Azithromycin (Zithromax) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Risk Factors Of Cystitis As Sex Triggers 60% Of Recurrent UTIs

Sex-induced cystitis accounts for 60% of UTIs. (Getty Images)

It's Valentine's Day today and many couple will be looking to take advantage of the romance and ramp up the intimacy.

But a medical expert has warned of an additional risk that could come with a rise in sexy time this February 14 - cystitis.

The NHS says cystitis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) which affects the bladder. While it is a common condition, especially in women, symptoms of cystitis can be debilitating and go from bad to worse in a short span of time.

The main symptoms include pain or a burning sensation when you urinate, as well as feeling the urge to pee more often and urgently than usual.

Patients may also see that their pee is dark, cloudy or strong-smelling, and may experience pain low down in their tummy.

While, cystitis often "gets better by itself", but may need to be treated with antibiotics. The NHS advises seeing a GP if your symptoms have not cleared up within three days or become more severe, such as severe pain in the lower tummy.

Men and children can also get the infection, but is most common among women, with an estimated 60% of women experiencing cystitis during their lifetime.

And the 36% of couples who typically have sex on Valentine's Day could be at increased risk.

Women's health expert Dr Catherine Hood, who is an advisor to cystitis medication Effercitrate Tablets, explains to Yahoo UK why upping the intimacy could lead to the infection.

Sex is one of the biggest risk factors for cystitis. (Getty Images)

Sex and other risk factors of cystitis

Estimates show that sex-induced cystitis accounts for around 60% for recurrent cases, which Dr Hood says demonstrates sex as a key trigger of cystitis for millions of women in the UK.

"As cystitis is mostly caused by bacteria from the rectum, movements during sex help move these bacteria up the urethra into the bladder," she explains.

Love making positions can also come into play here.

"Sex from behind, in particular, can inflame the urethra," Dr Hood continues. "Oral sex can also transfer bacteria from a partner's mouth."

Using a diaphragm for contraception may also increase the cystitis risk as well as hormonal changes including those during pregnancy and the menopause.

"Cystitis may also occur as a reaction to hygiene products and spermicidal jelly," Dr Hood adds.

How to prevent cystitis

In order to avoid the infection, Dr Hood recommends staying well-hydrated, drinking 2 litres of fluid each day, and wearing cotton underwear, as well as avoiding tight-fitting trousers to reduce sweating, which could lead to irritation.

The direction in which you wipe after going to the toilet is also important to avoid cystitis. "Always wipe your bottom from front to back when you go to the toilet," Dr Hood explains.

Other preventative measures include visiting the toilet and emptying your bladder before and after sex, and drinking a large glass of water after having sex.

"It is important to drink a lot as this strengthens your pee stream and reduces the chances of bacteria managing to stick to the wall of your bladder and urinary tract," Dr Hood says.

"Effective hydration will generally make you pee more often, flushing the bacteria out."

Changes to your diet and lifestyle can also help prevent cystitis with Dr Hood recommending a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. "Plus limit your intake of fruit juices, alcohol and sugary drinks and foods as they can irritate the bladder," she adds.

If you get frequent bouts of cystitis there are some other steps you can take to try to avoid it recurring including not using perfumed products on your genital area and having showers rather than baths, as this stops exposing your genitals to cleaning products for too long.

Eating a healthy diet can help prevent cystitis. (Getty Images)

What do do if you do get cystitis

If you do get cystitis, you should drink plenty of water and take medication such as Effercitrate Tablets, which dissolve in water and contain potassium citrate and citric acid to make urine more alkaline and soothe the bladder and urethra lining.

If you have mild symptoms of cystitis, the NHS says it can help to:

take paracetamol up to four times a day to reduce pain

drink plenty of water

hold a hot water bottle over your lower tummy

avoid having sex

avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder, like fruit juices, coffee and alcohol

pee frequently

The NHS also recommends asking a pharmacist about cystitis treatments.

A pharmacist can:

offer advice on things that can help you get better

suggest the best painkiller to take

tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms

Some pharmacies offer a cystitis management service. They may also be able to give antibiotics if they're needed.

If your symptoms worsen or don't go away within a couple of days, you should call your GP practice or visit a walk-in centre.

Read more about cystitis:

Watch: 'I thought I could cure my UTI with cranberry juice until it gave me sepsis'

View comments

Valentine's Day Warning As Women Told To Take Caution Amid 'common' Health Risk

Valentine's Day is right around corner and whilst women may be expecting flowers, chocolates or something a little more special, one thing they don't want are health issues.

At a time where many people will be spending time together, health experts have warned of sex-induced cystitis which is estimated to account for around 60 percent of recurrent cases of lower UTIs.

With the painful infection causing agony for millions, self-care in the bedroom is vital. To help people avoid this, women's health expert Dr Catherine Hood from Effercitrate has given an insight into the issue, as well as tips on how to reduce the risk, and how to soothe the symptoms quickly.

Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles

"Cystitis is very common, particularly in women and most women will have cystitis at least once in their lifetime and up to one in three women will have recurrent cystitis," says the doctor.

Dr Hood says that she gets many complaints from women who experience cystitis a day or two after having sex. Some have confided that they experience recurrent episodes which affect their sexual relationship with their partner, resulting in either abstinence or increased levels of stress and anxiety when having sex.

According to a study, estimates show that sex-induced cystitis accounts for around four percent of lower urinary tract infections (UTI). This figure rises to 60 percent for recurrent cases, demonstrating that sex is a key trigger of cystitis for millions of women in the UK.

So what is cystitis and what can you do about it? Here is what you need to know according to an expert.

What is cystitis? There are many factors that could put you at a higher risk of getting cystitis (Image: Getty)

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder which can be caused by a UTI. It is a very painful condition causing burning pain when you pass urine, passing urine frequently, or having the urge to pass urine frequently. In addition to pain, there may be blood in the urine or it may be cloudy and smell more or different from normal. You may also have a high temperature and feel feverish.

What's the link between sex and cystitis?

Cystitis is 30 times more common in women than in men. Women who are sexually active on average have one episode of cystitis every two to three years, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.

This is because women have a shorter urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body) and the opening is located very close to the anus. This makes it easier for bacteria present in the large bowel to reach the bladder and cause an infection.

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. What are the factors that increase the risk of cystitis?

Factors can include sexual intercourse, the use of spermicide, a new sexual partner in the last year and the use of contraceptive diaphragms.

As 90 percent of cystitis is caused by bacteria from the rectum, movements during sex help move bacteria up the urethra into the bladder. Movement during sex may also cause damage to the urethra and this slight damage can cause bacteria to thrive and infect the urethra and bladder.

When it comes to oral sex, bacteria can still be introduced to the urethra by the movement of your partner's mouth and cause an infection. Some positions can also have an impact. In particular, sex from behind can inflame the urethra.

Top Trending Stories Today How can you soothe cystitis?

To soothe the symptoms of cystitis, Dr Hood says Effercitrate Tablets are a simple, drinkable solution to take. Available without the need for a prescription or a urine sample, the flavoured effervescent tablets contain potassium citrate, which makes the urine more alkaline, helping to soothe the bladder and urethra lining and relieve discomfort caused by the infection.

Can men suffer from cystitis? It's not just women that can suffer with cystitis (Image: Getty)

Yes, men can also suffer from cystitis. While more common in women than men, it can sometimes occur in men, especially those between the ages of 15 and 50, especially if they are sexually active, take part in anal sex and/or are uncircumcised.

Cystitis in men is often a symptom of an infection so they should see a doctor if it's recurrent. The risk of cystitis with any sexual activity is increased if you don't pee afterwards. If you are prone to cystitis, it's important to have a large glass of water every time you have sex to help aid in urinating after sex.

What can I do to reduce the risk of cystitis after sex?

Healthy self-care around sex is important, particularly if you suffer from frequent bouts of cystitis. Dr Hood has shared her top 10 tips for reducing the risk of getting cystitis.

Drink water: Have a large glass of water straight after having sex. It is important to drink a lot as this strengthens your pee stream and reduces the chances of bacteria managing to stick to the wall of your bladder and urinary tract. Effective hydration will generally make you pee more often, flushing the bacteria out.

Pee before and after sex: Before and after having sex, go to the toilet straight away and empty your bladder.

Wash down below: Wash your genital area before and after sex. This helps to keep any bacteria away from the urethra.

Wipe direction: Always wipe from front to back. Doing so is more hygienic and will help you avoid spreading bacteria into your urinary tract and vagina.

Take Effercitrate Tablets: If you have cystitis take Effercitrate Tablets which will provide soothing, fast relief from cystitis symptoms.

Wear cotton underwear: Try to wear cotton underwear. This material is soft and allows the vagina to 'breathe'. Try to avoid tight-fitting jeans or trousers too.

Unperfumed: Avoid perfumed bubble baths, talcum powder and feminine wipes as these can cause irritation.

Diet: Eat a healthy balanced diet and include fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C. Avoid spicy or sugary foods and drinks as they could make cystitis symptoms worse.

Avoid sex when you have cystitis: Sex can cause friction and irritation in the urethra, which is sensitive during an infection. With penetrative sex, pressure on the vagina can also put pressure on the bladder and cause more pain if it is inflamed and sensitive.

Seek medical advice: If symptoms of cystitis continue for more than a couple of days after treatment, see your GP as Cystitis can progress to a kidney infection which requires treatment with antibiotics.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .

Dr. Roach: Zyrtec, Both Inexpensive And Safe, Works For Interstitial Cystitis

Your browser is not supporteddetroitnews.Com

detroitnews.Com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.

Unfortunately, your browser is not supported. Please download one of these browsers for the best experience on detroitnews.Com

---