wellnow
What women can do about bladder infection
lA/omen, is this scene familiar? It’s only been
15 minutes since you last went to the bathroom.
You haven’t had one drop of liquid, yet your bladder
feels like you’ve just slammed two Big Gulps. Again
you try going to the bathroom, only to feel a painful,
burning sensation.
These symptoms, and others such as fever, nau
sea, and chills, may mean you have cystitis, other
wise known as bladder infection.
According tojolene Siemsen, nurse practitioner
at the Health Center, cystitis is a common com
plaint among female students. A respected medical
journal says that cystitis is the reason for seven
million visits to doctors’ offices annually, leading to
about 1 million hospital admissions.
Because cystitis occurs so frequently, various
misconceptions abound. We present a sampling of
myths matched with the facts.
MYTH:
Cranberry juice will cure a bladder infection.
FACT:
Although the acid in cranberry juice creates a less friendly
environment for bacteria in the bladder, it is not a cure.
Many store-bought brands of cranberry juice contain a small
amount of actual juice and a lot of sugar, so it doesn't give
you optimal effect. Siemsen says that self-treatment at home
will probably not work. The best way to treat cystitis is to visit
the Health Center. Antibiotics can be prescribed, which will
likely cure the problem quickly.
MYTH:
Bladder infections are a direct result of sexual intercourse.
FACT:
Although sexual intercourse and the use of some spermicides
are common precursors to cystitis, there are other ways to
get a bladder infection. Siemsen says horseback riding, long
bike rides, and bubble baths can bring on infections.
MYTH:
If I urinate frequently, or if it hurts to urinate, or if I have the
l-just-can't-wait-another-minute feeling, I must have a blad
der infection.
FACT:
'It's fairly common for someone with another type of infec
tion to come to the Health Center thinking she has a bladder
infection. Self-diagnosis can be risky,' Siemsen says.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also mimic the symptoms of
a bladder infection.
There are some preventative steps you can take as
well:
*■ Drink plenty of liquids
^ Always urinate when you feel the need
Urinate before and after sexual intercourse
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which may irri
tate the bladder
If you have the symptoms of cystitis, the best
thing you can do is visit the Health Center. For an
appointment call 346-4441.
— Robin Weber
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Fall staff, 1996: Matt O'Brien, Tessa Moser, Robin Weber, Jeff Erickson, Dan MacLellan, Greg Byrd, Jennifer Hoyt, Jamie,Abbott, Amy Getman, Lisa Meneely
WellNow is published each term, except summer, for UO students by the Health Education Department of the Health Center, 13th and Agate Streets, University of Oregon.
Art: Terry Thompson, Michael Wright Photos: Zanne Miller Adviser: John Monahan