Cystitis incontinence

Cystitis

Cystitis is an uncomfortable and fairly common condition that affects 20% to 40% of women at some point in their lifetimes.

Some of the women who suffer from recurrent cystitis can develop symptoms of bladder instability and urge incontinence later in life. The pelvic floor is involved in reducing the risk of developing cystitis.

The pelvic floor muscles need to be high enough to keep the urethra shut against any germs and the tissues need to be healthy to ensure the blood supply can protect the vagina from any infection or inflammation.

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder with the urgent desire to urinate, but when you do reach the toilet, only a small amount of water passes, which is extremely painful.

The pain is usefully felt as a burning sensation and the sensation of urge can be felt every 10 to 20 minutes.

When the bladder lining becomes inflamed, it is red, hot and swollen, and when urine comes in contact with it, it a burning and stinging sensation is felt. This can be made worse when the cause is from infection, as the urine will tend to be stronger than usual.

The urge to go to the toilet comes from the bladder attempting to get the urine out and to stop the stinging. This causes the base of the inflamed bladder and urethra to contract more often, forcing you to need the toilet even if you only went 10 minutes ago.

The condition can be caused by either an infection or an allergic reaction, with infections usually the main reason. Causes of cystitis include:

• Transferring bacteria while wiping from the anus to the vagina
• Not fully empting the bladder when going to the toilet
• Having vigorous sex
• Inserting a tampon wrong
• Thinning of the bladder lining during the menopause
• Blockages in the urinary system
• General tiredness, which reduces your body’s defence systems

Cystitis is most commonly found in women who are pregnant, sexually active and menopausal. Drinking a lot of water to flush out the system and ensuring the bladder is fully emptied can help to reduce the risk of developing cystitis.

Drinking cranberry juice every day can also help, it prevents common bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, which helps stop infection taking hold.