious infection and needs to be treated quickly. If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Sen A.
Recurrent cystitis in non-pregnant women.
July 2008. Clinical Evidence (Based on April 2007 search) Available at http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ (accessed on 27 November 2008).
 
 
 
 
 
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  • High temperature
  • Pain in your side
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Fihn SD.Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.New England Journal of Medicine. 2003: 349: 259-266.
  2. Sen A.Recurrent cystitis in non-pregnant women.July 2008. Clinical Evidence (Based on April 2007 search) Available at http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ (accessed on 27 November 2008).
This information was last updated on Dec 04, 2008
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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