How to deal with cystitis

Most women have had it at least once in their lives, but how do you deal with cystitis when it strikes and how can you stop it from happening again?

If you've had it before you know the symptoms when they strike: a frequent urge to urinate and a sharp, burning sensation when you do pass urine. Most women have had cystitis at least once in their lives and some women have it as frequently as four or five times a year. So what do you do when it strikes and how can you stop it from happening again?

What is cystitis?
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, but the term often covers a range of infections and irritations in the lower urinary system.

How can I treat cystitis once I have it?

Water
When you first feel symptoms strike, drink a half a pint of water straight away followed by another half a pint every 20 minutes for three hours. This will help flush out your urinary system.

Cranberry juice
While there is little proof that cranberry juice can prevent or treat cystitis, many swear by it, as it's thought to help stop bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. Some believe juice made from North American cranberries is more beneficial, but more importantly, make sure the juice has a high juice content (at least 25%) and a low sugar content. Drink at least one large glass daily, and if this proves difficult, try cranberry capsules, which are available at health shops.

Bicarbonate of soda and drink sachets
Many chemists offer over-the-counter drink sachets for cystitis that make the urine less acidic. You can make your own version by mixing a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a half of pint of water.

Pain relievers
To lessen the discomfort, over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken.

Antibiotics
If your GP has ruled out other causes of cystitis through tests, they may prescribe antibiotics. While these can help in severe cases, be wary of taking them if you frequently suffer from cystitis. Antibiotics become ineffective if used often.

Juniper and lavender oil
While there is no evidence to their effectiveness, many women swear by a few drops of juniper or lavender oil in water to relieve cystitis symptoms. If you're pregnant, make sure to seek advice from you GP first.

Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
These can be dehydrating, which is the last thing you need when you have a cystitis attack.

Avoid sex and using tampons
Hold off on having sex or using tampons when you have cystitis as both of these can push bacteria into the urethra and make the symptoms worse.

How can I prevent it from happening again?
Drink plenty of water (1.5 litres) and one glass of cranberry juice daily. Avoid wearing thongs, especially with tight jeans or trousers. Many women who frequently have cystitis say 'boy shorts' are a cute, painfree, and VPL-free alternative. Also, wear cotton knickers as often as possible. Wash with a clean cloth everyday and make sure you're clean before and after sex. However, avoid bubble baths, perfumed cleansers and talc. Always fully empty your bladder when you urinate. Also, when you feel like you need to go, go straight away - don't wait. Always wipe from front to back, not back to front. Try to empty your bladder before sex and as soon as possible after. Using lubricants may also help from damaging the area.

When should I see my GP?
Cystitis symptoms don't always mean it's cystitis - so if in doubt seek advice from your GP. If you have frequent bouts of cystitis, it's also wise to seek your GP's opinion as this could be symptomatic of another illness or sexually transmitted disease.

Also consult your GP for advice if it's the first time you've had cystitis, if your symptoms don't improve after 24 hours or get worse, if blood is present in the urine, or if symptoms are accompanied by fever, loin pains or low back ache.

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