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Using Canesten for Cystitis

This article has been medically approved by Pharmacist Sumaiya Patel - GPhC Reg No: 2215078

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and a common type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This is normally caused by a bladder infection.

Though uncomfortable and irritating, it is not a serious concern with mild cases resolving themselves.

However, for some people who experience cystitis regularly, you should speak with your doctor.

Identifying Cystitis

Cystitis can most aptly be described as an inflammation of the bladder that makes you feel the urge to pass urine more often. It occurs when the urethra and bladder, which are normally sterile and microbe-free, become infected by bacteria and thus get irritated and inflamed. This condition can make urinating an uncomfortable and even painful experience. Cystitis symptoms can be inconvenient and distressing, but the good news is that it can be easily treated!

Cystitis is one of the more common urinary tract infections that affect people of both sexes and all ages, however, it is more common among females than males.

The amount of urine produced by your body is generally in proportion to what you have been eating and drinking. In mild climates, the normal amount of urine produced is between 800ml and 2.5 litres a day, and healthy urine should be the colour of straw and painless to pass.

What Causes Cystitis?

There are many things that cause or worsen the effects of Cystitis, and it may be difficult to define what it is that triggers it for you. The five common causes of Cystitis are:

Hormonal Changes: For some women, hormonal changes can trigger Cystitis. Menopause can cause oestrogen levels to drop and in turn cause irritation in the urethra, the tube that takes urine from the bladder, which leads to Cystitis. If this is the case with you, speak to your doctor. He may be able to prescribe oestrogen pessaries or cream to help 'plump up' the tissues and reduce the number of Cystitis attacks.
Smoking: If you are prone to Cystitis, strictly avoid smoking. Nicotine from smoking irritates the lining of the bladder. Smokers are generally more prone to Cystitis. If you have regular attacks and you smoke as well, you know what you have to do?
A lack of fluid: Not drinking enough fluids can cause Cystitis. Or if you have it already, not drinking enough fluids can worsen the condition. The urge to go to the bathroom often may make you feel like drinking less water, but if you drink too little water your urine will be more concentrated and the condition will worsen. Don't make it worse by cutting down on the water.
Vigorous sex: Cystitis in women can be caused by vigorous sex or even sex when you're not fully lubricated. Women who use a diaphragm or spermicidal-coated condoms for contraception are also more prone to attacks. Trying another type of contraception or changing to another one might be worth a try if you regularly get Cystitis.
Using scented soaps: Scented soaps and even bubble baths can alter the delicate pH balance of the skin and cause bacterial growth.

What are the Symptoms of Cystitis?

Burning or stinging sensations when passing urine
A frequent urge to urinate
Feeling like you can't fully empty your bladder

Other Symptoms Cystitis

Strong smelling urine
Cloudy or dark urine
Blood in your urine
Abdominal pain or backache
Fever, temperature, or weakness then you should see your GP as these much less common symptoms may indicate a more serious internal problem or infection.

Choosing the Best Cystitis Treatment For You

For some people, Cystitis will clear up on its own without any intervention and treatment. However, the symptoms may be irritating and troublesome. This is where Canesten steps in to help.

Canesten Cystitis treatment contains Sodium Citrate that gives you relief from the symptoms of Cystitis by reducing acidity levels in the urine. This makes it less painful for you to pass urine. You can buy Canesten Cystitis at most over-the-counter at pharmacies or supermarkets or simply here at Chemist Direct.

If the symptoms do not clear or become really unbearable, contact your doctor as you may need antibiotics in such cases.

Why Use Canesten to Cure Cystitis?

Can be bought over-the-counter
Provides relief from Cystitis symptoms
Reduces the level of acidity in urine
Makes it less painful to pass urine

Tips for Preventing Cystitis

The best way to prevent Cystitis is to keep tabs on how much water you drink in a day. Between 6 to 8 glasses of water, or more on the days when it's hot and you're working hard, is important if you want your body to function at its best. Not sure if you've been drinking enough water? One of the best ways to tell is by looking at your urine after you've used the toilet. If your urine is slightly straw coloured you're hydrated enough, if it's darker, thick, or orange in colour you need to increase your fluid intake and drink more water.
Some drinks, though fluids, should not count towards your 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Caffeinated beverages and fizzy drinks can irritate your bladder rather than help it. Go easy on the chocolate, caffeinated, and cola drinks as these can trigger a Cystitis attack. Avoiding alcohol can play a big part in the prevention of Cystitis. Stick to low-alcohol drinks and dilute spirits with non-fizzy mixes.
Practice good toilet hygiene. Empty your bladder after sex and always wipe from front to back after you've been to the toilet. Doing so prevents bacteria from travelling up the urethra and into the bladder.