The question of whether it is possible to get pregnant with cystitis interests patients with both acute and chronic forms of bladder disease. A urologist will help establish the cause-and-effect relationship of inflammation of the urinary tract.
If at the time of the disease the woman was already pregnant, the assistance of a gynecologist will be required. Only in severe cases of bladder inflammation is it recommended to terminate the pregnancy. But such a decision requires diagnostic confirmation of the presence of serious developmental anomalies in the fetus.
Pregnancy during cystitis - what are the chances?
Inflammation of the bladder affects the functional ability of the ovaries only in half of the cases. Therefore, the menstrual cycle remains unchanged: ovulation occurs, which means that the possibility of reproductive ability is preserved.
If the inflammatory process from the bladder has spread to the organs of the reproductive system - in particular, the ovaries, the cycle is disrupted. This indicates a complete absence of ovulation, which predisposes to infertility.
In general, the likelihood of becoming pregnant during cystitis is high, especially if the disease has become chronic and has periods of remission.
How does the disease manifest?
The main symptoms of cystitis are difficult to confuse with something else. Typically, women begin to suspect that they have this disease if they have the following symptoms:
frequent or constant urge to urinate (with exacerbation of the disease, up to several times an hour); burning sensation when emptying the bladder; feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen; pain during urination; change in the smell and color of urine; bloody discharge in the urine.
You can finally get rid of this unpleasant disease only in one case - if, without delay, you begin treatment under the supervision of a good doctor.
However, this is not always possible, and therefore cystitis often goes into a chronic phase, worsening with the slightest cold or hypothermia.
Bladder inflammation and infertility
The presence of cystitis reduces the likelihood of fertilization for several reasons:
- Obstruction of the fallopian tubes . The fallopian tubes are important structures in the female reproductive system. Violation of their anatomical usefulness contributes to the development of infertility. A chronic inflammatory process (in this case, cystitis) promotes the production of sticky secretion. It seals the lumen of the fallopian tubes, reducing the chances of fertilization. The patency of these channels is determined during an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. The referral is issued by a gynecologist.
- Presence of a sexually transmitted disease . Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea - all these infections are sexually transmitted. They are associated with the development of cystitis, since they are characterized by the production of pathological secretion. Subsequently, it enters the bladder and causes inflammation. In 50% of cases, the patient’s attention is drawn to the presence of problems with urination, but not a genital infection. Infertility often develops against the background of sexually transmitted diseases. The reason is that mucous and purulent secretion glues the genital canals together and prevents the movement of the fertilized egg to the uterus. Therefore, with chronic cystitis, patients are referred for laboratory tests to exclude sexually transmitted infections.
- Long-term inflammation of the uterus (endometritis) and appendages . Against this background, the menstrual cycle is disrupted and the likelihood of conception decreases. The ovaries do not produce female sex hormones in the required quantities, which also affects the patient’s well-being.
Against the background of psycho-emotional instability, cystitis, and as a result, infertility, rarely occurs. The psychogenic etiological factor is the most difficult to identify, but if the patient is planning a pregnancy, she will need to see a psychologist.
Diagnostic measures
A woman who decides to become pregnant should undergo some examinations to identify and treat acute and chronic diseases. In cases where the pathology is not completely eliminated, it is necessary to fully compensate for its manifestation.
A woman concerned about the signs of cystitis and planning to conceive should undergo a series of examinations:
- General urine and blood tests. They are needed to assess the general condition of a woman. With their help, the condition of not only the ureteral systems, but also other organs is assessed.
- Bacteriological urine analysis . This can be done in two ways - bacterioscopy or bacteriological culture. The main task is to determine the causes of cystitis. The analysis helps to find a specific pathogen and perform tests for its tolerance to antibiotics.
- Examination by a gynecologist - a smear is taken . Cystitis in its bacterial form often affects the female genital organs. In this case, the disease may not show its signs, but with the help of a smear their presence will be revealed. This condition creates a danger in that the patient may not even know that her birth canal is affected by the disease.
- Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and pelvic area . Frequent attacks can cause kidney dysfunction and changes in the structural structure of the uterine appendages. To correctly assess their condition, an ultrasound is performed. Examination of the kidneys is important, since disturbances in their functioning lead to severe forms of gestosis - eclampsia and preeclampsia.
- PCR blood test . Necessary to determine the titer of antibodies to the virus and the simplest forms of microorganisms. Its meaning is that a large number of antibodies detected to some viruses increases the likelihood that there is a viral focus in the body.
Why is it not recommended to become pregnant during treatment for cystitis?
Inflammation of the bladder requires the use of antibacterial agents - uroseptics and antibiotics. Without using them, it is impossible to get rid of the infectious process for a long time - it will regularly worsen. Recurrence of attacks is preceded by getting wet feet and a short stay in a draft.
The pharmaceutical capabilities of drugs contradict the possibility of full development of the fetus. They have an intense embryotoxic effect. This means that under the influence of medications, the fertilized egg is rejected or dies.
In the 2nd trimester, antimicrobial substances lead to malformations of the child. What are the most common consequences for the fetus?
- “cleft palate”, “cleft lip”;
- partial formation of the skull bones;
- polydactyly (polydactyly);
- pathologies of the structure of the spinal cord;
- violation of the anatomy of the heart.
A potential outcome of taking antibacterial drugs during treatment for bladder inflammation is a disruption of the intestinal microflora. Its normalization also involves taking antifungal agents, which are harmful to the child.
If cystitis that occurs in a pregnant woman is not treated, infection of the amniotic fluid and fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) will occur.
One of the reasons why it is recommended to plan a pregnancy is the importance of preliminary examination. A complete diagnosis allows you to identify inflammatory and infectious processes and eliminate them in a timely manner. And only after making sure that there are no diseases, you can plan a pregnancy.
Course of the disease
You should be alert if you notice any of the following symptoms:
frequent urge to urinate, with urine released in small quantities or not at all; pain and stinging when urinating; the presence of blood in urine, the presence of an unpleasant odor; discomfort in the pelvic area; elevated body temperature.
If these symptoms bother a person for several days, an ultrasound is necessary. It is worth considering that infection with cystitis often spreads to the kidneys, resulting in an even more complex disease - pyelonephritis. This pathology during pregnancy is more dangerous than cystitis. If a woman is treated with antibiotics, the vital functions of the embryo will be disrupted and the baby may be born with pathological abnormalities. When planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo tests in a timely manner, thus it will be possible to detect an infectious disease in time and subsequently treat it.
In most cases, cystitis does not affect the possibility of conception, but bacteria that enter the mother’s body can harm the baby. If inflammation is pronounced during cystitis, the fetus may suffer: a harmful infection will reach it through the blood. Cystitis in the later stages is not so dangerous: in this case, the fetus’s organs are already formed. Treatments intended for the mother will not harm the baby.
How to avoid cystitis while pregnant
During pregnancy, you can avoid the development of inflammation if you follow the following recommendations:
- Maintain intimate hygiene . During pregnancy, vaginal secretion increases. If you do not eliminate it in a timely manner, you can provoke inflammation of the bladder.
- Refuse to visit public toilets , temporarily limit yourself from trips to the sea or going to the pool.
- Don't hold back the urge for too long . The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the bladder, causing increased urination. By holding back the urge, a woman provokes stretching and irritation of the organ, which increases the likelihood of inflammation. Especially considering the fact that intravesical stagnation of urine causes infection.
- Avoid any type of hypothermia . Dress according to weather conditions and avoid getting wet in the rain.
- Refuse intimacy without contraceptives . Sexual activity is strictly contraindicated in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. In the second, there are no special restrictions, but you need to use condoms to prevent the introduction of bacteria from your partner’s penis.
