Bacterial Cystitis means ‘inflammation of the bladder,’ explains Dr Sarah Jarvis, spokesperson for the Royal College of GP’s. It is a common lower urinary tract infection (UTI), affecting the bladder and not the kidneys.
Cystitis can affect men, women and children but women are susceptible for various reasons – the shortness of the urethra, and its proximity to the anus makes infection likely. Cystitis can also be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy and the menopause.
Symptoms of Bacterial Cystitis
Symptoms can be mild to severe: -
- A burning sensation during urination (dysuria).
- Needing to go but being unable to pass urine.
- Strong-smelling, concentrated urine.
- Traces of blood in your urine (haematuria).
- Pain in your pelvis, lower back and legs.
- Pain during intercourse.
Causes of Bacterial Cystitis
In most cases, it is caused by a bacterial infection (usually e-coli) which travels to the bladder via the entrance to the urethra. Bacterial infections have several causes, which are outlined below: -
- Vigorous sex (Honeymoon Cystitis), or having unprotected sex.
- Using tampons
- Hormonal changes – During pregnancy, it is more difficult to empty your bladder properly which can lead to a build up of bacteria. Postmenopause, a reduction in oestrogen levels means the bladder is not as resistant to infection.
- A blockage in the bladder.
- Diabetes – increased sugar levels in urine stimulates bacterial growth.
- A sugar-laden diet: tea, coffee, alcohol and fruit juices are common culprits.
- Using scented soaps, vaginal deodorants, and fragranced lubricants.
- Some forms of contraception, such as condoms and diaphragms, if used with added spermicide.
- Catheters can damage the urethra and cause infection to spread to the bladder.
Preventing Cystitis
Bacterial Cystitis is easy to prevent and treat. Dr Jarvis recommends drinking plenty of water or 1-2 glasses a day of low sugar cranberry juice to avoid dehydration and stop bacteria clinging to the urethral walls. Review your contraceptive methods if you have noticed a connection, and practice good sexual hygiene: washing before and after sex, and going to the toilet after sex. The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation (COB) recommends a supplement for urinary health called D-Mannose, which is a carbohydrate found in the bladder.
Other preventative measures include: -
- Wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
- Sitting on the toilet properly – don’t squat or hover. If you are concerned about hygiene when using public toilets use a wipe to cover the seat.
- Limiting tight clothing and wear cotton underwear, to allow circulation. Bacteria thrive in moist surroundings!
- Avoid scented soaps or lubricants. The vagina cleans itself efficiently and only requires water.
- Go to the toilet when you need to: holding urine in makes it more concentrated and prone to infection.
- Use lots of lubricant for intercourse.
- Cut back on sugary food and drink, which irritate the bladder.
- Maintain a regular exercise routine to help your body fight infection.
Treating Bacterial Cystitis
Cystitis normally clears up on its own within 2-4 days. Mild symptoms can be treated via over-the-counter remedies, which contain sodium citrate or potassium citrate. If your symptoms persist or you aren’t certain it is cystitis speak to your doctor. STI’s such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea have similar symptoms so it is best to rule them out before commencing treatment.
Your doctor will do a ‘dipstick’ test of your urine to determine which bacteria is present, and may send a sample to the lab for testing. If you are having regular outbreaks an examination of the bladder (cytoscopy) may be required.
Medical Treatments for Bacterial Cystitis
A course of antibiotics will help reduce inflammation and discomfort (one tablet, twice a day for three days). This should clear it up if you complete the course, says Dr Jarvis, although you may have a recurrent episode.
Self-help For Bacterial Cystitis
You can prevent recurrent outbreaks by drinking plenty of fluid (water, diluted juice, or low-sugar cranberry juice), and using the toilet as soon as you need to go. BBC Health Doctor Rob Hicks suggests mixing a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with half a pint of water, and drinking it 2-3 times a day. This will reduce acidity in your urine, and help prevent infection. Avoid having sex until it has cleared up.
Cystitis is a common bacterial infection that usually clears up within a few days. However, if you are having recurrent outbreaks and have more severe symptoms speak to your GP. Cystitis during late stage pregnancy needs to be treated as it can lead to kidney infection and early delivery.
Resources
The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation, accessed 16th September 2009. Email info@cobfoundation.org for an information pack.
Recurrent Cystitis in Non-Pregnant Women. Clinical Evidence, Issue 5, June 2001, 1338-1345. Cooper B and Jepson R.
NHS Choices: Cystitis facts, accessed 16th September 2009.
Netdoctor: Cystitis facts, accessed 16th September 2009.
This article is for general information purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional if you want advice on specific symptoms.
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