Bladder Infections

Cystitis is the medical term for a bladder infection. This form of urinary tract infection usually occurs as a result of a bacterial invasion (most commonly, E. coli) and is more common in women than in men. Typical symptoms of a bladder infection include pain while urinating; frequent urination, urinary urgency or urinary incontinence; pelvic pain; blood in the urine; and sometimes confusion due to dehydration in elderly patients. In most cases, a bladder infection can easily be treated with a course of oral antibiotics. Left untreated, a bladder infection can lead to a more serious infection of the kidneys.