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What are the most common causes of cystitis?
Cystitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria like E. coli, which usually live harmlessly in your bowel, can enter your urinary tract, move up to your bladder and cause an infection. Cystitis is a common problem and affects half of all women at some point in their lives.
What causes recurrent bouts?
Recurrent cystitis can be defined as two infections within six months, or three infections in a year. Common causes of recurrent bouts include:
A weakened immune system, as your body’s defences are less able to fight off bacterial infections. Some people have a reduced immune system, either caused by a condition, such as HIV, or by medication, such as chemotherapy drugs. Your immune system may also be weakened if you are already ill with something like a cold.
Changes to the mucus around the vagina and opening of the urethra. This mucus is slightly acidic, which helps to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Changes to the mucus pH balance can make you more susceptible to infections. Post-menopausal women are particularly sensitive to this because the associated drop in oestrogen hormone levels can alter the environment around your urethra, including the mucus.
Sexual intercourse - Some women find that they suffer from cystitis shortly after having sex, as bacteria may be pushed into the urethra, causing an infection.
Allergic reactions - An oversensitivity to some products, such as soaps, lubricants or spermicidal jellies can cause an allergic-type reaction and inflammation in the bladder.
Pregnancy - Having the pressure of a baby pushing down makes it harder to fully empty your bladder when you pee. This can allow urine to stagnate and get infected.
Interstitial cystitis - Some people suffer from an ongoing bladder infection called interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. The cause is often unknown (it is not caused by a bacterial infection) and it is difficult to treat. Interstitial cystitis mostly affects women in their thirties and forties.
Can you get cystitis from sex?
Cystitis is not a sexually transmitted disease (STI), but women can often get cystitis after sex, as during sexual intercourse, bacteria can get pushed into the urethra. Urinating as soon as possible after sex helps to flush any bacteria out of your system. If you use a contraceptive diaphragm for birth control you may be more prone to getting cystitis, particularly if you use it in conjunction with a spermicidal agent. Friction during sexual intercourse can also cause slight damage to your urethra and bladder, providing an ideal environment for bacteria grow in. Cystitis caused by sexual intercourse is also known as honeymoon cystitis or honeymoon disease. This is because infections are often triggered by having sex after a period of no sex.
Are there certain foods or drinks that can cause cystitis?
Some people find that removing certain foods and drinks from their diet can offer relief from cystitis symptoms, or help to prevent infections if they are prone to the condition.
Products that can irritate the bladder include:
- Caffeinated drinks, e.g. tea and coffee.
- Alcohol.
- Spicy foods.
- Citrus fruits and juices.
- Fizzy drinks.
- Tomato-based foods.
Maintaining a healthy diet will help keep your immune system strong, making you better able to fight off any bacterial infections. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you:
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
- Eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
Some people find that drinking cranberry juice or using products that reduce the acidity of their urine, such as bicarbonate of soda, can help relieve the symptoms of cystitis. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
What can I do to reduce the risk?
Cystitis is caused when bacteria that live in the bowel get transferred into the urethra, move up to the bladder and cause an infection. As these bacteria are generally found on the skin around the anus after using the toilet, maintaining good personal hygiene will help to reduce your risk of infection. Always ensure that you:
- Wipe your bottom from front to back after using the toilet.
- Gently wash the skin around your anus and vagina daily, using a mild soap.
- Wash your genital area before sex.
- Wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic materials.
Making sure the bladder is regularly flushed out will help to stop bacterial infections from establishing. To do this, make sure you:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Urinate as soon as you feel you need to go, don’t hold it in.
- Always empty your bladder fully.
- Urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse.
It is also important to avoid using any products that will irritate the skin around the genitals or change the pH balance of the mucus around the opening of your urethra. These can include feminine hygiene sprays, spermicides and bubble bath.