Intimate health - Cystitis
Cystitis
Cystitis is a bladder infection that affects more women than men. Most women get cystitis at least once in their life. It is NOT a sexually transmitted infection, but it's more common in sexually active women. Pregnant women and women going through the menopause are also prone.
Symptoms: a sharp pain when passing urine, back ache, lower stomach pain and feeling unwell, occasionally blood in the urine.
How do I know if I've got it? The symptoms are usually very obvious. But see your GP if this is the first time you've had cystitis, if it doesn't improve after 24 hours or you seem to be getting cystitis very frequently.
Treatment: Drink lots of water (at least half a pint every 20 minutes for the first three hours). This will make the urine less acidic and therefore less painful. If the infection is bacterial you may also be prescribed antibiotics.
Don't forget: To find a sexual health clinic near you, go to www.fpa.org.uk
By Kate Corr
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