What is it?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder. More than half of all western women suffer from it at some time in their lives, and some do so repeatedly. Although cystitis is unpleasant it is not dangerous and can be prevented much of the time if you know what to do.

What causes it?

• Bacteria which normally live in and around the bowel opening can find their way up the urinary-passage and into the bladder. This happens very easily in women because the passage is very short. The germs multiply inside the bladder, irritate it and make the woman want to pass water frequently, often with a burning sensation.

• Friction along the urinary passage during sexual intercourse. A woman who is insufficiently aroused produces only a very small quantity of natural secretions in her vagina. Her partner’s penis then causes too much friction and ‘milks’ germs up her urinary passage and into her bladder. Also, some women’s bladders are directly bruised by their partner’s penis in certain intercourse positions.

• Allergies are an uncommon cause. Some women are allergic to vaginal deodorants, perfumed talc and so on.

• Irritable bladder. A few women have exceptionally sensitive bladders.

• Anxiety or depression. Some women who are depressed or who are having relationship or sexual problems develop cystitis. This often removes them from the sexual arena altogether-which may be what they unconsciously desire.

• Coffee, tea and alcohol can cause cystitis in some women.

Prevention

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in refined foods and high in fruit and vegetables and cereal fibre. This, in itself, will help prevent infections.

• Drink plenty of fluids-about 3-4 pints a day. This flushes out germs and keeps your urine dilute.

• Don’t wait until you are bursting to pass water. Get into the habit of going before you leave on a journey or go somewhere where you will not have access to a lavatory. Avoid hanging on until you can’t wait any longer.

• Ensure that you empty your bladder fully. Don’t rush off the lavatory-give yourself time.

• If you think your cystitis is related to sexual intercourse here are some things to do.

1. You and your partner should wash your genital areas beforehand.

2. Your partner should spend more time in foreplay to arouse you better.

3. Pass water before and after sex.

4. Use KY jelly or a similar bland lubricant if you don’t produce enough natural secretion yourself. These are available from chemists.

5. Avoid intercourse positions that seem to cause bruising of your bladder.

• Get into the habit of wiping your bottom from front to back, to avoid dragging germs from your bowel opening to your vaginal area.

• Wash your vaginal and anal area every morning and evening, even if you don’t plan to have sex. Get into the habit.

• Never use vaginal deodorants, perfumed soap or talcum in the vaginal area.

• Avoid coffee, tea or alcohol if they seem to make you worse or drink them very dilute.

• Avoid wearing tights-change to stockings. Never wear jeans or tight, airless trousers. Wear cotton, rather than man-made, panties.

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