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The inflammation or the infection of the urinary bladder and the lower urinary tract is termed as cystitis. This is a common condition in women and many women know this condition by name urinary tract infection or UTI. This condition is caused mainly due to the bacterial infection. Escherichia coli is the bacterium that is responsible for causing cystitis. This bacterium is mainly found in the genital area and it can easily enter the urinary tract through the urethra or through the tube that carries the urine remains of the body. When this bacterium gets attached to the wall of the bladder, then it multiplies and thus causes the infection of the urinary bladder and the lower urinary tract.
As mentioned above it is a very common condition in women. Women have short urethra and which makes the bacterium to travel easily into the bladder. This condition is commonly seen in women as a result of sexual intercourse and that is the reason why this disease is also called as honeymoon cystitis. It is during the sexual intercourse the bacterium gets pushed into the bladder and starts multiplying there. But this doesn't mean that women who are sexually inactive are not victim of this condition. The female genital area is like a house for the bacterium causing cystitis, so it can happen to any female whether sexually active or inactive.
Those women who use diaphragms for birth control have more chances of getting cystitis. During pregnancy also women may get this condition, as the hormones in their body are constantly changing. Cystitis is a very rare condition in men, as their urethra is long and same is the case among children. Men suffering from enlarged prostate can get this condition as the enlarged prostate blocks the urine flow. Diabetic patients and those with kidney stone problems can also develop cystitis.
Symptoms of Cystitis -
- Fishy smell of the urine
- Burning sensations while urinating
- Itching feeling in the urethra
- Limited urine flow eve after having a strong urge to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Dark colored and cloudy urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen or in the lower back
- Fever or increased body temperature
If you have any of these symptoms then it is good to meet your doctor and get yourself examined. If cystitis is left without treating then you have risks of getting kidney infections and may end up damaging your kidneys. The doctor will prescribe you some antibiotics that you are supposed to use for about three to seven days. It is good to complete the course of the antibiotics, as this will reduce the re-attack of the bacteria. Avoid taking tea and coffee, as it will worsen the infection. Instead it is good to drink plenty of water.
If you follow good toilet habits and take the precautions that are mentioned below then you can prevent yourself from cystitis.
- Keep your vaginal area clean and dry.
- Don’t delay using the washroom, if you are feeling like urinating.
- Drink plenty of water all throughout the day.
- Before and after sex, empty your bladder.
- Wear cotton panties, as they will keep the vaginal area dry.
- Avoid wearing tight trousers and tight synthetic underwear.
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