Last updated: 03-12-2022
Worried about having Cystitis after sex? Specific cures and preventive tips exist to save you from disaster.
Cystitis is an inflammation in the bladder, a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that has a potent effect on the bladder. It primarily affects women; however, men are prone to it too. Cystitis can also occur due to the imbalanced growth of bacteria in your body; these bacteria can cause extreme irritation, redness, or swelling. Certain medicines or supplements can also react and lead to bladder inflammation. Your condition might be acute or chronic, depending on your underlying illness.
Here is thorough research on the symptoms and cures of Cystitis after sex. So keep going through the article and ease your love life.
Cystitis after Sex
It is pretty evident that women are more prone to Cystitis within a day or two after having sex, and there are two leading causes of this. Firstly, the urethra can get irritated and bruised from sexual intercourse. This mainly happens if a woman hasn’t had sex for a while, the sex has been prolonged, or the woman’s vagina is dry. The vagina is not well or sufficiently lubricated. Most women also find that some sexual positions cause irritation.
You probably have Cystitis if the symptoms do not clear up within a couple of days. Bacteria from the rectum cause almost 90% of Cystitis. The movements during sex help move these bacteria up to the urethra into the bladder. Sexual intercourse from behind is especially harmful to women prone to Cystitis. If you have an infection, don’t worry; antibiotics can help cure it. You can use a urine dipstick to test the infection.
However, prevention is always better than cure. If, after tests, it shows no underlying problems, you may need to change your sexual practices slightly.
Risk factors for getting Cystitis
Anyone can get Cystitis; research indicates that women are about eight times more likely to have Cystitis than men. Menopausal women with dry or atrophic tissue have a higher risk of getting Cystitis. The most common factors that are likely to put you at a higher risk for Cystitis or UTI include:
- Frequent, intense sexual intercourse
- Sex with a new partner
- A previous UTI
- Multiple pregnancies
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Urinary or genital abnormalities
Another important factor is family history. For example, having a mother or sister who has frequent UTIs may increase your risk of getting one.
Symptoms of Cystitis
The most common symptoms of Cystitis are:
- Sudden urge to urinate frequently but passing less urine
- Stinging, pain, or burning sensation when you urinate
- Urine that is dark or cloudy
- Unusually smelling pee
- UTI infection
- Pain in the abdomen area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Blood in the urine
- A mild fever
- Reduced appetite and extreme weakness
- Discomfort in the pelvis
- A feeling of slight pressure in the lower belly
- Cramping in your back and abdomen or pelvic area
- Rectal pain (in men)
You are likely to experience pain in your upper back and abdominal sides. This may indicate that the infection has spread to your kidneys. Alongside pain, you may also experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Fever
Seek your doctor’s advice if you have some queries or concerns about how to prevent Cystitis. Get medical attention right away if you experience a burning sensation when you urinate, have blood in the urine, or have pain in your abdomen or abdominal sides.
How to Cure Cystitis?
Cystitis is a bacterial infection. So it is always best to wash your genitals and hands; maybe a warm bath (avoid scented products). Some people believe pubic hair is a haven for bacteria, but if you decide to exfoliate, be careful of ingrowing hairs, which may cause problems.
Ensure to empty your bladder as soon as possible after sex, as this will help flush out any bacteria that have entered.
If your vagina is dry, use lubricating jelly. In case the cause is bruising rather than bacteria, apply some lubricating gel all around the urethra to ease the friction. Avoid using spermicides or a diaphragm for contraception.
Until the infection clears up, stick to a gentle missionary position and keep the length of time down! Finally, suppose you have had repeated bacterial attacks. In that case, a single dose of antibiotic within two hours of sex may also help.
Prevention Tips
In addition to the treatment plan your GP may prescribe, consider the following tips to prevent Cystitis from recurring:
- It is best to have an intake of plenty of fluids, at least six to eight glasses of water a day
- Try to avoid liquids that may irritate your bladder, including:
- Coffee
- Soda
- Citrus juice
- Alcohol
- Unload your bladder frequently as soon as you feel the urge, especially immediately after sex.
- After urinating, women should wipe from front to back to avoid introducing any bacteria into the urethra.
- Keep the genital area clean by gently washing with warm water every day, as well as before sex.
- Prefer contraception that doesn’t include a spermicide
- Try to avoid douching or using vaginal deodorants or scented tampons or pads
- Avoid wearing skintight jeans and underwear that are too tight
- Use a heating pad for your back if you have pelvic or abdominal pain
Doctors also suggest vaginal probiotic capsules to cure Cystitis. These capsules might prevent recurring UTIs by helping to maintain a healthy vaginal flora on a daily basis.
Treatment
Treatment for Cystitis depends upon the underlying cause. The available treatment options are:
Antibiotics
Initially, antibiotics are used for the treatment of Cystitis. The dosage of drugs depends upon how critical your state is. Medication for Cystitis also generally depends on its cause.
Surgeries
Surgeries can treat Cystitis too. They are generally recommended when the condition is chronic. In some cases, surgeries can also repair structural tissue.
Conclusion
Cystitis is an inflammation in the bladder. Cystitis is, in fact, a type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) that has a potent effect on the bladder. It primarily affects women; however, men are prone to it too. Women are more prone to Cystitis, particularly within a day or two after having sex. You probably have an infection if the symptoms are not cleared up after a couple of days. Bacteria from the rectum cause up to 90 % of Cystitis.
Sexual intercourse can increase your risk of getting a UTI, and you will likely experience specific pain symptoms. However, there are simple steps and some prevention tips you can follow to lessen the chance of getting one. Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse and keep your genital area clean. Think of possibly using a different form of contraception.
If a person has mild symptoms, Cystitis might be cured using antibiotics and home remedies. But if it does not resolve itself, it may require medical treatment.