How do you treat cystitis

Go back to your GP if your symptoms haven't started to improve within a few days. Most people won't have any side effects from antibiotic treatment, but possible side effects can include feeling or being sick, itching , a rash and diarrhoea. If you keep getting cystitis recurrent cystitis , a doctor may prescribe stand-by antibiotics or continuous antibiotics.

A stand-by antibiotic is a prescription you can take to a pharmacy the next time you have symptoms of cystitis without needing to visit a GP first. Your doctor may also recommend some measures you can take to prevent cystitis, although it's not clear how effective these are. Page last reviewed: 09 August Next review due: 09 August See a GP for advice and treatment if: you're not sure whether you have cystitis your symptoms don't start to improve within 3 days you get cystitis frequently you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your urine you're pregnant and have symptoms of cystitis you're a man and have symptoms of cystitis your child has symptoms of cystitis Women who have had cystitis before or who have had mild symptoms for less than 3 days don't necessarily need to see a GP, as mild cases often get better without antibiotics.

Things you can try yourself If you have had cystitis before and don't feel you need to see a GP, or had mild symptoms for less than 3 days, the following advice may help to relieve your symptoms until the condition clears up: take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen always read the medicine information leaflet beforehand to check whether you can take it, and check with a pharmacist if you're not sure drink plenty of water this may help flush the infection out of your bladder and some people find it helpful, although it's not clear how effective it actually is don't have sex until you're feeling better as it may make the condition worse Some people believe drinking cranberry juice or using products that lowers the acidity of their urine such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate reduces their symptoms, but there's a lack of evidence to suggest they're effective.

Causes of cystitis Cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can get into your urinary tract in lots of ways to cause an infection. During sex. Bacteria may get into your bladder when you have sex.

Poor hygiene. Bacteria can pass from your anus to your urethra, especially if you have bowel incontinence. Your growing uterus may press against your bladder, stopping it from emptying completely. This may make bacteria more likely to grow in your bladder. If your urine contains more sugar than usual, this can boost the growth of bacteria in your bladder and urethra.

Low oestrogen levels can make your urethra wall thinner and your urine more acidic. This can make you more prone to cystitis. Using a diaphragm or spermicide-coated condoms may make you more likely to get cystitis. Diaphragms can stop your bladder from emptying properly, which may mean more bacteria grow. Stones calculi in your urinary system, such as kidney stones or bladder stones. These can get stuck, so your pee builds up in your bladder.

An enlarged prostate. This can block your bladder, which means you pee less often. Conditions that affect the structure of your urinary tract. Complications of cystitis Cystitis is often mild and clears up on its own.

Prevention of cystitis There are lots of things you can do to help prevent cystitis. Drink plenty of fluids every day, including water and diluted squash, but limit caffeinated drinks, such as tea and coffee.

After you pee, wipe from front to back. Keep your perineum skin between your anus and vulva clean and dry, especially after doing a poo. If you get cystitis after having sex, there are lots of things you can do to limit this. Pee before having sex. Pee after sex within 15 minutes to help flush away any bacteria.

Wash your genital area and hands with water before you have sex. Use a lubricant gel during sex. Try not to use spermicide-coated condoms, as these may increase your chances of getting cystitis. Use a different form of contraception instead, and make sure you protect yourself from STIs — ask your GP for advice.

Prevention of regular cystitis infections If you get cystitis a lot, your GP may prescribe a low-dose antibiotic for you to keep at home. Frequently asked questions about cystitis Expand all. Did our information help you? Complete the survey. About our health information At Bupa we produce a wealth of free health information for you and your family.

Related information. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are only available via prescription. Read more. Kidney infection pyelonephritis. An infection in your kidney is called pyelonephritis. Expand all. Bladder Health UK www. Urinary tract infection in adults. BMJ Best Practice. Oxford Handbook of General Practice online.

Oxford Medicine Online. The MSD Manuals. Bladder Health UK. The British Association of Urological Surgeons. Public understanding and use of antibiotics in England: findings from a household survey in In general, the outlook for cystitis is good. However, it is important to treat the underlying condition as soon as possible.

Women should wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the spread of bacteria from feces. In addition, taking showers instead of baths may also help. Make sure to wash skin gently in the genital area. Women should empty their bladders after sexual intercourse, and drink water. Finally, avoid any products that irritate the area. Chronic cystitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the bladder. Among other symptoms, it causes burning pain in the pelvic region and frequent urges….

Acute cystitis is a sudden inflammation of the bladder. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment. Does drinking cranberry juice actually help treat UTIs or reduce your risk of getting one?

This article separates the myths from the science. A kidney infection is a more serious form of UTI. Get the facts on kidney infection vs. UTI here. We'll compare and contrast their causes, treatments…. You might be wondering if it's possible for stress to cause a UTI. We'll dive into the research. Urinary tract infections are quite common among sexually active women. But can it delay your period?

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is Cystitis? Cystitis can affect anyone, but it occurs most often in women. What are the symptoms of cystitis? Causes of cystitis. Types of cystitis. Who is at risk for cystitis? How is cystitis diagnosed? How is cystitis treated? What is the outlook for cystitis?