Topics
Hot stuff
Newsletters
Promotions
Is there a link?
Deodorants and breast cancer investigated
Deodorants and breast cancer investigated
Lose weight today
Get a personal diet plan
Get a personal diet plan
Comfort for cystitis
Every time I pass urine, I feel like I need to go again and only a small amount comes out. It does not hurt and is not painful but there is a really horrible uncomfortable feeling that I can't get rid of. I feel like I am going to wet myself all the time. I have had this now for about two years on and off. I am only 19!
It sounds as if you have cystitis, which may be due to an infection, or to chemical or mechanical irritation. You may need to be referred to an urologist for investigations as it's been going on for so long. Symptoms of cystitis with no evidence of infection are known as urethral syndrome. This is usually due to friction or chemical irritation of the urethral opening, which can also cause symptoms of urgency, frequency and dysuria. Urethral syndrome may be linked to vigorous or frequent sexual intercourse, but can also be triggered by activities such as horse riding or cycling.
Detergents and perfumes can cause a chemical irritation of the urethra or may trigger an allergic reaction. They can also increase the chances of bacterial infection by upsetting the normal acidity of the vagina. To help prevent recurrent cystitis, wear loose-fitting clothes, cotton underpants and stockings instead of tights. Try using panty-liners and change them frequently. Don't put off answering a call of nature because you are too busy. When sitting on the toilet, try tilting your pelvis up so your back passage is lower than the urethra. After passing water, lean forwards to squeeze out the last few drops of urine and wipe yourself from front to back.
Wash with warm, unperfumed, soapy water after every bowel movement and after making love. If you don't have a bidet, you may find it helpful to pour warm soapy water between your legs (using a bottle) while sitting on the toilet. Use a lubricant when making love, but avoid using bubble bath or other bath additives, vaginal deodorants, perfumed soap or talcum powder and never douche. Try to drink at least two litres of fluid per day. Drinking 300ml cranberry juice daily can almost halve the risk of developing cystitis, while a supplement containing natural extracts of the herbs dandelion, bearberry and peppermint (Uvacin) has an antiseptic and diuretic action that reduces cystitis.
Join the discussions on the Your Health message board:
Detergents and perfumes can cause a chemical irritation of the urethra or may trigger an allergic reaction. They can also increase the chances of bacterial infection by upsetting the normal acidity of the vagina. To help prevent recurrent cystitis, wear loose-fitting clothes, cotton underpants and stockings instead of tights. Try using panty-liners and change them frequently. Don't put off answering a call of nature because you are too busy. When sitting on the toilet, try tilting your pelvis up so your back passage is lower than the urethra. After passing water, lean forwards to squeeze out the last few drops of urine and wipe yourself from front to back.
Wash with warm, unperfumed, soapy water after every bowel movement and after making love. If you don't have a bidet, you may find it helpful to pour warm soapy water between your legs (using a bottle) while sitting on the toilet. Use a lubricant when making love, but avoid using bubble bath or other bath additives, vaginal deodorants, perfumed soap or talcum powder and never douche. Try to drink at least two litres of fluid per day. Drinking 300ml cranberry juice daily can almost halve the risk of developing cystitis, while a supplement containing natural extracts of the herbs dandelion, bearberry and peppermint (Uvacin) has an antiseptic and diuretic action that reduces cystitis.
Join the discussions on the Your Health message board:
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
iVillage Features
Message Boards
Pregnancy & Baby |
Parenting |
Health |
Diet & Fitness |
Beauty & Fashion|
Relationships |
Home & Garden |
Food & Drink |
Work & Career |
Entertainment
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB