Cystitis Prophylaxis

Cystitis General Information

Cystitis is the generic medical term used to define an inflammation of the patient’s bladder. In most cases, the affection occurs as a result of an infection in the urinary tract, caused by bacteria, however in some cases it may be caused by a reaction to medication, potential irritants (spermicidal substances, feminine hygiene products or long term catheterization) or radiation therapy. In some cases it is possible for the inflammation to appear as a complication of another health problem.

Cystitis is a painful and annoying condition, and the patient is at risk of developing severe health problems if the infection is allowed to reach the kidneys. While it is frequently encountered in male patients, this affection is more common in women; there are many reasons for this, such as the shorter length of the urethra and its positioning in the proximity of the vagina and anus. In men, this affection is uncommon. When present, it typically starts with an infection of the urethra, which then extends to the prostate, then the bladder. This affection is common all over the world, and it can affect patients of all races and ages, although it is more common in elderly patients, of over 60 years of age.

Cystitis Prophylaxis

There are several possible means through which individuals, both men and especially women, can reduce the chances of developing this affection. Cystitis Prophylaxis involves drinking lots of liquids, and especially water – this will lead to frequent urination, which may flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract, thus preventing their multiplication. Urinating after sexual intercourse may also help, by flushing any bacteria that entered the urinary tract during intercourse. On the other hand, refraining from urinating for prolonged periods of time may allow possible bacteria to multiply and may thus lead to infection. Frequent urination is recommended for individuals who are prone to develop infections in the urinary tract.

Of course, proper hygiene plays a great part in Cystitis Prophylaxis. Properly washing the sexual organs after intercourse, and on a regular basis - as part of the personal body hygiene, is mandatory. Cleansing of the genital and anal regions should be performed on a daily basis, but the patient should avoid using coarse cloth in the process, and also should avoid too vigorous massaging / rubbing / scratching in the process, as this may irritate the delicate skin in the area. Wiping the area from front to back after the normal excretion process, or after bowel movements, also contributes at reducing the number of bacteria in the region.

People that are susceptible to urinary tract infections should be advised to take showers instead of tub baths. Showering as part of Cystitis Prophylaxis helps reduce the risk of infection, thus reducing their chances to develop this affection. As such, tub baths are altogether contraindicated for individuals that are at risk of developing urinary tract infections. Along with the other preventive measures, Cystitis Prophylaxis also refers to refraining from the use of certain products such as sprays in the genital area. Females should be more careful when choosing the products they intend to use in the sensitive area, and it may be better to refrain from using any altogether. For more information on the products that are safe to use in such circumstances, it is best to consult the product label or a specialized health care professional.

Cranberry juice may help in patients prone to such infections. While not scientifically documented, cranberry juice may have a positive effect in fighting infections. However, patients taking Warfarin or similar medication with blood-thinning action should refrain from drinking cranberry juice, as possible interactions may lead to bleeding complications. The active substance from cranberry juice can also be found under the form of tablets, but the same restrictions as above apply.

Cystitis Treatment

In most cases, immediate treatment is recommended due to the high chances of the infection spreading further in the urinary tract, and especially to the kidneys. Also, vaginal penetration should be avoided until the affection is cured, to reduce the risk of complications.

Cystitis treatment typically consists of antibiotics, in order to destroy the bacteria that have infected the patient’s bladder. Such drugs as Nitrofurantoin, Amoxicillin or Doxycycline are commonly prescribed. Other antibiotics, for example Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Cephalosporins, Levofloxacin or Ciprofloxacin may also be prescribed. In most cases, the exact antibiotic to be prescribed, as well as the dosage and the intake schedule largely depends on the urine culture results, but the prescribing health care professional may also take into account the patient’s general health condition, his or her age and medical history. It is imperative that, although the symptoms may recede faster, the patient continues the treatment for its full duration in order to ensure complete healing.

In the case of chronic or recurrent Cystitis, the patient should follow a thorough treatment in order to avoid complications of the infection. In most cases, long term antibiotic therapies are employed in order to control the bacterial infection. In some cases, prophylactic low doses of antibiotics may be prescribed, after the acute symptoms of the infection have subsided.