Cystitis

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is a common bladder infection that nearly all women will experience at some point in their lives and is caused most frequently by intestinal bacteria. It's more common in women because the urethra, the tube that expels urine from the body, is shorter than the one found in men and therefore bacteria can more easily affect the bladder.

Cystitis symptoms, and the infection itself, are also more likely to occur in women who are pregnant, increasingly sexually active or are just past their menopause. The infection is normally mild and while painkillers are often used to reduce symptoms, antibiotics might also be prescribed if the infection is particularly severe.

What causes it?

Cystitis is caused by the bladder becoming infected which itself can be caused by several reasons. Hygiene is usually the most common cause for infection, but can also be a result of increased sexual activity, sometimes referred to as "honeymoon" cystitis, and it's again common in women who are pregnant. Less common causes include women who have catheters, sexually transmitted infections or certain parasites.

Preventing cystitis

Preventing the infection, along with the various cystitis symptoms, is relatively easy and consists largely of practicing good hygiene. Drinking lots of water and urinating as soon as possible after sexual activity are also advised. This removes a large amount of the bacteria that would have accumulated in the urethra during sex. If you suffer from multiple infections or are greater risk of contracting the infection, it's advised that you urinate at least once every three hours. Avoid using any powerful deodorants or perfumes in the genital area as these can irritate the skin and ultimately cause an infection as well.

Cystitis treatments

Mild cases of cystitis do not usually require antibiotics or prescription medications. Women who suffer from these instances are normally advised to drink plenty of water as well as cranberry juice, as it's believed this assists in removing the bacteria from the urethra. Painkillers are commonly used in these situations to help reduce some of the discomfort. Sexual activity is not recommended no matter how mild the infection as this can make the condition worse.

Prescription cystitis treatments are available should you have a severe infection, for example the antibiotic treatment Trimethoprim. You can buy cystitis treatment online at euroClinix.net if your bladder infection requires an antibiotic, after completing our free and confidential consultation. This is passed onto our doctor who will gauge your suitability for treatment before writing you a prescription. The prescription will then be given to our pharmacy which will dispense the desired medication and deliver it to you. Prescription medication for this condition if popular as over-the-counter products as it treats the entire infection and not just its symptoms.