Grandmother's Myths Cold ground causes the bladder to catch cold

Sitting on a cold floor can cause bladder infection?
Is the traditional wisdom true that sitting on the cold floor causes cystitis? For even the grandma knew to the child to say, "Do not just sit on the cold ground, you get you a bladder infection!". Is this amateur warning correct? And why do women get more sick in the pelvic area? These and other questions are answered by Dr. med. Wolfgang Bühmann from the Professional Association of German Urologists.

"Do not just sit down on the cold floor, you'll get a bladder infection" - a warning that every child has heard from his parents or grandparents. This would also apply to the swimming pool, where some parents say they should get out of the wet bathing suit quickly so they do not "chill" themselves. Are these myths or serious warnings that children and adults should be aware of?

Yes, that is a good indication, says Wolfgang Bühmann, urologist and member of the Professional Association of German Urologists. Because rising cold in the pelvic area increases the risk of infection. Because the cold also reduces the blood circulation. This in turn weakens the immune system to repel bacteria and viruses. Because the body's own defense helpers can only cumbersome to get to the scene. Anyone who sits down longer on the cold floor should at least provide with warm clothes. "Grandma was right - warm underwear is a good prophylaxis - not necessarily erotic, but helpful," says Bühmann.

Change swimwear after swimming
Even starting the cold and wet swimsuits can promote cystitis. Because the swimwear is cooled by the water and the air. In addition, the humid climate is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. You then have an easy game of penetrating the body. The vast majority of bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. These are intestinal bacteria that are transported from the back to the front, for example, by incorrect wiping after defecation.

Women are more likely to develop cystitis
Women are significantly more likely to develop cystitis, which is cystitis in medical jargon. "Women are disadvantaged by their shorter urethra in this regard," said Urologist Buhmann. The urethra in men is about 20 to 25 inches long. In women, however, it is only 4 inches long. In addition, the anus and urethral outlet are close together. This means that the intruders have to go a much shorter way inside. Sexual intercourse also ensures that bacteria enter the urethra during the act.

Patients with cystitis experience burning sensation during urination and possibly also pelvic pain. In addition, the bladder is irritated, so sufferers constantly have the feeling of having to go to the bathroom. If the infection has progressed, blood can also occur in the urine. If you have a bladder infection, you should first go to the doctor. This will examine with the help of a smear or a urine sample, which infection is exactly. The doctor will advise you to drink as much water and herbal tea as possible so that the germs are flushed out. Also for precaution is "much drinking" as an adequate remedy. Other home remedies for cystitis can be found on our pages. (Sb)

Picture credits: Stephanie Hofschlaeger / pixelio.de