Tests for cystitis
The main indicators and interpretation of tests for cystitis, which will help determine the problem for women and men. Together with expert Sergey Belomyttsev, we discussed what tests are taken if cystitis is suspected, where they can be taken, how much it costs

What is cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder wall. It can occur in both men and women, but, as a rule, cystitis is still the prerogative of the female body due to its anatomical features. Women have a fairly wide and short urethra, which is also in anatomical proximity to the vagina, rectum, which is the reason for the more frequent entry of microbes that cause inflammation into the lumen of the bladder. In men, this situation is extremely rare due to the peculiarities of the anatomy. Basically – against the background of related problems.

The following signs of cystitis are distinguished:

  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • painful urination, and, as a rule, in small portions;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • increased pain during urination.

The symptomatology of cystitis is similar to a fairly large number of pathologies, including gynecological inflammatory diseases, urolithiasis. If the stone left the kidney and, moving along the ureter, reached the lower third, there are frequent urge to urinate, and pain in the groin and bladder area. Therefore, in order to make a correct diagnosis, the doctor first asks the patient in detail: when the symptoms arose, what caused the pain, were they in one place or migrated, etc. If this is most likely a cystitis clinic and no related pathologies are expected, a standard examination is prescribed – a general urinalysis. Further, if necessary, other examinations can be prescribed.

By the way

According to various sources, from 50 to 90% of women at least once in their lives experience symptoms of cystitis. Someone manages to get rid of this problem and forget about it, but for someone it comes back again and again. If the symptoms appear 2 times within six months or 3 times within a year, this is already recurrent cystitis.

What tests are given for cystitis

  • General analysis of urine, which shows the presence of inflammatory changes.
  • Urine culture, which reveals which bacteria have become the causative agents of inflammation in the bladder.

Where can I get tested for cystitis

In a hospital, if the situation is urgent, or in a medical laboratory.

How much do tests for cystitis cost

If you have a compulsory medical insurance policy and a referral from your doctor, a general urine test in a territorial medical institution can be taken free of charge.

Among paid services, this is not the most expensive examination – from 350 rubles.

Urine culture – from 690 rubles.

Popular questions and answers

How to prepare for testing for cystitis?

The main thing is the toilet of the external genital organs. A woman who is menstruating or has residual discharge should use a tampon. If we are talking about the acute phase of the disease, you do not have to wait for the end of menstruation to take the test.

What indicators in the analyzes allow you to determine cystitis?

● A large number of leukocytes, which is typical for infections of the genitourinary system.

● An increased number of red blood cells, indicating mucosal damage.

● Presence of pathogenic organisms and nitrites – waste products of bacteria.

● Increased level of acidity (normal – 5-7 pH).

Can the interpretation of the analyzes be incorrect?

Maybe. In the event that a woman incorrectly passed a urine test. If she does this during menstruation without using a tampon, flushing and secretions from the genitals will be added to the urine. Because of this, the number of leukocytes may be increased.

Distorted results can be while taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as if the collected urine is stale.

If the symptoms of diseases are similar, how can you be sure that it is cystitis and not urolithiasis?

If it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is prescribed, which will allow you to see either stones or its indirect signs. Further examination is aimed at identifying stones, the features of their location. Most often this is a CT without contrast.

Is it true that hypothermia can cause cystitis?

Cystitis is bacterial in nature. Hypothermia is one of the conditions that can weaken the immune system. In our body, a system for the prevention of cystitis has been thought out: a special layer on the inner wall of the bladder prevents bacteria from attaching, special proteins absorb these bacteria and they are excreted in the urine. But when the immune system is weakened, this mechanism fails and the body cannot resist the bacterial attack.

Are there people who are predisposed to cystitis from birth?

In some women, the urethra is located very close to the entrance to the vagina, which is why pathogenic bacteria can more easily and quickly enter the bladder. But besides congenital anatomy, there are other factors that increase the risk of cystitis. For example, damage to the mucous membrane due to some operations or other interventions, all kinds of inflammatory processes in adjacent organs.

Is it possible to cure cystitis with bearberry and other medicinal plants?

In an acute inflammatory process, standard treatment is more effective – antibiotics, uroseptics. For preventive purposes, patients with recurrent infections can also use herbal remedies (including bearberry decoction), which will reduce the likelihood of re-inflammation.

Is it necessary to refuse sex during the treatment of cystitis?

In most cases, such sacrifices are unnecessary. But you must adhere to certain recommendations: refrain from using spermicides (including condoms with spermicidal lubricant), from anal sex, which will increase the risk of bacterial obstruction of the bladder. Women in whom the anatomically external opening of the urethra is located closer to the entrance to the vagina are advised to refrain from “missionary” and other positions that increase the likelihood of infections entering the lumen of the bladder.

Why is cystitis less common in men?

Again, due to anatomical features. Their urethra is thinner and longer than the urethra in women, so the infection does not reach the bladder, but is localized in the prostate gland or urethra.

By itself, inflammation of the bladder is more common in older men due to certain prerequisites. For example, difficulty urinating, in which stones can form in the bladder, irritating its walls. Either these are age-related patients who have an external drainage of the bladder.

Cystitis can also be caused by radiation therapy if the malignant tumors targeted by radiation are localized in the pelvic area.

If a woman has cystitis, should her sexual partner be examined?

In 90% of cases, the causative agent of cystitis is Escherichia coli. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, a specific flora. So testing is not required. But if, according to the patient, it can be assumed that in her case, cystitis may have a specific pathogen, and this may be somehow connected with her intimate life, then both she and her partner need to undergo PCR diagnostics.

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