Can I prevent getting Cystitis?

Ways to prevent cystitis

Drinking cranberry juice or taking capsules containing 200mg of cranberry extract is effective in preventing cystitis from coming back. However as a treatment, it’s not clear if this works.

Ask your GP for advice before taking cranberry capsules or drinks, particularly if you’re taking the blood-thinning medicine warfarin. Avoid cranberry juice containing lots of sugar, as sugar can encourage bacteria to grow.

AFTER YOUR FIRST CASE OF CYSTITIS  and treatment with antibiotics if occurs  three or more times a year, your GP may give you a course of antibiotics to keep at home so you can start taking them as soon as you know you’re getting a bout of cystitis. Alternatively, if you get repeated attacks, you may need to take a low dose of antibiotics for six to 12 months. If you get cystitis after having sex, your GP may advise you to take a single dose of antibiotics immediately after you have had sex to prevent an attack.Spermicidal products for contraception, which can increase your risk of getting cystitis, ask your GP or family planning adviser about alternative methods.

For women who have been through the menopause, creams containing oestrogen can be applied to the vagina and may reduce the risk of cystitis.

Although lacking in scientific evidence, the following may help to prevent cystitis:

• passing urine after having sex
• increasing your fluid intake
• wearing loose clothing
• wiping front to back, not back to front after going to the toilet
• passing urine as soon as you feel the need to, instead of ‘holding on’

Some people find that certain triggers, such as tea or coffee, can make cystitis worse. If you notice any such triggers, try to avoid them.