Four in every ten women suffer from cystitis at some time or other. Here’s how to avoid it

Flank pain, burning on urination, the need to go to the lavatory often and sometimes dark coloured urine, or blood spotting. All these are common symptoms of cystitis or urinary tract infection, which are caused by inflammation of the bladder due to an Escherichia coli bacterial infection in the urinary tract. This microorganism enters through the urethra, then the bladder and may even reach the kidneys.

Cystitis are more frequent among women, primarily because the female urethra is much shorter (about 4 cm) than that of men (13 cm), making it easier for germs to get into the urinary tract. Recent studies have shown that almost 40% of women have a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetimes.

Menopause, pregnancy and sexual relations also increase the risk of cystitis. Other causes can be diabetes, poor hygiene and an unhealthy diet.

10 tips for avoiding cystitis

1. Drink plenty of water: drink at least two litres of water a day to dilute your urine, and flush any bacteria out of the urinary tract.

2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine: While you have a urinary tract infection, avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks that contain caffeine, as well as fizzy drinks (colas and soft drinks), which lead to dehydration and irritate the urinary tract.

3. Urinate every 2-3 hours: Go to the bathroom often, because bacterial proliferates more when urine stays in the bladder. This is particularly important before and after sexual intercourse (sexual activity, which increases the risk of infection by 40%).

4. Neutral soaps: Using neutral gels (with a pH similar to that of the skin) while showering and wiping from front to back helps to avoid spreading germs.
5. Swimming pools: after swimming in a pool, take off your wet swimsuit and put on some dry underwear.

6. Clothing: choose cotton underwear and other natural fibres that allow the skin to breathe and dissipate moisture, which may be a breeding ground for bacteria.

7. Don’t get constipated: do your best to avoid constipation (eat high-fibre foods) and don’t put off going to the bathroom. This will it make it more difficult for germs to colonise the tissues close to the urinary tract.

8. Shower rather than bathing: Shower rather than bathing as a routine, because the running water will wash away any possible microorganisms.

9. Consider a contraceptive method other than the diaphragm: because these devices put pressure on the urethra and make it difficult to empty the bladder. Using tampons during menstruation is associated with a higher level of infection.

10. Watch your diet: experts advise eating high-fibre products to encourage intestinal transit, as well as increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables (green leafy vegetables, celery and turnips) that have a high water content.

Cranberry consumption has also been shown to reduce the risk of a recurring urinary tract infections by up to 50%, especially in women, since it significantly reduces the number of bacteria in the bladder. You can take it in juice or capsule form, available from herbalists and chemists.

The usual treatment for cystitis includes antibiotics. Before you start taking this type of medicines, see your doctor, who will diagnose and prescribe the best treatment for your case.

This post is also available in: Italian