Cystitis Home Remedies: 6 Ways to Relieve Symptoms At Home

Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes bladder inflammation. Most often, it’s caused by bacteria from stool (poo) entering the bladder through the urethra – the tube that carries urine out of the body.

UTIs can affect anyone, but women are more likely to experience them, with up to 50% of women getting one in their lifetime. Cystitis causes unpleasant symptoms like burning or stinging when going for a pee or needing to pee more often and urgently than usual.

Although very mild cystitis cases usually clear up on their own, it’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms, and when you should seek treatment from a doctor.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the natural remedies you can try to manage mild infections at home and when you should seek advice from a doctor.

For mild cystitis, trying home remedies like drinking plenty of water and avoiding common bladder irritants can be hugely beneficial for managing or relieving cystitis symptoms.

Here are some examples of the things you can try:

1. Stay hydrated

Hydration is important for many aspects of your health, but it’s also crucial for your urinary tract. Drinking between 1.5 and 2 litres of water or 6 to 8 glasses per day will prevent bladder irritation, and diluting your urine can ease symptoms such as pain when urinating.

2. Try natural remedies

Cranberries

There are some natural remedies that may relieve some of your cystitis symptoms. A common one is drinking cranberry juice. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in some plants. This compound may stop bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls and causing infection.

However, there is little scientific evidence to prove that cranberry juice or cranberry products actively treat a current UTI. Instead, there is evidence that it can prevent future infections. For example, one meta-analysis found that a group given cranberry juice had a 27% lower incidence of UTIs compared to a group given a placebo drink.

Bicarbonate of soda

Another natural remedy is dissolving 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in water and drinking it every 4 hours. This method works similarly to cystitis relief sachets because it makes the urine less acidic, relieving symptoms such as pain when going for a pee.

Research shows it has positive benefits for urine pH and frequency and urgency of needing to pee both during the day and at night. If you struggle with bicarbonate of soda, then lemon barley water is also a suggested alternative.

3. Avoid bladder irritants

If you currently have cystitis, it’s important to avoid certain foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse. These include:

• caffeine – found in tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate, caffeine is a diuretic which means it increases how much urine your body produces and makes you need to pee more often
• alcohol – irritates the bladder and disrupts the signals being sent from your bladder to the brain
• acidic fruit juices – oranges, lemons, limes, and tomatoes contain high acidity levels which can irritate your bladder
• carbonated drinks – drinks like sodas are often acidic, contain artificial sweeteners, and high caffeine levels which irritate the bladder and worsen cystitis symptoms
• artificial sweeteners – one study shows that women who consume at least 1 serving of artificial sweeteners per day have a 10% higher chance of urinary incontinence (uncontrolled leakage of urine)
• spicy foods – compounds like capsaicin found in chillis can cause a heat sensation and lead to spasms in the bladder lining, increasing the urgency to urinate

4. Avoid sexual intercourse

Although having sex when you have cystitis is not dangerous, it’s recommended that you wait until your symptoms have gone and any treatment you are receiving has finished. Sex can make your symptoms worse as it can push bacteria up into the bladder and friction can irritate the urethra, leading to further irritation or infection.

5. Take over-the-counter painkillers

Taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol can help relieve any pain or discomfort you are experiencing because of cystitis. However, it’s important not to take more than the recommended dosage per day. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

You can also take ibuprofen for cystitis to relieve pain and inflammation. However, if you think you need treatment, ibuprofen will only relieve symptoms, rather than treat the infection.

6. Try probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that can have health benefits. Strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 could potentially prevent UTIs and cystitis by providing a protective barrier against pathogenic bacteria.

Research also shows that people with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome have significantly different gut microbiomes, particularly involving Lactobacillus compared to control subjects.

You can naturally increase your probiotic intake by adding fermented foods to your diet, such as:

• yoghurt
• kefir
• kimchi
• some cheeses (like provolone and Gouda)
• sauerkraut
• kombucha

There are also probiotic supplements that you can take.

Cystitis can develop because of a variety of reasons, but there are several things you can do to prevent it.

1. Always wipe from front to back – When you go to the toilet always wipe from the front to the back, to stop bacteria from the anus entering the urethra and causing infection.
2. Take showers over baths – Baths can harbour bacteria or leave you exposed to irritants like perfumed soaps. If you do bathe, avoid scented products or sitting in the water for too long, especially if you’re prone to UTIs.
3. Pee after you have had sex – This can help flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
4. Change tampons or pads regularly – Regularly changing sanitary products every 4 to 8 hours can prevent bacterial growth.
5. Drink plenty of water – Stay hydrated by aiming to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day to flush out the urinary tract and dilute your urine.
6. Avoid bladder irritants – Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners that can dehydrate you and irritate your bladder.
7. Empty your bladder fully every time you pee – It’s important you do not hold the urge to pee in and that you fully empty your bladder every time you go to the toilet to prevent bacteria growth.
8. Follow a healthy diet – Eat a diet that is low in acidic foods and drinks which can make urine uncomfortable to pass.
9. Ensure your diaphragm is properly fitted – An ill-fitting diaphragm (a removal contraceptive method) can disrupt the normal flow of urine and prevent your bladder from emptying fully.
10. Avoid tight clothing – Tight fitting clothing can cause irritation and provide an optimal environment for bacteria to thrive in.
11. Use water-based lubricants – Using a water-based lubricant during sex can reduce irritation.
12. Wear cotton underwear – Cotton allows better air flow and reduces moisture build up.

Although mild cases of cystitis may get better on their own within a few days, there are instances where you will need to get treatment from a doctor.

Speak to a doctor if you:

• have been experiencing cystitis symptoms for 3 days or more
• are not feeling better despite finishing a course of antibiotics
• are experiencing severe pain
• get recurrent cystitis
• are pregnant

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact NHS 111 or make an urgent GP appointment:

• a high temperature or you’re feeling hot and shivery
• a low temperature or you’re shaking and shivering
• pain in your lower back or tummy
• confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty speaking
• feeling or being sick
• blood in your pee
• haven’t been for a pee all day

These could be signs of a kidney infection and can be serious if they are not treated.

Cystitis is a common UTI affecting the bladder, and is especially prevalent in women. It usually clears up on its own within a few days and can be managed with natural home remedies, like drinking plenty of water, avoiding sex, and taking over-the-counter painkillers.

However, it’s important to recognise when it is appropriate to seek treatment from a doctor, especially if you have been experiencing symptoms for more than a few days.

If you’re not sure if you have cystitis you can check your symptoms and order an at home UTI TestCard Kit. If you receive a positive diagnosis or know you have cystitis, you can request cystitis treatment online from Superdrug Online Doctor.