Cystitis in women
goodtoknow says: Cystitis typically causes a burning pain when you urinate and can be very unpleasant. However, cystitis isn't serious and usually clears up quickly either on its own or with a three day course of antibiotics. Around 50% of women have at least one bout of cystitis in their life, usually caused by a urine infection that inflames the bladder. Some women are unlucky enough to be 'prone' to cystitis, particularly after sex, and should discuss this with their doctor. A regular low dose of antibiotics may be needed, although there's growing evidence that cranberry juice can really help cystitis.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of cystitis from patient.co.uk, read on.
Cystitis is common in women. A three day course of antibiotics is a common treatment. It clears quickly without complications in most cases.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. It is usually caused by a urine infection. Typical symptoms are pain when you pass urine, and passing urine frequently. You may also have pain in your lower abdomen, blood in your urine, and fever (high temperature).
Most urine infections are due to bacteria (germs) that come from your own bowel. Some bacteria lie around your anus (back passage) after you pass a stool (faeces). These bacteria can sometimes travel to your urethra and into your bladder. Some bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly to cause infection. Women are more prone to cystitis than men as their urethra (the tube from the bladder that passes out urine) is shorter and opens nearer the anus.
About half of women have at least one bout of cystitis in their life. For many it is a 'one-off'. It is a recurring problem for some women. (A separate leaflet deals with recurring cystitis.)
Can I be sure it is cystitis?
Some conditions cause symptoms that may be mistaken for cystitis. For example, thrush. Also, soaps, deodorants, bubble baths, etc, may irritate your genital area and cause mild pain when you pass urine. Your doctor or nurse may do a simple 'dipstick' test on a urine sample to check for cystitis. This detects bacteria in urine. It is fairly reliable and usually no further test is needed. Sometimes a urine sample is sent to the 'lab' to find out which bacterium is causing the infection.
- Next: What's the treatment for cystitis?
More help and advice
- Read Kat's story of coping with cystitis
- An expert's view on cystitis
- Tips on coping with cystitis
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Josey, about 1 year
Stress makes it worse pain-wise, although it makes you more aware of the problem. You can be more prone to it around the time of your period; running up to or just after. Watching if you eat too much fruit and not enough fibre/carbs can affect your health below. Normally I never have problems and I although I shower daily I get this occasionally 'when my hair is longer'; like winter lol. Good excuse for regular waxing/shaving then!! Def drink lots of water and also cranberry without all the added sugar/sweetener; the sugar may make it worse!!! A couple of drops of juniper oil (pure not with addidtives) in warm water also works wonders. Dove soap caused probs for me originally.
Report this commentsylva chedzey, over 2 years
Is it possible that stress could start the cystitis off as Ii have just lost my dog and since then the cystitis started. I am drinking plenty of water and finds it helps me.
Report this commentKeri, over 2 years
if like me you suffer from cystitis monthly (ouch!) then try drinking a mixture of one tsp of bicarbonated soda mixed with water before bed each night. it really helps!
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mary howard, about 1 year
I ALWAYS seem to suffer and attack after great sex although recently, stress seems to trigger off mild attacks too. My job is really stressful and whenever I have a day off, I feel so much stronger and less prone to illness. I get straight down to A+E and get antibiotics. I have bought cranberry tablets and they appear to help. It's really depressing to get it all the time, so thanks for your advice.
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