Pain or a burning feeling with urination is the most common symptom, but a bladder infection also can trigger an unusually strong or frequent urge to urinate. Any of these signs means it's time to go to the doctor. And if you also have fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, or blood in the urine, you should see your doctor promptly. At the doctor's office, samples of urine and vaginal fluid normally will be analyzed to rule out any sexually transmitted diseases and confirm the presence of infection. Antibiotic medications usually offer effective treatment.
Many women get bladder infections repeatedly.
If you are sexually active, urinate both before and after intercourse. This also helps keep bacteria from getting into the bladder. If you use a diaphragm for birth control, consider switching to another method. Diaphragms clearly contribute to bladder infections. Try drinking cranberry juice.