Cystitis is a bladder problem that is also referred to as a urinary tract infection or UTI. There are different types and causes of cystitis, although most types share common symptoms -- a need to urinate frequently, pain during urination and a burning sensation in the bladder and pelvic area. Exercise is generally believed to be beneficial for cystitis sufferers, although certain types of exercise may aggravate your symptoms.
Types
According to the Interstitial Cystitis Association, certain types of exercise are more likely to cause cystitis flareup than others. Patients with interstitial cystitis typically report that low-impact forms of exercise, such as rollerblading, swimming or use of an elliptical machine cause the fewest cystitis flareups. High-impact sports, including running, step aerobic, or any movement that jars the body, are more likely to aggravate cystitis symptoms.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria, with the E. coli bacteria the most common culprit. Other forms of cystitis do not involve bacteria -- interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis, foreign-body cystitis and drug-induced cystitis are some examples. In the case of exercise-induced cystitis, the most likely cause is transfer of bacteria to the urethra during exercise.
Considerations
Some patients with interstitial cystitis report that the chemicals used in swimming pools can aggravate or irritate cystitis symptoms. The Interstitial Cystitis Association recommends swimming for short periods of time until you can assess whether pool chemicals have a negative effect on your symptoms. Other considerations when attempting to minimize the symptoms and recurrence rate of cystitis include the need for fastidious personal hygiene before and after exercise. Always make time for a thorough shower after any exercise session, which will reduce the likelihood of a cystitis flareup.
Benefits
If you are careful about personal hygiene during and after exercise, and choose your exercise environments to reduce the chance of cystitis, exercise can be beneficial in reducing cystitis symptoms. Exercising regularly will improve your blood circulation and muscle tone -- bladder health depends on strong muscles in the pelvic area and good blood flow in the area around the bladder.
Warning
See your doctor for any cystitis flareup lasting more than a few days. Bacterial cystitis will not usually go away without medical treatment -- usually in the form of antibiotics. Left untreated, cystitis can damage your bladder and kidneys. Always consult your health-care provider before making any lifestyle changes.
