Cystitis. Information for patients Sexual Health Sheffield

Transcription

1 Cystitis Information for patients Sexual Health Sheffield

2 What is cystitis? Cystitis literally means 'inflammation of the bladder'. Usually this is due to bacteria in the bladder causing an infection. Other non-bacterial causes are called 'interstitial causes' and may include inflammation or irritation of the bladder or urethra (the tube which leads from the bladder to the outside skin). What causes cystitis? Bacterial: Cystitis can be caused by different types of bacteria. The commonest type of bacteria outside of hospitals to cause cystitis is E Coli (~70%) which usually lives harmlessly in your bowel. Other infections: Vaginal infections such as thrush, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia and herpes, can also cause similar symptoms. Non-bacterial: Dehydration Sexual intercourse or tight underwear Chemicals found in soaps and deodorants Contraceptives with spermicide e.g. contraceptive diaphragm Use of the recreational drug ketamine can cause cystitis symptoms page 2 of 8

3 What are the symptoms? Increased urge/need to pass urine Pain/burning whilst passing urine Urinating more often Lower stomach pain Cloudy or dark urine Blood in urine Fever Sickness How can I help the symptoms? Drink plenty of fluids (water or other bland liquids) Take a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda mixed with half a pint of water, every hour. This makes your urine less acid and so helps to stop the bacteria growing. (Do not do this if you have high blood pressure or have a heart condition). Take pain-killers Rest and relax If the symptoms do not improve, you should see your doctor or go to a GUM (Genito-urinary medicine) clinic, as these symptoms could also indicate STIs, or occasionally, pregnancy or diabetes. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor. How will I know if I have cystitis? You can only be certain you have cystitis if you go to your doctor for a test. page 3 of 8

4 What tests will my doctor/nurse do? Usually the doctor/nurse will ask for a urine sample and will do a simple test to see if there are bacteria in your urine. The sample may then be sent to the laboratory for further testing. Other examinations which may also be performed if the doctor suspects cystitis, or you have other symptoms, are: An abdominal (stomach) examination Genital examination What happens if I get cystitis and I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? Pregnant women with cystitis are more at risk of kidney infection, so it is important to see your doctor straight away if you get signs of cystitis. Some antibiotics used to treat cystitis are not suitable during pregnancy. Always advise your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding so that any medication prescribed will be safe for the baby. You can also try other methods to help reduce your risk of getting cystitis; see 'how can I prevent cystitis occurring again'. Can cystitis affect my chances of becoming pregnant? No, however if you are prone to getting cystitis, you may get more episodes during pregnancy. What is the treatment? The most common treatment for cystitis is a 3 day course of antibiotics. Sometimes longer courses are given. Make sure you take the full course of any antibiotics given to you or they may not be fully effective. page 4 of 8

5 When will my symptoms go away? If your symptoms haven't improved after you have finished the antibiotics, return to your doctor who may change the antibiotic or complete more tests. Do I need a test to check that cystitis is gone? Normally if the symptoms go away you will not need any further tests. How soon can I have sex again? Having cystitis doesn't mean you can't have sex, however it may be painful or uncomfortable. If sex is a trigger for you getting cystitis, try washing your genital area before and after sex, and ask your partner to do the same. Should I tell my partner? Cystitis is not a sexually transmitted infection despite it being more likely to occur in sexually active people. This is because during sex, bacteria can be passed from the outside skin to the urethra more easily. It is up to you whether you tell your partner. page 5 of 8

6 Who is at risk of getting cystitis? Women are more at risk than men as they have a shorter urethra (water pipe) therefore the bacteria have less distance to travel before they reach the bladder. The urethra, vagina and anus are very close together in women and so bacteria can infect a woman's bladder more easily. Women after the menopause - the vagina and urethra become thinner making them more susceptible to bacterial infections Pregnant women - changes in pregnancy make women more prone to urinary tract infections People who are sexually active Using condoms or diaphragms can irritate the urethra Having a catheter - there is risk of inserting bacteria with the catheter People who have diabetes - sugar in your urine allows bacteria to grow Kidney or bladder problems - if your bladder isn't emptied regularly, bacteria are more likely to grow Using chemicals contained in some washing powders and soaps can irritate the urethra page 6 of 8

7 How can I help to prevent myself from getting cystitis again? Some people find that cystitis comes on after certain triggers e.g. tea or coffee. If you find a trigger try to avoid it. There are some simple everyday measures that you can take to prevent cystitis: - Drink more than 2 litres of fluid per day - Pass urine regularly, at 2-3 hourly intervals, or when you feel the need - Drink ml of cranberry or lingo berry juice per day (this can reduce recurrent cystitis in women by 10-20%) - Avoid becoming constipated as this may impair your bladder emptying - Avoid bubble bath and avoid using perfumed soaps, deodorants, antiseptics or talc in the genital area Other hints and tips that people find helpful, are: - Pass urine before and after sex - Wipe from front to back, not back to front after you've been to the toilet - Have a healthy lifestyle - stop smoking, reduce alcohol, tea and coffee consumption, this can make bladder infections less likely page 7 of 8

8 Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working hard to fund improvements that make life better for patients and their families Please donate to help us do more Registered Charity No organdonation.nhs.uk Alternative formats may be available on request. Please Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2014 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. PD6733-PIL2607 v2 Issue Date: October Review Date: October 2016