To prevent cystitis during pregnancy, it is not recommended to consume coffee, citrus fruits, excessive amounts of pickles, sour fruits and vegetables.
To minimize the risk of inflammation, it is important to have bowel movements in a timely manner. Constipation (inability to defecate for more than 3 days) contributes to compression of the bladder and the development of intoxication due to stagnation of feces.
Laboratory testing of blood, urine, and ultrasound of the bladder can establish or exclude the presence of cystitis during pregnancy. The same set of diagnostic procedures should be completed at the stage of maternity planning. It is preferable to supplement the examination of the bladder with an ultrasound of the kidneys.
Signs that should alert an expectant mother
Burning sensations while going to the toilet are a reason to consult a doctor.
During pregnancy planning, the expectant mother should carefully listen to changes in the body. In case of any changes or discomfort, you should test for cystitis at home, and then visit a specialist for timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The following symptoms are possible for cystitis:
small volumes of urine discharged with frequent urge to urinate; burning sensation during urination; presence of blood discharge in urine; visual changes in the urinary fluid (turbidity and a sharp, repulsive aroma); regular discomfort in the pelvic area not associated with the process of urination; feeling of pressure in the pelvic area; increased body temperature. Return to contents
Features of early treatment
In the first 12 weeks, the formation of all organs and systems occurs in the embryo’s body. This period is considered critical: any influence “from the outside” is undesirable. That is why most medications are strictly prohibited in the first trimester of pregnancy.
But it is necessary to treat cystitis after conception. The main thing is to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. Of the medications allowed during pregnancy, the following are used:
- antibiotics – Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, Monural;
- uroseptics – Canephron N, Fitolysin;
- antispasmodics – No-shpa;
- NSAIDs – Paracetamol.
Antimicrobial drugs of the penicillin series (Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav):
- have a wide spectrum of action;
- absolutely safe even in early pregnancy;
- relatively inexpensive.
However, the effectiveness of these antibiotics is reduced due to the growth of resistant microflora. Many patients also experience allergic reactions.
Monural is a synthetic antibiotic based on phosphonic acid with a bactericidal (destroying microbial cell) effect. It is approved for the treatment of pregnant women and is easy to use.
Plant-based uroseptics (Canephron N, Fitolysin) have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, mild diuretic, antispasmodic effects. Often prescribed to expectant mothers during exacerbation of cystitis as an adjuvant. Suitable for long-term treatment. Often used for prevention.
Antispasmodics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to eliminate the most unpleasant symptom of inflammation – pain. Mild forms of cystitis are usually not required.
In addition to taking medications, you need to drink plenty of fluids. This can be still water, compotes, berry (cranberry, lingonberry) fruit drinks. Too fatty foods, as well as pickles, smoked meats, fast food, and sweets should be excluded from the diet. The basis of the diet should be light dairy and plant foods.
Uncomplicated forms of the disease usually resolve within 5-7 days, and subsequent pregnancy proceeds without any special features. If unpleasant symptoms persist for 10 days or more, you need to undergo an in-depth examination:
- detailed blood test;
- OAM;
- bacterial culture of urine with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics;
- Ultrasound of the bladder, kidneys.
The results obtained will help clarify the diagnosis, exclude the possibility of complications and adjust the treatment plan.
Complications caused by cystitis
If signs of the disease are observed within ten days, this is considered a reason to visit a urologist and perform an ultrasound examination. The duration of inflammation in the bladder promotes the spread of infection throughout the body, initially affecting the kidneys. In this case, there is a high probability of contracting pyelonephritis, a disease that poses significant threats to a woman who has planned a pregnancy.
A negative point can be considered the fact that infections that provoke cystitis can penetrate the placenta and cause premature placental abruption or infection of the fetus.
The inflammatory process in the later stages of pregnancy poses less danger. Taking into account the important functioning systems formed in the unborn child, the pregnant patient can be prescribed special medications that do not have a negative effect on the fetus. But only the control of a specialist can guarantee a positive result of the treatment course.
