Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection that causes inflammation of the bladder. It is more common in women and also less likely to be a complication due to another underlying condtion. Mild cystitis generally clears up by itself and is a cause of irritation rather than concern. However more serious cases of cystitis require antibiotic treatment. If you ignore cystitis you could develop a kidney infection.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

UTIs develop when part of the urinary tract gets infected with bacteria, most commonly by bacteria that live in the digestive system. Escherichia coli (E.Coli) is the most common cause of this infection. E.Coli is not the only cause however and sometimes other bacterias may be responsible for the patients symptoms. They enter the tract commonly through the patients urethra but can in very rare cases come via the patients blood. The bacteria can move up the tract and cause infection at the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis - medical emergency).

There is no set reason behind why urinary tract infection occurs and thus avoidance is difficult. There are however some risk factors that increase the chances of developing a UTI:

• Being sexually active
• Using a diaphragm for contraception
• Using condoms coated in spermicide

There are certain ways to reduce the chances of getting a UTI, including:

• Avoiding constipation
• Having a good daily fluid intake
• Going to the toilet as soon as you feel to urinate putting less pressure on the bladder
• Wiping from front to back after going to the toilet, avoiding the transmission of bacteria to the urethra
• Emptying your bladder after penetrative sexual intercourse
• Practice good hygiene by washing your genitals every day and before having intercourse
• wearing cotton underwear

Signs of cystitis include:

• feeling generally unwell sometimes accompanied with a fever
• stomach pain
• dark urine (blood in the urine)
• needing to go to the toilet frequently and a stinging sensation when you pass water
• Feeling like you need to pass urine but having a very low volume of urine

If you have symptoms of cystitis it is important that you consult your doctor especially in men. Men with urinary tract infections should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Women are more susceptible to having cystitis because their urethra is very close to their anal passage and thus more likely to have bacterial contamination.

Cystitis Treatments

Uncomplicated lower UTIs such as Cystitis in females can be effectively treated with either alkali-based neutralizing sachets or antibiotics.

Over the counter cystitis treatments are available here.

• Alkali Salt sachets: these salts neutralise the acidic environment produced by bacteria within the bladder and urinary tract. It is important to note this treatment only provides symptomatic relief. Examples of products containing these salts are CanesOasis and Cysto Purin.
• Antibiotics: short three-day courses with antibiotics such as Nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim is widely considered first line treatment for uncomplicated Cystitis. Both are highly effective treatments.

Over the counter pain relief can help to help ease symptoms of Cystitis. 

Protect your and your partner's sexual health with condoms and more sexual health products.

 P.S 2019