The Pros and Cons of Taking Antibiotics for Treating Chronic Bladder Infections

Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can be a frustrating and painful experience. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat these infections, but the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it more difficult to treat future infections. Additionally, regular use of antibiotics can lead to thrush, a common side effect in women. In this article, we take a look at the pros and cons of taking antibiotics for treating chronic bladder infections, and share information on alternative treatments that you might like to try first.

What Are Chronic Bladder Infections?

A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. The symptoms of a bladder infection include frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain.

The Pros of Taking Antibiotics for UTIs

Antibiotics are the most common treatment for bladder infections and UTIs, and they are effective at killing the bacteria that cause the infection. For most women, they are effective in treating the often nasty discomfort, pain and inflammation associated with this type of infection. What's more, they prevent further complications like kidney damage if the infection is left untreated.

The most common antibiotics for UTIs and chronic bladder infections are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim, and fosfomycin. These antibiotics are typically effective in treating uncomplicated UTIs, although the choice of antibiotic may vary depending on the patient's individual circumstances and any underlying health conditions they may have. In some cases, a longer course of antibiotics or a different type of antibiotic may be necessary.

They are also easy to use, as they are typically taken orally and can provide relief from symptoms within a few days.

Cons of Taking Antibiotics for Bladder Infections

One of the biggest 'cons' is the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be difficult to treat. This means that if you take antibiotics frequently, you may be more likely to develop an infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

A study published in the British Medical Journal also found that women who had taken antibiotics for UTIs were more likely to develop recurrent UTIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria - so if you are finding you are experiencing recurrent infections, it's well worth discussing with your GP and trying an alternative.

Antibiotic resistance and thrush

Another concern to consider when taking antibiotics for bladder infections and UTIs is the risk of developing thrush, a common side effect in women. According to a study published in the Journal of Women's Health, up to 30% of women who take antibiotics to treat UTIs will develop a yeast infection (thrush) as a side effect. And what's more, the use of particular antibiotics - such as fluoroquinolones - has been associated with an increased risk of developing thrush. In fact, women who took fluoroquinolones for UTIs had a 2.5 times higher risk of developing thrush than those who took other antibiotics. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also acknowledges that antibiotics can cause thrush as a side effect.

Alternatives to Antibiotics for Chronic Bladder Infections

While antibiotics remain the best course of action for most chronic bladder infections, there are alternative treatment options available that you might want to try. These alternatives may not be as effective as antibiotics, but they can help reduce the need for antibiotics and their potential drawbacks.

D-Mannose

D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, which can reduce the likelihood of infection. Studies have shown that D-Mannose is effective in preventing UTIs, and it has fewer side effects than antibiotics.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the balance of bacteria in the body. Studies have shown that taking probiotics can help reduce the risk of UTIs and may be effective in treating UTIs when taken in combination with antibiotics.

Our top tips for preventing chronic bladder infections

Here are a few small changes you can make to reduce likelihood of developing UTIs:

1. Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and fluids can help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.

2. Wiping from front to back: After using the toilet, wiping from front to back can help prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the urinary tract.

3. Urinating after sex: Urinating after sex can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.

4. Avoiding irritating products: Using irritating products, such as douches or powders, can irritate the urethra and increase the likelihood of infection.

5. Treating underlying conditions: Underlying conditions, such as diabetes or menopause, can increase the risk of UTIs. Treating these conditions can help reduce the likelihood of developing bladder infections.

6. Avoiding certain foods and drinks: Some foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can irritate the bladder and increase the likelihood of infection. Avoiding these can help maintain bladder health.