If pregnancy has already occurred
There are cases of cystitis after ovulation, when conception has already occurred. Is this dangerous, will the disease lead to infection of the fetus? There are several aspects to this.
- If you become pregnant while being treated with antibiotics, this is a dangerous situation. Some medications have a teratogenic effect, meaning they can lead to abnormalities in fetal development. Doctors recommend planning conception at least three months after antibiotic treatment.
- During pregnancy, a woman's immunity inevitably decreases, and inflammation can “rise” to the kidneys, leading to pyelonephritis.
- Advanced inflammation of the genitourinary system can lead to infection of the baby.
You need to see a doctor if...
Pregnancy should only bring joy. Every second spent in this state is wonderful in its own way, and such minor troubles as cystitis should not spoil the overall picture. If during pregnancy you:
- you often run to the toilet in small amounts;
- feel discomfort, in particular, burning during urination;
- noticed an admixture of blood in the urine;
- feel strong unpleasant odors when urinating;
- feel discomfort in the hip part of the body;
- feel pressure in the lower abdomen;
- feel a sharp increase in body temperature;
run to the doctor immediately. Don't self-medicate! Otherwise, it will only worsen your already unenviable situation.
Prevention
If a woman is healthy and has undergone all medical examinations before her planned pregnancy, then she can protect herself from cystitis during pregnancy by following the basic rules:
- Hygienic procedures should occur at least 2-3 times a day. To wash, it is better to use baby soap and warm water;
- underwear should be made only from natural fabrics; wearing thongs or tight panties is strictly prohibited;
- During pregnancy you need to dress according to the weather;
- You need to take walks every day, lead an active lifestyle, and eat right. All this is a reliable option for strengthening the immune system, which protects the body from viruses and bacteria;
- If a woman has previously suffered from cystitis or has a genetic predisposition, then in the first trimester she needs to drink a lot of liquid (fruit drinks, compotes, purified water). This will help remove fluid out in a timely manner, preventing the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- Pregnant women need to go to the toilet every 3 hours.
Classification
Cystitis can be acute and interstitial.
Acute cystitis appears suddenly and is accompanied by severe pain. Interstitial (intertissue) cystitis is a consequence of chronic diseases that affect the tissue of the bladder, manifested by chronic symptoms in the form of pain and increased urge to urinate. Types of disease:
- infectious - a consequence of bacterial, viral lesions (occurs as a result of other diseases. Transmitted sexually, infection of bacteria from lymph nodes or blood, occurs due to the proliferation of bacteria of natural microflora);
- chemical – occurs due to the ingestion of foreign substances into the body that cause physical harm to the body and the walls of the bladder (medicines, toxins, poisons);
- traumatic – occurs due to injuries and physical damage.
Is it possible to get pregnant with cystitis?
When planning a pregnancy, a woman should listen to all the changes in her body. It is difficult to get pregnant with advanced cystitis. At this stage, inflammation can affect the kidneys, ovaries and appendages. Advanced cystitis can provoke the appearance of adhesions in the fallopian tube. Here you will need the help of a urologist.
Only after being under the supervision of a doctor can you find out for sure whether you can get pregnant with cystitis or not. During treatment, taking all necessary medications, you should carefully listen to the doctor’s recommendations and strictly follow them. Taking antibiotics before pregnancy can prevent signs of cystitis in pregnant women and prevent its development.
Like any disease, cystitis has an impact on conception. Taking medications affects both the woman’s body and the fetus. You can get pregnant during cystitis if you take into account some rules:
- When washing daily, use warm water and neutral pH;
- Refuse the bath in favor of a shower;
- Avoid any hypothermia;
- You can’t stand it if you want to go to the toilet;
- Try to eat more natural foods;
- Move more.
