Honeymoon cystitis is a common condition that affects any woman active sexually. It is named as honeymoon cystitis due to the fact of increased rate of intercourse during this period. Any woman gets at least one cystitis during her lifetime. Researchers link bladder infection to the size of urethra. The urethra is only 4cm long which makes it easier for the bacteria to pass through to the bladder. Not to mention that the urethra opening is next to the rectum and the vagina.
Bladder infection or cystitis is not harmful if treated correctly. If not, kidney infections can result leading to serious health problems. The main bacteria which is responsible for cystitis is E. Coli which lives in the gut.
What are the symptoms of Cystitis?
Burning sensation while urinating
Frequent painful urination
Smelly urine with blood
Discharge of small amounts of urine.
How to treat cystitis?
Drink plenty of water to wash the tracts.
Consult your doctor for pain killer medications.
Place a hot towel between your legs. It helps relax the urethra opening and makes it less painful when urinating.
Avoid alcohol, tea or coffee.
Cystitis is treated with antibiotics to relief symptoms and stop the infection. A urine test is done to identify the bacteria in cause. You should take the full course of antibiotics once you start.
How to prevent cystitis?
To prevent cystitis, there are several techniques and strategies to follow especially for women who are trying to get pregnant. You do not want to start your pregnancy with cystitis. Follow the below steps to prevent any infection:
Always drink plenty of water
Do not hold your urine. Whenever you feel urinating go to the toilet and empty completely your bladder.
Use water based lubricant in case you are experiencing vaginal dryness. It will reduce the irritation.
When going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back. Never do the opposite way.
Try to urinate directly after intercourse. It will help to clean the tract and prevent the bacteria from attaching to the urethra wall.
Drink cranberry juice. Some say that cranberry juice makes your urine acidic thus impossible for E. coli to live in. Just to note that cranberry juice is not a treatment in case of Cystitis.
Approximately 20% of woman experience recurrent cystitis within 6 months. If an infection persists consult an urologist to investigate more about the process of infections. He might prescribe more tests to identify the problem.