Cystitis Prevention

 Drink plenty of water e.g. 8 glasses a day to keep your system flushed. Urinate when you need to do so, and ensure the bladder is empty. Urinate after sex to help flush out any bacteria that could have entered the urethra.Avoid soaps that are harsh, vaginal deodorants, perfumes and bath oils. While cleaning one should wash thoroughly the vaginal area and when wiping after going to the toilet, its better to do so from front to back and not from back to front.

Water based lubricants can help prevent chafing and abrasions during sex. If your contraception is a diaphragm, have it checked for proper fit and size by your doctor. You may consider trying cranberry products as cranberries contain an enzyme that helps deter bacteria from adhering to the cells in the urinary tract.

Naturopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, aromatherapy and the like can all assist in maintaining a healthy urinary system. Vaginal oestrogen cream has been found to be helpful in post-menopausal women in recurrence of infections. Wearing cotton underwear and maintaining a healthy pH environment in the genital area will all help in the recurrence of Cystitis infection. Prompt treatment of any vaginal infections e.g. thrush, and not using soaps near the vaginal area, will help assist in a healthy pH balance in and around the vagina and lessen the chances of bacteria transfer into the urethra.

Cystitis Risk Factors 

Sexual Activity - Bacteria can be transferred from the perineum to the urethra during sex. If a woman’s vaginal lubrication is inadequate, chafing can occur and bacteria love to grow on these small cuts or abrasions. As the bacteria multiply they can be transferred to the urethra.

Contraceptives - An increased risk of developing Cystitis has been linked to the use of condoms and diaphragms. There is a greater chance of chafing if the condom is of the unlubricated type. Diaphragms can alter the pattern of urination and can lead to bacteria not being discharged from the bladder because it is not completely emptied. Use of a spermicide as a means of contraception has likewise been suggested to increase the risk factor of developing Cystitis, because it will kill the good and the bad bacteria in a woman’s vagina, which can lead to an increase in the growth of bad bacteria, and therefore an increased risk of Cystitis.

Menopause - Oestrogen levels will fall at the onset of menopause and lubrication and elasticity of the vagina are reduced, while at the same time pH levels are increased. This increases the infection risk. This drop in hormonal production can affect the pelvic floor, and lead to a pool of urine not being passed out of the body and remaining in the bladder.

Urination - Incomplete emptying of the bladder, not urinating frequently, and not drinking enough fluids, can cause the urine to become concentrated and irritate the bladder lining, which in turn can encourage bacteria to multiply, and cause an infection. A urinary tract blockage or obstruction can interrupt the urine flow. Such things as stones, cysts, and even the weight of the foetus during pregnancy can all contribute to a greater risk of infection, because of multiplying bacteria. Cystitis during pregnancy needs to be treated immediately, due to the high occurrence rate of kidney infection and associated pregnancy problems.

Diabetes – A diabetic person will have urine with more sugar which is a suitable substrate for bacteria to act on thus encouraging their growth.  

Using irritants – Certain soaps may irritate the urethra or bladder making it susceptible to infection
 
Use of spermicides – Condoms and diaphragms that are coated with spermicidal fluid encourage bacterial growth.

Catheter – Having a urinary catheter encourages introduction of bacteria directly into the bladder.

Health Conditions - Spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes are all conditions which can make a woman more susceptible to developing a urinary tract infection.

Family History - If a woman has a mother with a history of urinary tract infection, the more prone they will be to developing Cystitis.