Frequently Asked Questions answered by our
expert Jane Blake. Email your own questions to: advice@cymalon.co.uk

Q. "Hiya, I’m just emailing to ask what you think I could do to stop getting Recurrent Cystitis. The doctors keep giving me antibiotics but I end up getting it back within about 3-4 weeks. It’s really painful as well up to the point that I can’t even stand up properly. I drink cranberry juice like there's no tomorrow but nothing seems to really make a big impact."

Jane Says:
Having sex, the menopause and kidney problems can all contribute to recurrent cystitis, but for many women there is no apparent cause. Firstly I would suggest that you return to your GP and have a urine sample tested to see which bacterium is causing your cystitis. You might have become resistant to one antibiotic and need a different one to help this problem.

If your cystitis is related to having sex, try going to the toilet immediately after sex, use a lubricating jelly during sex, avoid spermicides and/or the diaphragm for contraception (ask your GP or practice nurse for advice about other forms of contraception).

Q. "I don’t know if this is also a symptom of cystitis but sometimes when it’s at its worse, my bladder aches and feels like it’s pulsating. I've never heard of either of these symptoms but I thought I’d ask you anyway."

Jane Says:
Pain in the lower abdominal region is a common symptom of cystitis; try taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease any pain or discomfort. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend a suitable analgesic.

Q: "Hi, I keep getting what I think is cystitis on a regular occasion and I do everything that I can to prevent it. I know that I don't have a sexually transmitted infection because I have been tested twice and I only have one regular partner. When I have whatever it is that I suffer from, it only lasts for up to 3 to 4 hours and when I pass water I get a burning sensation and even when I don't need to go to the toilet I have an un-natural feeling that I need to pass water. I also get a pain in my lower abdomen and I feel very hot and my body sweats uncontrollably. Can you please tell me what it is that I suffer from or give me some advice???"

Jane Says:
It certainly sounds like cystitis from the symptoms you describe – pain on passing urine, needing to go to the loo frequently and a fever. You should seek the advice of your pharmacist, GP or practice nurse just to make sure this is the correct diagnosis.

Some women find they are prone to cystitis within a day or so after having sex. This may be partly due to the movements during sex, which may push bacteria up into your bladder. Make sure you empty your bladder just before and straight after sexual intercourse to flush out bacteria from your urethra.

Q: "Can cystitis be passed on sexually?"

Jane Says:
Having sexual intercourse can cause cystitis in some women although it is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Q: "I am 32 years old and suffer with cystitis I have been told by mother in law to drink cranberry juice. Would you advise me to drink it or just stick with water?"

Jane Says:
To help prevent cystitis, you should try to drink lots of plain water to help flush out your bladder frequently. There is some evidence that cranberry juice may help prevent cystitis. In a study of 150 women with cystitis caused by the bacterium E.coli; drinking 50ml of cranberry-lingonberry juice concentrate every day for six months was associated with a lower incidence (20%) of cystitis.