How to Get Rid of Cystitis

Published: 3rd March, 2023 in: Health Health Advice

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) that affects the bladder. It’s a common condition, especially in women, and can cause discomfort and irritation. Cystitis will usually go away on its own in a matter of days, however, it sometimes requires antibiotic treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Cystitis?

Symptoms of cystitis include:

Pain, burning, or stinging when you wee
Pain that’s low down in your tummy
Needing to go for a wee more often than usual
Wee that is dark, cloudy, or strong smelling

Cystitis Symptoms in Children

Babies and children can also get cystitis. Symptoms include:

Problems urinating
A high temperature
Not feeling hungry and feeling sick

Problems with their bladder or kidneys can cause cystitis, or they may be experiencing constipation. It's important that you contact your GP if you think your child has cystitis, as it can cause damage to their kidneys if left untreated.

How to Get Rid of Cystitis Fast at Home

Drink plenty of water to help flush out the infection
Avoid having sex
Take paracetamol to reduce the pain (up to 4 times a day)
Avoid drinks such as coffee and alcohol, as they could irritate your bladder
Go to the toilet regularly
Hold a hot water bottle over your tummy
Get plenty of rest

Natural Remedies for Treating Cystitis at Home

Cranberry Juice

Many people drink cranberry juice while experiencing cystitis. Although there is little evidence to suggest this treats cystitis if the infection has already started, it may help toward preventing the infection in the first place. The vitamin C in cranberry juice will give your immune system a boost, which could help fight off the infection that causes cystitis more quickly.

Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda is a common cystitis treatment, as it can alter the acidity levels in your urine, which can help to ease the pain. Mixing bicarbonate soda with water allows the alkaline solution to reach your bladder, making your urine less acidic and stopping the bacteria from spreading.

Treatments for Cystitis at Weldricks

Here at Weldricks Pharmacy, we offer a range of cystitis relief products, including liquids and sachets.

We can also offer in-person treatment options through the new Pharmacy First scheme. Check out drop-in Cystitis treatment service page for more info on this.

Browse our relevant treatments:

What Causes Cystitis?

Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria from faeces getting into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). As women have a shorter urethra than men, their bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder and cause an infection.

Things that increase the chances of this include:

Having sex
Being pregnant - as your uterus may press against the bladder, preventing it from emptying completely
Wiping your bottom from back to front after going to the toilet
Conditions that make it difficult to empty the bladder fully (such as an enlarged prostate gland in men)
Conditions that block the urinary tract (such as kidney stones)
Using spermicide with contraception
Having been through menopause, as low oestrogen levels can make your urethra wall thinner and your urine more acidic
Having diabetes

When to Visit a Doctor

You won’t usually need to see a doctor if you have cystitis, however, you should visit your GP if:

Your symptoms haven’t gone away within three days
Your symptoms haven’t cleared up after treatment with antibiotics
Your child has symptoms of cystitis
You get cystitis frequently
You are experiencing severe pain
You get cystitis and you’re male
You get cystitis and you’re pregnant

Your GP may offer you advice and recommend painkillers, or give you a prescription for a 3-day course of antibiotics. They may also ask you to do a urine test, although this isn't always necessary.

What If You Keep Getting Cystitis?

If you repeatedly get cystitis, your GP may prescribe a single-dose antibiotic to take within two hours of having sex, an antibiotic to take for up to six months, or a vaginal oestrogen cream (if you have gone through menopause).

How to Prevent Cystitis

There are steps you can take in order to try and prevent cystitis from occurring in the first place. This includes:

Showering rather than bathing
Wiping from front to back
Fully emptying your bladder when you urinate
Keeping the genital area clean and dry
Wearing cotton underwear

How to Prevent Cystitis After Sex

If you often get cystitis after sex, there are things you can do to limit this, including:

Urinating before and after sex
Using a lubricant gel during sex
If you're using a diaphragm for contraception, ensure it's fitted properly
Avoid using spermicide-coated condoms

Cystitis Treatments and More at Weldricks Pharmacy

We’ve discussed how to get rid of cystitis fast, as well as the preventative measures you can take to try and stop it from happening in the first place. Alongside our home treatments for cystitis, we also offer products to help a range of other conditions including thrush, urinary and bladder problems, and vaginal dryness.