What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is an infection in your bladder. It is not a sexually transmitted infection but it can be caused by all the jigging about during sex. You know you’ve got it because it’s painful to pee. It’s easily treated with antibiotics.

Some people get it because they don’t drink enough water.

Signs And Symptoms:

Girls and Boys:

• 
  Burning sensation when going for a pee.

• 
  Traces of blood in your pee.

• 
  Going to the toilet a lot and not much coming out.

Girls
Always see your GP or a doctor at an NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic if:

• An attack of cystitis lasts for more than a day or two or if it keeps coming back.
• 
  You are pregnant.
• 
  You have blood in your urine.
• 
  You have other symptoms such as vaginal discharge.
  

Boys
You should always see a doctor if you get cystitis.

Tests and Treatment:

Your doctor will ask you for a urine sample to find out whether you have an infection and you may be prescribed antibiotics.

If you get cystitis after sex, it may help to:

• 
  Wash and go to the toilet before and after sex (ask your partner to do the same).

• 
  Use a water based lubricant when you have sex. (you can buy this on most condom websites)

If not, this will help if you:

• 
  Drink at least 3 pints of clear liquid a day.

• 
  Go to the toilet as soon as you need to - don't hang on until the last minute.

• 
  Empty your bladder completely each time.

• 
  Always wipe your bottom from front to back.

• 
  Avoid using perfumed shower gels and talcs down there.

• 
  Wash and go to the loo before and after sex.

• 
  Some people find that drinking a lot of cranberry juice or barley water can help.