What are the symptoms of cystitis?

 

Cystitis is a bladder infection or irritation. You know you have it because you need to wee often, in little amounts, and it burns. You can feel aches and generally unwellness, but there should be no other symptoms.

 

Straightforward treatable cystitis doesn’t itch, and your wee should be clear, there won't be any discharge or smell, you may be a little red in the vulva (the outside area of the vagina) area. Still, there shouldn't be any swelling, and there should be no back pain, severe pain ( a little discomfort on weeing is ok), or any other symptoms not mentioned.

 

If there is any discharge, blood, itch, or severe pain, contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

 

 

 

 

Why do people get cystitis?

 

Cystitis can happen for no reason at all. 

 

  • It can also be encouraged by dehydration 
  • Using scented toiletries in intimate areas can trigger Cystitis
  • Certain spermicides and lubricants can also irritate the vulva area.
  • Honeymoon cystitis occurs where intercourse causes trauma and leads to cystitis.
  • Some people’s cystitis is irritated by alcohol and coffee, so if cystitis occurs, please reduce these.
  • Menopause, which leads to vaginal dryness, makes you more vulnerable to irritation and can lead to cystitis.
  • Some prescription drugs can also cause cystitis.
  • Stress is a contributory factor that also needs to be addressed.

 

 

 

Being on the pill or not washing does NOT cause cystitis.

 

 

 

 

 

What serious conditions can cystitis be Confused with?

 

One of the more serious conditions that cystitis can be confused with is Chlamydia. This is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) that occurs in about 1 in 10 women. It causes infertility and is generally symptomless. If you have back pain and a change in vaginal discharge, contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately. A simple course of antibiotics can treat Chlamydia. You will have to take a urine test and a vaginal swab when you go to the doctor, but it is highly unlikely you will require hospital treatment.

 

If cystitis lasts for more than three days or reoccurs after being treated, if there is a vaginal discharge or if treatment fails to cure it, you could have a bacterial infection that would require you to visit your doctor for a course of antibiotics.

 

People sometimes get cystitis and thrush mixed up – thrush, which is also self-treatable, will have a white discharge and itch, but you will not have any change in your urination frequency, and your urine won't burn.

 

A kidney infection is different from a bladder infection in that kidney infections are often more serious. Here you are likely to have back pain. You feel very unwell with a temperature and ache. Kidney infection can cause long-term damage. If you think you have a kidney infection and not cystitis contact your Pharmacist or Doctor.

 

 

 

 

Treating Cystitis

 

Cystitis in 90% of cases can be self-treated with Cystopurin and Paracetamol. You need to be careful when you self-treat Cystitis. It is always wise to consult with your Pharmacist as it can be confused with kidney infections (or kidney stones or renal reflux) and bacterial infections which can not be self-treated.