{"id":1577405,"date":"2019-11-04T12:37:06","date_gmt":"2019-11-04T17:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1577405"},"modified":"2020-04-09T14:35:30","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T18:35:30","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-cystitis-and-how-to-prevent-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/everything-you-need-to-know-cystitis-and-how-to-prevent-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know Cystitis and How to Prevent It"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cystitis is the most common form of Urinary Tract Infection.\u00a0 Women tend to get cystitis more frequently than men.\u00a0 In fact, 50% of women* will experience cystitis at least once in their lifetime \u2013 lucky us!\u00a0 It can be very be unpleasant and includes symptoms like needing to urinate more often.\u00a0 Some more severe symptoms may include a burning sensation when passing urine, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting.\u00a0 Look out for blood in your urine or if it is strong smelling, cloudy or dark coloured.<\/p>\n

Cystitis is usually the result of a bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by irritation or damage from \u00a0chemicals in bubble baths and soaps or even chemotherapy drugs.\u00a0 There are ways that you can prevent cystitis, and we wanted to help our fellow DIVINISTAs out by sharing them<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Joanna Kosinka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Drink Plenty of Liquids (Especially Water)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Drinking 6-8 glasses of water, not only hydrates you, but it also increases the odds that you will be running to the bathroom.\u00a0 You will likely urinate more forcefully, helping to flush the bacteria in your bladder before an infection has a chance to set in.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Anne Nygard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don\u2019t Use Anything Scented On Your Lady Bits <\/strong><\/h4>\n

We know that you love vanilla or strawberry scented shower gels, but your genitals do not.\u00a0 You should also avoid bubble baths, feminine deodorant sprays, perfumed soaps and douches.\u00a0 Scented panty liners, pads and tampons should also be avoided.\u00a0 Your vagina actually cleans itself so it doesn\u2019t need any extra help.\u00a0 Most doctors recommend using water only or very gentle, mild soap to clean your vulva.\u00a0 A good rule of thumb is that if it has fragrance or dyes, it\u2019s not meant for south of your belly button.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Abigail Lynn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take Showers Rather Than Baths<\/strong><\/h4>\n

When you bathe, you are sitting in water that is likely soapy or filled with bubble bath.\u00a0 This means that you have a greater chance for the bacteria and harsh chemicals from your bubble bath to get inside of your urethra.\u00a0 If you really must take a bath, use natural, gentle soap and try to take them infrequently.\u00a0 Showers are far better for you.<\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t Hold It In<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The old saying is \u201cif you gotta go, you gotta go\u201d or \u201cif you feel the urge, purge\u201d.\u00a0 You need to flush out the bacteria that is in your urethra frequently.\u00a0 It helps you avoid cystitis.\u00a0 You may not want to leave during the best part of a movie or hit that pause button when you are binge-watching your favourite shows, but your bladder will thank you.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Quin Stevenson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Empty Your Bladder After Sexual Intercourse<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Women can develop cystitis following sexual intercourse**. \u00a0The movement from sex may push bacteria up your urethra. When you urinate after sex, you again, flush bacteria from your system.\u00a0 You can still enjoy the afterglow once you go.\u00a0 Trust us.<\/p>\n

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Wipe From Front to Back When you Go to The Loo<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Quick anatomy lesson \u2013 your anus is close to the opening of your urethra.\u00a0 The anus harbours gastro-intestinal bacteria including E. coli.\u00a0 When you wipe from back to front, you risk transferring the bacteria which can cause cystitis.\u00a0 Wiping front to back may not 100% eliminate the risk, but it can help lower it.<\/p>\n

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If you are one of the 50% of women that will get cystitis, then it is important to see your doctor.\u00a0 In the meantime, Cystoplus can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.\u00a0 Proudly Canadian, Cystoplus<\/a> is a non-prescription option specifically indicated for the symptomatic relief of the burning pain and stinging associated with urinary bladder inflammation (cystitis) in adult women.\u00a0 It works by using sodium citrate, an alkalizing agent, to decrease the acidity of the urine. You can even continue to take it if you are taking an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor.\u00a0 Do what you can do to prevent cystitis, but remember, if you do get it, you can treat it and ease your symptoms and if you suspect cystitis, please consult a doctor immediately.<\/p>\n

*In partnership with Cystoplus<\/strong><\/p>\n

*\u00adColgan\u00ad\u2013\u00adDiagnosis\u00ad and\u00ad Treatment \u00adof\u00ad Acute\u00ad Uncomplicated \u00adCystitis \u2013 The American Family Physician 2011<\/p>\n

**Van \u00adSchoor \u00ad- \u00adTherapeutic\u00ad use\u00ad of \u00adalkalinising agents\u00ad in \u00adthe \u00adpharmacy\u00ad \u2013\u00ad 2010<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cystitis is the most common form of Urinary Tract Infection.\u00a0 Women tend to get cystitis more frequently than men.\u00a0 In fact, 50% of women* will experience cystitis at least once…<\/div>\n
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