Every year. No, I don't mean Christmas, unfortunately. I mean urinary tract infections. But can a bladder infection be contagious? We've done some research.
A slight burning sensation when urinating is the first sign. Then it comes one after the other. The burning sensation becomes stronger. The bladder hurts and you feel sick as a dog. If the cystitis is really bad, you will soon find blood in the urine.
Great, you've caught another urinary tract infection.
You're probably asking yourself now: Where does the infection come from and is the Cystitis contagious?
Table of contents
What is a urinary tract infection?
If you catch a bladder infection, it is usually caused by bacteria. They rise through the urethra and irritate the bladder. In most cases, E. coli bacteria are responsible for the infection of the bladder.
If they enter the bladder via the urethra, the urinary tract infection is pre-programmed.
If the bacteria move further into the kidney, it is called renal pelvic inflammation. Since we women have a short ureter, it unfortunately hits us very quickly. Who already preventively again and again Home remedies for urinary tract infections can prevent many infections.
Can you catch cystitis?
In principle, there is little risk of contracting cystitis. Infection via direct contact with the source rarely occurs. The risk of human-to-human transmission is therefore very low - except, of course, during sexual intercourse.
Menopausal women over the age of 50 are particularly at risk of contracting cystitis from bacteria.
In most cases, the triggers are bacteria, or more precisely E. coli bacteria, which are found in the human intestine. And all infections with bacteria are transmissible. So also a Cystitis contagious be
However, this usually happens via indirect transmission, through contaminated surfaces.
Germs and bacteria can be transmitted via smear infection.
Small example:
A colleague at work has a urinary tract infection and forgets to wash her hands after going to the toilet. She reaches for the door buckle, which you touch. You also forget to wash your hands and touch your private parts. If your immune system is weakened right now, you can catch a urinary tract infection now.
Especially toilets that are used by several people at the same time pose a high risk. e.g. at work, at university or public toilets.
This is because bacteria, germs and fungi can be transmitted via smear infection. We know this at the latest from Corona or the classic flu.
Very important: As soon as you notice that an infection is developing, you must act quickly. Every minute counts. That's why I always have Femannose or Cranberry capsules at home. At the first small signs, I take it and can thus in most cases avert worse.
But beware: bacteria do not lurk exclusively on the toilet seat. Door handles, faucets and the like are also littered with them.
Can you get infected in a public restroom?
Yes, you can get a bladder infection if you use a public toilet. However, other situations are far more common, because E. coli bacteria are really everywhere.
Much bigger than picking up the little buggers at the toilet is catching them in everyday life. And that's what makes it so dangerous for anyone prone to urinary tract infections. For them, a Cystitis contagiouswhen they come into contact with E. coli bacteria.
For example, bacteria for an inflamed urinary bladder can lurk on many surfaces, such as.
- public displays like on ATMs
- Supermarket shopping cart
- Door handles at every conceivable door
- Public transport
- Swimming pools
- Cell phones or tablets
- on your body itself
Once you have the bacteria on your fingers, a urinary tract infection can develop quickly. Especially when your immune system is at its lowest.
Many pathogens can linger on such surfaces for days before unintentionally entering the body through use.
If you go to the toilet and touch yourself in the intimate area, the bacteria reach the bladder via the urinary tract. This is enough for you to contract cystitis.
If you have never had an infection, you can only be a carrier. Namely, if you have E. coli bacteria on your fingers and touch a door handle with them. Your colleague, who is susceptible to urinary tract infections, touches the handle when she goes to the toilet and touches her intimate area with her infected fingers.
And the bladder infection was contagious, even though you didn't have an infection yourself. This scenario is rather unlikely. With a weak immune system, this is often enough.
Can I get a bladder infection during sexual intercourse?
Yes, sexual intercourse is one of the most common causes of urinary tract infections. Especially we women tend to develop an infection. The triggers are often our own intestinal bacteria.
They enter the woman's urinary tract via the penis. The risk can be reduced if you use a condom for contraception.
Important: Empty the bladder immediately after sexual intercourse, so you can flush out germs and bacteria quickly.
During sexual intercourse, an infected woman can pass the pathogens on to her partner. This is also conceivable the other way around, but much less likely, since men rarely contract cystitis. If a person is ill with acute cystitis, it is essential to take a break in bed.
How long is a urinary tract infection transmissible?
Direct infection can happen, but is usually rather unlikely. Anyone who has ever had an infection knows that anything but sexual intercourse comes to mind.
As long as the ill person feels symptoms, he or she can pass on the infection.
The incubation period, i.e. the time between infection and the outbreak of the disease, cannot be predicted with absolute accuracy. It can range from a few hours to three days.
What can I do to avoid getting infected?
In addition to E. coli bacteria, other pathogens are also possible. These include fungi, viruses or even staphylococci or the bacterial species Proteus mirabilis. That's why there are a few tips and tricks that will help you should prevent from urinary tract infection.
Wash hands
Washing your hands is not only important for your own safety, but also for the protection of others. So if you have a bladder infection, you should wash your hands thoroughly every time. This can help limit the spread of germs and infect other people.
In restrooms that you share with others, get in the habit of washing your hands before going to the bathroom and afterward.
Towels should be washed as soon as possible after use and not shared with others. Germs do not stand a chance if the used towels are washed at 60 degrees Celsius.
Make sure you have a strong immune system
Stress, physical strain, diabetes and certain medications can weaken our immune system.
When you're down, bacteria have a much easier time of it. They give you a urinary tract infection that's a real headache.
Therefore: Take good care of yourself. Eat healthy, try to avoid too much stress, and exercise regularly to improve your health. Strengthen immune system.
Drink enough
Bacteria can be rinsed out. You can use it to prevent bacteria from settling in the first place. And you can prevent a bladder infection from becoming contagious. So: drink, drink, drink.
Water and teas are best.
It is best to drink lemon water regularly. Because lemon is a great home remedy for cystitis!
Observe intimate hygiene
Too much soap or intimate washing lotion can weaken the natural protective function. In the toilet, you must always wipe yourself from front to back. Wet wipes can be very helpful.
Also, don't wear synthetic underwear, reach for cotton.
When to see a doctor with an inflamed bladder?
If you have symptoms of a kidney infection, such as frequent and painful urination for more than two days, blood in your urine, or pain in the kidney area, you should see a doctor.
A rapid test can be performed to determine how high the bacteria level in the urine is and whether it is really a bladder infection. After consultation with the doctor, it is then decided whether it is necessary to take antibiotics to prevent renal pelvic inflammation.
Our conclusion
We now know that cystitis can be contagious. In most cases, it is caused by E. coli bacteria. Wash your hands regularly, make sure you have a strong immune system and go to the toilet after sexual intercourse.
All the best for you and a speedy recovery!
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