Wee-Wee to your hearts content! (Cystitis)

Member Name: amandaaspinall

Product:	Cystitis
Date:	29/04/02 (2959 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: none

Disadvantages: stinging wee-wee

Why is it that women seem to have so many more flippin' complications with their twinkle than men have with their bits?!?! That?s a rhetorical question by the way so I?m not expecting a load of answers to it in the comments! To be honest- I don?t really know the answer to that myself. However I do know of a particularly distressing little problem called cystitis. In my case it happened after a weekend of non-stop alcohol bingeing with a few of my mates and by the time I?d sobered up, I was in agony. I kept thinking I needed to go to the toilet and when I did, The wee-wee sometimes didn?t come and when it did it stung like hell!!! I seriously thought I had damaged my liver and that (this bit is not nice) it was coming away from within my body and getting 'stuck' somewhere inside!

So, what did I do? I went round to my mums and asked her advice - she always ends up being the fountain of knowledge in things like this for some reason. I think its 'cos I'm too embarrassed to see the GP or ask the pharmacist.

I was right to ask mum though, she told me she?d had the same problem before and that I should drink plenty of water, to help cleanse my bladder. She also made me drink some of that awful Bicarbonate of Soda, as this would ease the 'burning' sensation. She was right, I lay back on the settee, and within a couple of hours I began to feel better!

So, let?s talk about cystitis. It is actually an 'inflammation of the inside lining of the bladder'.

Now, I know this doesn?t sound great girls but don?t panic (like me!), because although it can be distressing and uncomfortable, it isn?t really any danger towards your health. In fact over HALF the women in the UK suffer from cystitis at one stage or another in their lives, and for some women (poor girls) it becomes re-occurring.

Don?t think that men don?t get it by the way, because they can, children can too, only it is very rare. It mainly aff
ects women (any age) because the urethra, vagina and anus are all close together and so it is easier for any bacteria to spread (obviously men?s urethra are longer!!!) Bacteria can spread in many different ways like during sexual intercourse, when inserting tampons, or by not wiping our bottoms properly (front to back ladies - you know the drill!!!!) Other infections like thrush can cause similar symptoms by irritating the urethra; bacteria from things like chlamydia and herpes can also cause cystitis. Over-deodorised toiletries and other strong detergents in washing powders can cause chemical changes and irritation around the vagina. Friction from sexual intercourse or tight clothing can also aggravate the vagina. Spermicide used on diaphragms and condoms can sometimes cause an attack; even things like a change in lifestyle; stress or depression can bring on or make worse the symptoms of cystitis! So come on girls - spot the signs, you will normally have one or more of the following:

 'Burning' pains when passing wee-wee.

 Needing to go to wee-wee more.

 Feeling the need to go and then not doing a wee-wee.

 Pain in tummy and lower back.

 Blood in your wee-wee.

 Fever.

 Sickness.


Don?t think that just because you?re weeing a bit more you?ve automatically got cystitis. It could be a sign of something else like pregnancy, diabetes, fibroids in your womb, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or herpes? If you?re not sure, see your GP (or your mum!).

So, if you do have it here?s what to do it:

 Drink plenty of water - It will sting at first but the more you go for a wee the better it will get.

 Take Bicarbonate of soda - check with your GP about this one if you?re on any other medication or you have a high blood pressure or heart trouble. But it should make the sting go away and make your wee less acidi
c.

 Hot water Bottles - great for wrapping in towels and holding on to your tummy and back to help ease discomfort.

 Take painkillers - follow the instructions on the packet.

 Rest and relax - take your mind of it.


Always see your GP if:

 It lasts for more than two days.

 You are pregnant.

 If you are passing blood.

 If there is any soreness or irritation.

Prevent it happening again by:

 Drinking plenty of water and other bland fluids like milk and herbal teas.

 Go for a wee when you need one.

 Empty your bladder completely (squeeze out every last drop).

 Always wipe from front to back.

 Wash your twinkle every morning and night.

 Avoid using heavily perfumed soaps and shampoos in case of bad reactions.

 Wear loose clothing.

 Use a lubricant during sexual intercourse.

Don?t be afraid to ask your GP or local pharmacist for help, that?s what they?re there for and you can always go to any of the NHS Walk-in Centres for advice on sexual health if that?s what?s needed.

But my main point is - Girls, look after your twinkle!? It is special and deserves to be taken care of.

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