Cystitis during pregnancy

Pregnant women need to be particularly attentive to their health, as any illness can impact the fetus. Cystitis during pregnancy is one of the most common and unpleasant problems. To avoid complications, it is important to know how to react correctly in case this condition arises. Moreover, understanding the causes and progression of the disease allows for timely preventive measures to be taken and reduces the risk of its occurrence.

Cystitis can occur both with natural conception and within assisted reproductive technology programs. In the case of natural pregnancy, bladder inflammation is most often related to physiological changes: increased levels of progesterone, relaxation of the bladder muscles, and pressure from the growing uterus on the pelvic organs. These changes cause urine stagnation and create favorable conditions for bacterial proliferation.

In the context of a classic IVF, which involves ovulation stimulation and egg retrieval, the woman's body is subjected to hormonal stress that can affect the urogenital system. The increase in hormone levels and interventions in the uterine cavity make the mucous membranes more vulnerable to inflammation. The risk of developing cystitis particularly increases during hormonal stimulation periods and after embryo transfer.

The IVF with egg donation requires hormonal preparation of the body for embryo transfer. The woman receives estrogens and progesterone to prepare the endometrium, which can lead to decreased local immunity and stagnation phenomena in the bladder. Under these conditions, the risk of infections increases.

In the case of double donation, where donor eggs and sperm are used, the woman receives only hormone replacement therapy. Despite the absence of ovarian stimulation, she is still exposed to risks related to urination disorders and decreased protective functions of the mucous membranes of the urinary system.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is a bladder disease caused by a bacterial infection. During the illness, the functioning of the urinary system is disrupted, the composition of the urine changes, and pain, burning sensations, and other unpleasant symptoms appear. Women suffer from cystitis much more often than men, which can be explained by anatomical peculiarities: their urethra is shorter and wider, making it easier for pathogenic microflora to enter the bladder.

Doctors often diagnose cystitis during pregnancy, as during this period, due to hormonal changes, the woman's body becomes very vulnerable. The pressure of the uterus on the bladder, as well as the relaxation of its muscles under the influence of progesterone, promotes urinary stasis and creates conditions conducive to infections.

Causes of cystitis in pregnant women

The onset of the disease can be due to the lifestyle of the expectant mother, for example, insufficient fluid intake. Drinking enough drinking water is good prevention against urinary tract inflammation.

Cystitis can be triggered by prolonged urinary retention, for example, if a woman is traveling during her pregnancy and does not have the opportunity to go to the toilet in time. In such a situation, it is often difficult to maintain good intimate hygiene, which also promotes the development of infections.

It is important to pay attention to hygiene during pregnancy but without excess, so as not to provoke additional problems, such as drying out the mucous membranes of the genital organs. To avoid diseases of the genitourinary system, it is advisable to use hygiene products with a slightly acidic pH (3.8-4.5), which also serves as excellent prevention against cystitis.

Bacteria enter the body for various reasons: even women who have been careful and followed their doctor's advice can develop an infection. Let’s examine some factors that influence the onset of cystitis.

Physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy. After fertilization of the egg, the level of progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy, form the placenta, and prepare the body for childbirth, rapidly increases in the woman's body. Under its influence, the smooth muscles relax, particularly the walls of the bladder and urinary tract. This slows down urine flow, creating favorable conditions for bacterial accumulation.

Pressure from the growing uterus on the bladder. As the fetus develops, the uterus gradually increases in size, displacing neighboring internal organs. Over time, it begins to exert pressure on the bladder, and this pressure can be irregular. As a result, the bladder does not always empty completely, creating favorable conditions for the development of an infection and the onset of an inflammatory process.

Weakened immune system in pregnant women. Due to hormonal changes in the body, the woman becomes vulnerable to various diseases, including cystitis. The weakening of the immune system is necessary so that the body does not perceive the fertilized egg as a foreign body and does not reject the fetus. To minimize risks, it is important for pregnant women to adhere to preventive measures, avoid hypothermia, pay attention to their personal hygiene, and have regular medical check-ups.

Infectious causes of cystitis. Inflammation of the urinary tract often occurs as a result of an infection of the urethra and, without appropriate treatment, can spread to the kidneys. The infectious agent can cause pronounced symptoms or be asymptomatic, in which case we talk about asymptomatic bacteriuria. That is why regular monitoring by a doctor and control tests are essential during pregnancy.

The bacterium Escherichia coli is a common pathogen of cystitis, which enters the urethra from the rectum in cases of poor hygiene. Cystitis can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections or complications from other diseases of the urinary tract.

Main symptoms of cystitis during pregnancy

The common signs of bladder inflammation are pain in the lower abdomen, burning and tingling during urination, frequent urges even when the bladder is empty, changes in the color and smell of urine, and the presence of impurities. General weakness, an increase in temperature, and signs of intoxication are possible. In acute cases, symptoms are pronounced, while in chronic cases they are milder, but with a risk of complications.

Is cystitis dangerous during pregnancy?

Cystitis is not dangerous in the early stages if treatment is started on time. However, in the absence of treatment, the inflammation can spread to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis. This can lead to increased uterine tone, miscarriage, preterm labor, delayed fetal development, and other complications. Asymptomatic bacteriuria also carries risks and requires treatment.

Diagnosis of cystitis during pregnancy

To detect cystitis, laboratory examinations (urine and blood tests), a urine culture with determination of antibiotic sensitivity, and an ultrasound of the urinary tract are used. This allows for an accurate diagnosis to be established and a safe treatment for the mother and child to be chosen. The reproductive medicine center offers comprehensive diagnostics and monitoring of the woman's health throughout pregnancy.