Cystitis

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that nearly all UK women will experience at some point in their lives. Whilst recurrent bouts are also common, cystitis is a harmless and mild infection for most. Symptoms can still be uncomfortable so most women seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and quicken the duration of the condition. This can be in the form of over-the-counter treatments, or proven effective prescription medication.

Cystitis symptoms, and the infection itself, are also more likely to occur in women who are pregnant, increasingly sexually active or who have been or are going through the menopause. The infection is normally mild and while painkillers are often used to reduce symptoms, antibiotics might also be prescribed if the infection is mild to severe. Whilst small bouts may subside easily with the help of painkillers and plenty of fluids, many women seek treatment to limit time and the symptoms as well as preventing the infection from getting even worse.

Although cystitis affects a sensitive and private area – and can rarely be prompted by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) – the condition itself isn't classed as an STI.

The initial cause of cystitis is the bladder becoming infected. This is caused when bacteria that usually live harmlessly in the bowels or skin enter the urethra and multiply. Why the bladder has become infected could be the result of one or a number of factors. Sexual activity is the main cause of cystitis as it can be easy for bacteria to transfer and infect the wrong area. Sex-related cystitis is often referred to as "honeymoon cystitis".

As well as sex, the following have been known to cause cystitis:

• personal hygiene
• tight synthetic underwear
• diabetes
• full bladder or an inability to empty bladder
• pregnancy and afterbirth
• menopause
• sexually transmitted infections STIs (uncommon)
• certain parasites (uncommon)
• damage caused by a catheter or bladder surgery

Cystitis is more common in women because the urethra - the tube that expels urine from the body - is shorter than the one found in men and therefore bacteria can more easily infect the bladder. It is still possible for men to experience cystitis. In this circumstance, men are encouraged to visit the doctor as it is considered uncommon.

Symptoms of cystitis can range in severity for a number of women, and every bout can also alter depending on the cause. Once you've had cystitis once, it becomes easier to differentiate the tell-tale signs and receive treatment as soon as possible before they escalate:

• burning or stinging when urinating
• urge to urinate
• blood in the urine
• abdominal pain
• common cold symptoms; aching and nausea

Cystitis can be unpleasant, however there are many methods that work to cure the bladder infection completely. This includes simple painkillers, prescription medication and over-the-counter capsules. Drinking plenty of fluids and resting is also essential.

Frequent urination can also be a symptom of other conditions, as well as a side effect of some common medications.

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis sometimes referred to as ‘painful bladder syndrome’ is a long-term condition that, unlike bacterial cystitis, is not caused by an obvious infection. Symptoms tend to be ongoing and more severe including:

• intense pelvic pain
• sudden strong urges to urinate
• needing to urinate more frequently
• waking up several times in the night to urinate

You may find that your symptoms will vary in severity depending on certain factors such as when you’re on your period, when your bladder is full and what you have eaten.

Although the cause is unclear, there are several theories including bladder tissue scarring or an allergic reaction.

Different lifestyle changes and different treatment options can help control symptoms but unfortunately there is no cure. Speak to your GP if you think you may have interstitial cystitis.

Preventing the infection can be relatively easy, especially when you pinpoint the root causes if you're prone to recurrent outbreaks, and consists largely of practicing good hygiene.

• drinking lots of water
• emptying your bladder frequently
• urinating as soon as possible after sexual activity
• avoid rough intercourse
• quitting smoking
• washing with clean water
• avoiding using scented soaps, bubble baths and perfumes.
• change contraceptive methods if you're using a diaphragm
• wearing comfortable cotton underwear

These options help to limit the large amount of the bacteria that would have accumulated in the urethra, whether that's during sex or through normal daily activities. If you suffer from multiple infections or are at a greater risk of contracting the infection, it's advised that you urinate at least once every three hours. Avoid using any powerful deodorants or perfumes in the genital area as these can irritate the skin and ultimately cause an infection as well.

Can cranberry juice prevent cystitis?

The biggest myth surrounding cystitis is drinking cranberry juice. Many believe that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements may alleviate or prevent cystitis symptoms. However, there is little evidence to suggest this helps and is therefore not an advised treatment option.

For those with mild to severe cystitis, or women that experience recurrent bouts, prescription cystitis treatment are available should you have a discomforting infection. This is also appropriate for those who know the infection will escalate. Proven antibiotic treatments available to order at euroClinix are Trimethoprim and Nitrofurantoin.

Minimal cases of cystitis do not usually require antibiotics or prescription medications. Women who suffer from these instances are normally advised to drink plenty of water, as it's believed that this assists in removing the bacteria from the urethra. Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen,and over-the-counter medications are commonly used in these situations to help reduce some of the discomfort. Sexual intercourse is not recommended, no matter how mild the infection is as this can make the condition worse.

If common treatment options do not ease your symptoms or you experience recurrent cystitis, you should speak with your GP. They will help you find what treatment option works best for you and help you to manage your condition.

Most cases of bacterial cystitis will rarely lead to complications when promptly treated. However, cases can become more serious if left untreated. The main complication that can occur with cystitis is a kidney infection, where the bacteria travels up from the bladder and into the kidneys. As well as cystitis symptoms, you may also experience the following:

• feeling sick or being sick
• high temperature
• shivering or chills
• pain in your side, lower back or genitals
• loss of appetite
• feeling tired
• diarrhoea

A kidney infection does not cause any serious harm when promptly treated with a course of antibiotics and painkillers. If left untreated, there is a higher risk of damaging your kidneys. Speak to your GP if you think you may have a kidney infection.

You can buy your cystitis treatment online in the UK at euroClinix to completely cure your infection in the form of Trimethoprim and Nitrofurantoin. After completing our free and confidential consultation, this is passed onto our doctor who will gauge your suitability for treatment before writing you a prescription. The prescription will then be given to our pharmacy, which will dispense the desired medication and deliver it to you. Prescription medication for more severe or recurrent cystitis is usually offered instead of over-the-counter treatments as it treats the infection itself quickly and effectively rather than simply alleviating the symptoms.