Grandmothers and parents know that prolonged sitting on cold ground increases the risk of developing a bladder infection. Is folk wisdom true that sitting on a cold floor causes cystitis? Recently, doctors figured out how destructive the effects of cold are for women.
Can or cannot you land on cold ground?
“Do not sit on the cold floor, otherwise you will fall ill” - a warning that every child has heard from parents. This also applies to the swimming pool, when parents say that they need to quickly change clothes so as not to get sick.
An increase in cold in the pelvic area increases the risk of infection. Cold significantly reduces local blood circulation. Temporary weakening of the immune system increases the risk of bacteria and viruses entering the bladder.
Anyone who sits on the cold floor for a long time should use very warm clothes. "Grandmother was right: warm underwear is a good prevention of cystitis," experts say.
Do I need to change my swimsuit after the pool?
A wet swimsuit can also contribute to the development of cystitis, as it is cooled by water and air. A humid climate is an ideal kidney for the reproduction of bacteria.
The vast majority of bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. Intestinal bacteria are transported from the back to the front, for example, when not properly wiped after defecation.
Why are women more likely to suffer from cystitis than men?
Women are much more likely to suffer from bladder infections than men. Women are at a disadvantage due to the short urethra. The urethra in men is about 20 to 25 centimeters long, and in women - 4 centimeters.
The anus and urethra are close together. Therefore, bacterial and viral pathogens more easily enter the bladder. Even intercourse increases the likelihood of bacteria entering the urethra during intercourse.
What are the symptoms of cystitis?
Patients with cystitis experience a burning sensation during urination and possibly also pelvic pain. Sometimes the bladder becomes very inflamed, so women constantly have a feeling of incontinence.
If the infection has progressed, blood in the urine may also appear. If there is a bladder infection, you should first consult a doctor. Using a swab or a urine sample, you can find out the type of infection. The doctor will advise you to drink as much water and herbal tea as possible so that the germs disappear. Also, as a precaution, drinking a lot of alcohol is not recommended.
How to prevent cystitis?
The best prevention of cystitis is the regular use of fluids. Diuretic drinks and food may be helpful after consulting your doctor as a preventative measure. The genital area should be cleaned after each discharge of stool or urine with mild care products.
To prevent germs from entering the urethra, it is important to carry out cleansing movements in the direction of the anus. Also, catheters should be cleared from the urethra to the outside. People prone to cystitis are advised to avoid extensive baths, as softened skin helps bacteria enter. Contaminated linen and incontinence materials should be replaced immediately.
Long-term catheters increase the risk of bladder infection. Therefore, alternatives should be considered. If you can not do without a catheter, care should be taken to regularly disinfect the catheter. To prevent urine reflux, a bag of urine should never be placed higher than at the level of the bladder.
Regular consumption of fruit juices, especially from berries, as well as dairy products, reduces the level of bacteria. The effect of consumption of fruits, vegetables, fat, or meat on infection rates has not been systematically studied.
The incidence of cystitis correlates with the frequency of sexual intercourse with a 60-fold increase. Temporary sexual abstinence may reduce the incidence of bladder infections.
The use of intravaginal diaphragms or condoms coated with spermicides (nonoxynol-9) and intrauterine devices increases the risk of infections by 2–3 times. Therefore, before use, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
