A bladder infection is a common form of urinary tract infection. The most common trigger of this condition is the penetration of bacteria and yeast. Most cases are typically acute, meaning that they happen unexpectedly in a few days or weeks. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further complications of the infection. Depending on the severity, the symptoms can vary a lot, such as bloody urine, painful urination, increased urgency, foul-smelling urine, and more. Below are 10 common causes of bladder infections that everyone should know.
E. coli Bacteria
Most cases of bladder infections are triggered by E. coli or Escherichia coli bacteria. This form of microorganisms is naturally present in our large intestines. Normally, the body will remove them by flushing out during urination. But when they get on the skin and penetrate the urethra from the stool, these bacteria would lead to infections and spread to your bladder. They attach to the bladder’s walls and overwhelm the ability of the body to destroy the invaders. This leads to a bladder infection. Women with short urethra are often at higher risks because the bacteria could enter and move more easily. [1]