FreyjaLifestyle & Education

Cystitis

FreyjaFreyja

February 27, 2023

WHAT IS IT? 

Many people with vaginas (PWV) get cystitis; around 1 in 3 PWV will experience cystitis at some point in their lives.

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. This can be caused by infection from germs from your bowels or urine stagnating in your bladder. It might also be due to wearing clothes that are too tight, or using perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder that irritate your skin.

You may have cystitis if you:

  • urgently and frequently need to go to the toilet to pass urine
  • can only pass small amounts of urine, and it hurts when you do
  • feel feverish and generally unwell
  • have a dull ache in your stomach and back.

Cystitis often clears up on its own after a few days. There are things

you can do to make yourself more comfortable but if you are worried you can get advice from your doctor.

  • Take mild painkillers for the pain and to reduce a temperature.
  • A hot water bottle laid on your stomach or sitting at the base of your back may be soothing.
  • You may want to avoid sex until the cystitis has gone -- sex can further irritate cystitis.
  • Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, sticking to a low-acid diet (no spicy food or citrus fruits) and simple remedies (like taking bicarbonate
  • of soda mixed with water) can stop the burning feeling when you go to the toilet.
  • Drinking lots of water may help flush out the infection, though this means you'll need to go to the toilet even more.

REDUCING CYSTITIS

You can also reduce the risk of getting cystitis in future:

  • Maintain personal hygiene but don't overdo it. Too much washing, especially with perfumed products, can damage the skin and allow germs to thrive.
  • Take showers instead of baths for less contact with chemicals in cleaning products.
  • After going to the toilet, always wipe your bottom from front to back to avoid transferring germs from your bowels to your bladder.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and go to the toilet when you need to --- try not to 'hang on' or stop mid-stream as this gives germs a chance to linger and cause infections.
  • Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding wearing tight jeans and trousers all reduce the risk of irritation.
  • Some PWV get cystitis after sex, possibly because it damages the skin or transfers germs. There's less risk of infection if you empty your bladder before and straight after sex.

‍

‍

Disclaimer

General Information

The information provided by Freyja is for general information purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site. Under no circumstances shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the site. Your use of the site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk.

Medical Advice

This website does not provide medical advice. The information provides by Freyja is for general information purposes only. Under no circumstances shall we have any liability for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the site. Your use of the site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from a medical professional, and never delay in seeking any medical advice because of something you have read on this website.

The site may contain (or you may be sent through the site) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us. We do not warrant, endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information offered by third-party websites linked through the site or any website or feature. We will not be a party to or in a way be responsible for monitoring any transaction between you and third-party providers of products or services.

Fitness

The site cannot and does not contain fitness advice. The fitness information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of fitness advice. The use or reliance of any information contained on the site is solely at your own risk.