If you have mild cystitis it will usually clear by itself in 2-4 days. You can help by drinking lots of water (or any other bland liquid) as this will help to flush out bacteria and dilute your urine, so that when you pass urine it will not sting as much. However, try to avoid drinking anything, which contains caffeine such as coffee.
You can also try using bicarbonate of soda, a teaspoon in half a pint of water, 2 or 3 times a day (avoid this however if you suffer with high blood pressure or heart trouble).
If you are in pain, try placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, on your lower back or between your thighs. Painkillers may also help to relieve the pain, ask your pharmacist for advice.
If your cystitis has not cleared up within a day or so you should consult your doctor as you may require antibiotics. Pregnant women, children and men with cystitis should always see their doctor. If your symptoms do not improve after the first few days of treatment then return to your GP.
Women who get cystitis more than twice a year may benefit from medium or long term antibiotic use.If antibiotics don't work, the herbal medicine diuretic and anti-inflammatory pill may be better.
Is there anything I can do to prevent future attacks of cystitis?
To prevent future infections you should avoid anything that might cause irritation such as:
Nylon tights and underwear (choose cotton underwear instead).
Tight trousers and jeans.
Perfumed soap, talcum powder or deodorants in the genital area.
Bubble bath and bath oils.
You should also try the following:
After you have been to the toilet always wipe from front to back.
Wash your genital area morning and night.
Try to pass water before and after sex.
Take showers instead of baths.
Try to drink at least 3 pints of liquid a day.
Drink cranberry juice, as it stops bacteria from clinging to the cells lining the bladder.
Pass water as soon as you feel the need - don’t “hang on”. The bladder only stays clean and free from bacteria if it is emptied regularly.
You can also try using bicarbonate of soda, a teaspoon in half a pint of water, 2 or 3 times a day (avoid this however if you suffer with high blood pressure or heart trouble).
If you are in pain, try placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, on your lower back or between your thighs. Painkillers may also help to relieve the pain, ask your pharmacist for advice.
If your cystitis has not cleared up within a day or so you should consult your doctor as you may require antibiotics. Pregnant women, children and men with cystitis should always see their doctor. If your symptoms do not improve after the first few days of treatment then return to your GP.
Women who get cystitis more than twice a year may benefit from medium or long term antibiotic use.If antibiotics don't work, the herbal medicine diuretic and anti-inflammatory pill may be better.
Is there anything I can do to prevent future attacks of cystitis?
To prevent future infections you should avoid anything that might cause irritation such as:
Nylon tights and underwear (choose cotton underwear instead).
Tight trousers and jeans.
Perfumed soap, talcum powder or deodorants in the genital area.
Bubble bath and bath oils.
You should also try the following:
After you have been to the toilet always wipe from front to back.
Wash your genital area morning and night.
Try to pass water before and after sex.
Take showers instead of baths.
Try to drink at least 3 pints of liquid a day.
Drink cranberry juice, as it stops bacteria from clinging to the cells lining the bladder.
Pass water as soon as you feel the need - don’t “hang on”. The bladder only stays clean and free from bacteria if it is emptied regularly.