In their lifetime 1 in 5, women have a UTI (urinary tract infection) at some point. The condition is known to affect men too, but less commonly. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that almost always comes after a bacterial infection in the urethra. It is the most common type of UTI, particularly in women and AFAB individuals. We have a shorter urethra so bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder and cause an infection. Most of the time help cystitis will clear up without traditional medication as long as you give yourself time to rest and drink plenty of fluids (3 liters or more a day). In worse cases, you’ll need a course of antibiotics, which can be as short as three days. In this guide, I will share some tips on natural ways to try and prevent a UTI, as well as treatments for cystitis to ease the symptoms and eventually get rid of it.
Cystitis Symptoms Include:
Feeling the urge to urinate more often and urgently than usual
- Pain, stinging, or a burning sensation when you urinate
- Pain in your lower tummy
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
When it may be a good idea to see a doctor if this article’s recommendations don’t help:
- Your cystitis symptoms are severe e.g. strong, persistent pain in your lower tummy
- Symptoms have not subsided within 3 days
- If you had antibiotics but the symptoms are still present
- You have cystitis symptoms and you're pregnant or you're a man
- Your cystitis symptoms recur more than once a year are reoccurring
- Your child has symptoms of cystitis
It is advisable you seek urgent assistance if you experience the following as it could be an indication you have a kidney infection, which could impact your health severely if left untreated.
You have symptoms of cystitis and:
- You are confused, drowsy, or have difficulty speaking
- You are feeling, or actually being, sick
- You haven’t been able to urinate all-day
- You have severe pain in your lower tummy or back or just under the ribs
- You have a very high or very low temperature
- There is blood in your urinate
Antibiotics do help but it is advisable to use them after trying self-help methods first, as if you have cystitis regularly, you wouldn’t want your body to become immune to the suggested antibiotics caused. If unsure, always consult a doctor.