Cystitis Q & A

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is a painful bladder inflammation that usually (but not always) a bacterial infection causes. Painful and irritating symptoms accompany cystitis, and it’s unlikely to go away without treatment.

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

There are several common symptoms of cystitis, including:

• Burning while you urinate
• Pain while you urinate
• Constant urge to urinate
• The sensation that your bladder is never empty

Some less common symptoms of cystitis are:

• Smelly urine
• Dark yellow or orange urine
• Cloudy urine
• Traces of blood in your urine
• Lower back pain
• Low-grade fever

You may have several of these symptoms almost constantly, and it’s important to seek help right away to get symptom relief.

What is the treatment for cystitis?

Most cases of cystitis are bacterial in origin, and usually require treatment with a course of antibiotics. Be sure to finish all of your pills to make sure the infection completely leaves your body. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help with pain and burning until your antibiotics take effect.

How can I prevent cystitis in the future?

Whether this is your first bout of cystitis or you deal with it every several months, you undoubtedly want to avoid it as much as possible in the future. There are several things that may help, including:
Drinking more water

Stay well hydrated, and monitor your urine color to check on your hydration level. Strive for straw color urine. If your urine is deep yellow or darker, you’re not getting enough water.
Avoiding triggers

If you’ve had cystitis twice or more, you may notice that certain things seem to trigger your cystitis. Common culprits can include alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
Practicing good feminine hygiene

To maintain good feminine hygiene, wash your genitals with warm water. The vagina is self-cleaning, so water is usually the only cleanser necessary. If desired, you can use a gentle soap that’s free of perfumes that could cause sensitivity. When you wipe with toilet paper, start at the front and move to the back to avoid moving bacteria to your urethra.
Voiding your bladder after sex

Always urinate as soon as possible after sex. This helps you keep bacteria out of your urethra.

If you practice the tips above and the recommendations of your OB/GYN at Unified Premier Women’s Care, you may be able to avoid recurring cystitis.

Call the office today for help with cystitis.