Lifestyle changes can help you to manage your cystitis

Sometimes cystitis comes “out of the blue” and it is not clear what has caused it . Many women however pay close attention to the lifestyle factors that could increase their risk of getting cystitis, and are willing to make the necessary changes. There is no scientific evidence linking cystitis to lifestyle modifications.  Some doctors and patients however believe that small changes in daily life may help to prevent cystitis.

Lifestyle changes that effects the incidence and severity of cystitis :

• Drink plenty of fluids, to avoid urinary inflammation and flush out the bladder.
• Maintaining good toilet hygiene
• Avoid perfumed soaps, vaginal douches, tight jeans, and other potential irritants
• Some swear that lowering the acidity of the urine by taking a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking powder) in water every six hours reduces the volume of attacks.
• Avoid foods that may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation, such as; alcohol, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, tomatoes, vitamin C, citrus fruits artificial sweeteners
• Sexual intercourse has been linked to cystitis. There is evidence that drinking plenty of water and practicing sound hygiene can reduce the incidence of outbreaks.
• Many cystitis patients feel that smoking worsens their symptoms.
• Regular  exercise is reported to  relieve the symptoms of cystitis
• A wide range of alternative and natural therapies are claimed to provide relief from cystitis. For instance, cranberry juice is said to contain a natural antibiotic that helps prevent infection. Cranberry Juice may help reduce the risk of recurrent bladder infections for some women. Conflicting results from research studies make it difficult to know whether cranberry juice really helps or whether there's a placebo effect.

Women may try eliminating such products from their diet and, if there is a reduction of symptoms, they can reintroduce them one at a time to determine which product seems to be provoking their symptoms.

Cystitis is a serious problem from a medical point of view and can harm your health if left untreated. The symptoms are unpleasant and interfere with everyday life. Women’s who have recurrent cystitis may feel less like having sex or may be afraid to take part in certain leisure activities like swimming.  If you have tried the lifestyle changes discussed and are still suffering from recurrent cystitis then perhaps its’ time to see your GP for advice and prescription medication. Trimethoprim for cystitis is an antibiotic which is primarily used for the treatment of and prevention of chest and urine infections. Doctor Matt has helped many women with prescription medicine.