Cystitis
Cystitis is the medical name given to an inflammation of the bladder. One out of three women will experience at least one episode in their lifetime. The feeling that you need to urinate more often, and suffering from uncomfortable or even painful urination, are two of the main symptoms that indicate you may be suffering from cystitis.
Normally when you urinate it should not be painful, and your urine should be the colour of straw. The amount of urine you produce varies according to what you've been eating or drinking.
Cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it could be the result of damage or irritation to your bladder (non-infectious cystitis). There are many causes of inflammation, so if you suffer frequently from cystitis, keeping a diary and recording when you get cystitis may help you to determine what triggers it for you.
Causes of a bladder infection (infectious cystitis):
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Not emptying your bladder fully when you urinate
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Pressure on your bladder due to pregnancy
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Using a diaphragm
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Wiping the wrong way after going to the toilet (You should wipe front to back.)
Causes of irritation or damage in your bladder (non-infections cystitis):
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Hormone changes, e.g., menopause
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Nicotine
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Dehydration
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Vigorous sex
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Chemicals and perfume in soaps
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Ketamine use
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Diabetes
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Wearing a catheter
What Are the Symptoms of Cystitis?
How to Prevent Cystitis
One of the best ways to prevent cystitis is to stay hydrated. If your urine is straw coloured, you're hydrated enough. Dark coloured urine is a sign you need to drink more. Remember to drink between six to eight glasses of water a day, or more if it’s hot or you’ve been working out.
What Not to Drink
If you’re prone to cystitis, it’s best to avoid drinks that are known to irritate your bladder, including caffeinated, fizzy or alcoholic beverages. Remember, everyone is different, so you might find there’s a particular food or drink that triggers your cystitis. You might want to think about keeping a food and drink diary to help you identify any dietary triggers.
Proper Washing Habits
Good hygiene helps to prevent bacteria from travelling up the urethra and into the bladder, which can help prevent cystitis.
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Change your tampons or pads frequently.
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Wash your intimate area with warm water and un-perfumed products.
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Ensure you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
Sex and Cystitis
If you’re having sex, follow these precautions to help prevent cystitis from recurring:
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Empty your bladder fully after sex.
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Avoid having sex until your cystitis clears up.
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Consider changing contraceptives if you use a diaphragm.
You should see your doctor if:
- You are experiencing cystitis symptoms for the first time.
- You are suffering from any of the serious symptoms above.
- You suffer from cystitis more than three times in a year.
Learn More about Women's Intimate Health
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Learn what a vaginal yeast infection is and what common symptoms can help identify it. You can also find out how you can treat a yeast infection and how you can help prevent it from recurring.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Learn what BV is and what bacterial vaginosis symptoms are. You can find out who is more prone to getting this infection and what the differences between a vaginal yeast infection and BV are.
What Is Menopause?
Learn about menopause, including symptoms and how to treat them.
What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
Learn more about your menstrual cycle, including your periods.
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Learn what PMS is, how to treat and prevent PMS, and when you should see a doctor about your PMS symptoms.
What Is Cystitis?
Learn about the causes and symptoms of cystitis, plus how to prevent it.
What Is Vaginal Dryness?
Learn what vaginal dryness is, including symptoms and prevention.
How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area
Learn about hygiene in your intimate area.