Tight underwear can cause cystitis at the beginning of pregnancy, since pressure on the pelvis leads to inflammation. If you adhere to the above rules, you can get pregnant during cystitis and carry a healthy baby. Pregnancy planning is carried out after various tests to detect cystitis.
Can there be cystitis after conception?
Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder, which can be infectious or non-infectious. The course of the pathology is accompanied by characteristic signs: pain when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes blood appears in the urine and an unpleasant odor.
Advice from a urologist: “First of all, I would like to say that you cannot use strong medications without a doctor’s prescription. It helps very well in preventing diseases. Read more "
Since the bladder is located close to the uterus and appendages, the question arises whether cystitis can negatively affect conception and pregnancy. It is immediately worth noting that any inflammatory disease negatively affects the course of pregnancy, so it is advisable to take care of your health during the period of planning conception.
Causes and symptoms
Cystitis is an inflammation of the walls of the bladder. It is most often caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (Escherichia coli), which normally lives in the rectum. Due to the nature of female anatomy, cystitis occurs more often in women than in men.
Main causes of the disease:
- lack of personal hygiene, regular wearing of tight underwear;
- sexual relations with different partners. In this case, the causative agents of cystitis can be sexually transmitted infections;
- systematic constipation, bowel dysfunction;
- hormonal disbalance;
- improper functioning of the immune system;
- hypothermia.
- When urinating, severe itching and burning occurs. This is a sure sign of an allergic reaction to an infection;
- lower abdominal pain;
- blood clots in the urine. This is an ominous sign of the acute course of the disease;
- specific smell of urine;
- constant desire to have a small bowel movement.
What else is important to remember:
- Try to empty your bladder every 2–3 hours, even if you don’t feel like your bladder is full. Stagnation of urine should be avoided because it promotes the proliferation of microorganisms.
- Don't forget that ideally you should empty your bladder before and after sex. The microflora of the vagina has a favorable environment for the proliferation of harmful microbes, and urine, on the contrary, has disinfecting properties. If during sex harmful organisms enter the urethra, the flow of urine will simply wash them away; they will not be able to attach themselves to the walls of the mucous membranes, penetrate inside and cause inflammation.
- Eat healthy and balanced! Try to include natural products in your diet, more fresh salads and fruits. Whenever possible, reduce fried, fatty, spicy and salty foods. Alcoholic drinks and coffee during pregnancy are strictly prohibited. Drink more plain water, herbal teas, and freshly squeezed juices.
- If you have a sedentary job, do pregnancy exercises every hour.
Folk remedies for cystitis
- a good and safe folk remedy for the treatment of cystitis is cranberry juice;
- you can use an infusion of blackcurrant leaves;
- infusion of birch leaves;
- infusion of a medicinal mixture of red rowan berries and lingonberry leaves with the addition of honey;
- black radish juice with honey.
A good cure for cystitis in women during pregnancy are preparations that contain herbal ingredients. Essentially, these are the same herbal collections, but in tablet form, for example, this is the drug “Canephron”. This drug has antimicrobial, diuretic and antispasmodic effects and does not have a harmful effect on the fetus, therefore it is safe during pregnancy.
How does cystitis affect the intrauterine development of the fetus?
The effect of cystitis on pregnancy can be very detrimental. A severe inflammatory process can lead to a newborn's body weight deficiency, because... the mother's body was exhausted, and the child did not receive sufficient nutrition. In severe cases, an advanced inflammatory process can lead to fetal death or developmental abnormalities. Some experts argue that a bacterial infection provokes the development of cerebral palsy in a child.
Untreated cystitis in the early stages can lead to miscarriage, and in the later stages - to premature birth. Even if the birth takes place on time, passing through the birth canal, the child is able to ingest pathogenic microorganisms, which will lead to general intoxication of the baby.
At the first signs of cystitis, you should definitely consult a doctor. Only a specialist can select medications approved during pregnancy. Self-medication can also have a detrimental effect on the health of the unborn baby.