Is it more common in men or women?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which predominantly affects women. It also occurs in men, but much less often because of the specifics of the physiological structure. Put simply, the bacteria that cause cystitis have a more difficult time getting into the genitourinary system of a man.

The symptoms of cystitis are difficult to confuse with anything else. The most obvious ones are frequent urges to urinate with burning and stinging.

Additionally, abdomen pain, bladder distension, and blood in the urine can occur. If the disease is not quickly treated, fever, weakness, and headache can accompany the other symptoms.

What are the dangers?

Cystitis can be acute and chronic. Acute cystitis occurs suddenly under the influence of various factors, including from hypothermia or after sex. (The risk is especially high if you alternate anal and vaginal sex during the same sexual intercourse). The acute form of the disease significantly worsens the quality of life, and if it is neglected and untreated, it can become chronic.

Chronic cystitis periodically worsens and then fades. Symptoms are not so pronounced but with a long course of the disease the cells of the bladder epithelium change, which can lead to the formation of cysts, kidney disease, and cancer.

What to do

Antibiotics administered quickly can relieve the symptoms of cystitis. But to remove the symptoms does not mean the disease has gone away. When the first symptoms appear, visit your primary care doctor or a urologist, who will diagnose and prescribe treatment to alleviate the symptoms and solve the issue. With proper therapy, the disease completely passes in 5–7 days, and the acute phase passes within the first day.

If it is not possible to get to a doctor promptly, you can relieve your condition at home using the following methods:

• Drink as much liquid as possible (at least 1.5 gallons of water a day), so that pathogenic bacteria can be expelled from the bladder faster.
• Give up coffee and alcohol, as well as grape, pineapple, and orange juice, because these juices increase the acidity of urine.
• Avoid physical activity and extended time in hot weather.

Above all, seek medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible.

Other considerations

Sometimes patients try to relieve their condition by taking a hot bath. Since the disease has a bacterial nature, the hot bath or sauna will only worsen the situation. This creates a pathogenic environment where bacteria will reproduce faster, inflammation and pain will intensify, and body temperature may rise.

13 September 2021