Alternative Treatment for Cystitis

Most people know cystitis by the more familiar UTI, or urinary tract infection. Cystitis is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract and bladder. The infection can be contracted during sexual relations, from improper wiping after a bowel movement or even from taking a bath. UTIs can be painful and tend to happen to women more than men. They are usually treated with a course of antibiotics, but there are other ways to go, especially if the infection is caught early.

Flush it Away

Drinking plenty of fluids, and hydration in general, will help move the infection along quickly, according to Mayo Clinic. You should use some discretion in which fluids you drink, however. Alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine are of no help. Avoid coffee and soft drinks that contain caffeine, beer and wine as well as citrus juices. These drinks can irritate your bladder and make your urgent need to urinate worse.

Cranberry Cure

Doctors often advise cranberry juice as an especially good drink for treating UTIs. While alternative medical sites also espouse cranberry juice, the jury is still out on whether it is better than any other fluid for hydration, according to Mayo Clinic.

Warm it Away

The Mayo Clinic recommends a heating pad on the bladder area to soothe the irritation and lessen the impulse for constant urination. This is symptomatic relief rather than curative, however.

Prevention

Not getting a UTI is better than any treatment. If you always wipe front to back, keep hydrated and don't wait when you feel the urge to urinate, the likelihood of contracting cystitis is lessened. Use mild soap when washing the groin area and don't rub hard or take a soaking bath when your groin feels sensitive. Protective use of condoms in sexual relations also helps keep cystitis from forming.