1. Ouch! Painful Urination
Painful urination is usually the first sign that you may have a case of cystitis. Cystitis is an infection in the bladder or tubes from the bladder. Some stomach pain, cloudy urine, a foul smell to the urine and even blood in the urine can all accompany cystitis. Frequently, you feel as though you have to go to the bathroom immediately only to urinate dust (no urine) or small amounts of urine. Frequency of urination and pain are the two most obvious signs. Women with frequent infections can usually tell by the smell of their urine, before symptoms appear.
2. Water: The Great Healer
If you have painful urination, it may be from too much concentration caused by dehydration or cystitis. Either way, it is best to drink as much fluid as you can, particularly water. This will reduce the pain, but not take away the bladder infection.
3. Try a Couple of Gallons of Cranberry Juice
What was once thought to be an old wives tale is now used effectively in nursing homes to reduce the incidence of cystitis. Daily glasses of cranberry juice are given to the guest of the home, and the statistics show that this seems to help. It is thought the vitamin content may be one reason. There is also a belief that the chemical composition of the cranberry juice provides a shield for the bladder lining and doesn't allow the germs to stick. Some women take daily cranberry extract pills to ward off the cystitis. It seems to be one alternative treatment for cystitis that works.
4. Run to the Doctor (With Your Legs Crossed)
See your doctor and get medication. Bloody urine may be a sign that there is something more going on than just a bladder infection. These infections can spread to the kidneys and cause more damage and worse problems if they are left unattended. The doctor takes a urine sample to confirm that there is bacteria in the urine before he prescribes any medication. Since Bactrim and other sulfa-related drugs are frequently given, alert the doctor to any allergies.
5. Why Me and the Urge to Pee?
Cystitis can come from incomplete emptying of the bladder, allowing the urine to back up and break down. It also can come from sexual relations when germs are pushed up into the urethra during the act. To avoid getting "honeymoon cystitis," empty your bladder immediately after sex and push those germs back out. Wear clean white cotton underwear and don't try to hold your urine. Go when you feel the urge. There was a rash outbreak of cystitis that continued to return in the 1970s. The problem turned out to be the string on the IUD, a birth control device. If you have frequent problems, track everything to see if there is something consistent before each case of cystitis.
