Cystitis
If you regularly suffer with cystitis you might feel like you’ve drawn the short life straw. But in reality you are part of the elite club of women - Sophie Gallagher
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image by: Uqora
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Why you keep getting cystitis and how to treat it
Some describe it as peeing barbed wire. Others feel that passing ‘burning knives’ or ‘flaming arrows’ is more accurate. However you refer to the physical sensation of trying to wee while you have cystitis (trying being the operative word- sometimes only an excruciating drop comes out), it’s an ordeal that you probably wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.
Given that at least 50 per cent of women will experience it, it seems especially unjust that treatment options are limited and often reduced to old wives tales, with interstitial cystitis (long-term pelvic pain combined with issues/ actual torture when peeing) being poorly understood in particular. From cranberry juice to painkillers…
Resources
How I Finally Found Relief for What Felt Like a Chronic UTI
This March, I grew tormented by the fact that I was peeing up to five times a night. Unbearably exhausted from interrupted sleep, I made an appointment with a urologist.
Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections
Cranberry juice does not appear to have a significant benefit in preventing UTIs and may be unacceptable to consume in the long term. Cranberry products (such as tablets or capsules) were also ineffective (although had the same effect as taking antibiotics), possibly due to lack of potency of the 'active ingredient'.
How I Healed My Never-ending UTI
I thought I would struggle with UTIs for the rest of my life, and perhaps they will return in the future, but for now, I'm grateful for the respite.
How poor NHS testing and antibiotic use is creating super-strength cystitis
Urinary tract infections – also known as cystitis – are extremely common. Around 150m people are affected worldwide each year and one in every three women is expected to suffer at least one attack before they are 24. But the real figure could actually be somewhere much higher.
Monday’s medical myth: cranberry juice prevents bladder infections
A 2009 Cochrane Library systematic review, which independently analysed all the available evidence, noted that there was some evidence that cranberry products might work, but it wasn’t clear what the “optimum dosage or method or administration” was. The large number of dropouts from the available trials also suggested that it might not have been an acceptable treatment over a longer period of time. This review was updated in October 2012 with the inclusion of newer and larger studies. Disappointingly, this revised appraisal of the empirical evidence seems to suggest that cranberry does not reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of UTIs in women. I doubt that we have heard the last word on cranberry...
Recurrent Cystitis in Women
Unfortunately there is no evidence that any lifestyle changes really help to prevent cystitis. Traditionally, doctors have advised drinking plenty of fluids to "flush out" the germs, and drinking cranberry juice. However, there is no evidence this makes any difference
The Cure for UTIs? It’s Not Cranberries
This purported remedy is centuries old and there is a considerable amount of research investigating it. While some studies suggest that cranberry may reduce repeated infections in younger women, it is certainly not a treatment for an active case. The gold standard for treatment is antibiotics.
What It's Like to Get a UTI Every Time You Have Sex
I’ve rushed to the emergency room at four in the morning; missed out on days of pay while on the floor in agony, and had to suffer the indignity of explaining to housemates why I was stuck in the bathroom all evening.
Why you keep getting cystitis and how to treat it
Some describe it as peeing barbed wire. Others feel that passing ‘burning knives’ or ‘flaming arrows’ is more accurate. However you refer to the physical sensation of trying to wee while you have cystitis (trying being the operative word- sometimes only an excruciating drop comes out), it’s an ordeal that you probably wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.
15 Things That Every Woman With Cystitis Can Totally Relate To
If you regularly suffer with cystitis you might feel like you’ve drawn the short life straw. But in reality you are part of the elite club of women who know the real reason anyone orders a vodka and cranberry in a bar. These are the 15 things that you can only relate to once you’ve done a three-hour shift on your toilet.
Live UTI Free
Chronic, recurrent UTIs affect millions of females and may be caused by an underlying bladder infection that goes undiagnosed and ineffectively treated. The right information can lead to better testing to identify the cause of the infection and ultimately to finding a permanent solution. That’s where we come in.
International Cystitis Association
IC can affect people of any age, race or sex. It is, however, most commonly found in women. Recent epidemiological data suggest that there may be greater than 700,000 cases of IC in the US.
Interstitial Cystitis Network
The ICN is a health education company dedicated to IC and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Rated the top patient website dedicated to IC in peer reviewed studies by Harvard (2011) and the Univ. of London (2013), our goal is to empower, educate and encourage patients and providers!
The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation
The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder (COB) Foundation gives support to people with all forms of cystitis and overactive bladder, together with their families and friends. We are the largest bladder patient support charity in the UK. We have the busiest message board forums in Europe and the most widely used website for those bladder illness sufferers seeking information, help and support.
MayoClinic
Less commonly, cystitis may occur as a reaction to certain drugs, radiation therapy or potential irritants, such as feminine hygiene spray, spermicidal jellies or long-term use of a catheter. Cystitis may also occur as a complication of another illness. The usual treatment for bacterial cystitis is antibiotics. Treatment for other types of cystitis depends on the underlying cause.
NHS
It's a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women, and is usually more of a nuisance than a cause for serious concern. Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days. However, some people experience episodes of cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.
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