Last updated: 25-11-2022
Pain is always stressful. If you are in pain, you get stressed. Once you get stressed, it leads to more pain. It's a vicious cycle.
Stress does not cause cystitis. However, the stress may cause a burst or flare once you have cystitis. Physical and mental stress may lead to flares and outbursts. Remember, every burst will settle down and worrying about it only prolongs the discomfort.
Uncomplicated cystitis is prevalent among women. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The main symptom is burning pain when urinating. In addition, there is usually an increased urge to urinate. These symptoms are very unpleasant. However, the symptoms can be treated effectively. Uncomplicated cystitis typically goes away without any long-term medication.
Women have various ways of coping with cystitis. Some wait a few days to see if the symptoms go away, or they may follow common advice, such as drinking plenty of water. Many others may opt to take antibiotics because of the unpleasant symptoms.
Let's discover how to control cystitis symptoms if you become the victim.
What Can I Do If I Have Cystitis?
Try to relieve as much stress as possible if cystitis symptoms are getting you down. Here are ways to help deal with cystitis symptoms:
Painkillers
If you have acute cystitis, painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) can lessen the burning pain when urinating. However, antibiotics are unnecessary if they already help with mild or moderate symptoms.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are fast and super effective in treating uncomplicated cystitis. The pain and burning generally get better within one to three days and then go away completely a short time later. But sometimes antibiotics are not needed at all. They aren't necessary if the symptoms are bearable and no complications occur.
One to three days of treatment is typically enough to cure the symptoms of cystitis in most women. Taking antibiotics for longer doesn't relieve symptoms. However, prolonged use of antibiotics is likely to cause side effects such as vaginal yeast infections, stomach and bowel problems, and skin rashes.
Surgery
Surgery can treat cystitis too. Surgery is generally recommended when the condition is chronic. In some cases, surgeries can also repair structural tissue.
Home Remedies
In addition to the treatment plan your GP may prescribe, consider the following home remedies to prevent cystitis:
- It is best to have an intake of plenty of fluids, at least six to eight glasses of water daily, to flush the bacteria out of the bladder.
- Try to avoid liquids that may irritate your bladder, including:
- Coffee
- Soda
- Citrus juice
- Alcohol
- Unload your bladder frequently as soon as you feel the urge, especially immediately after sex.
- After urinating, women must wipe from front to back to avoid introducing any bacteria into the urethra.
- Keep the genital area clean by gently washing with warm water every day, as well as before sex.
- Prefer contraception that doesn't include a spermicide.
- Try to avoid douching or vaginal deodorants or scented tampons or pads.
- Avoid wearing skintight jeans and underwear that are too tight.
- Use an electric heating blanket or a hot water bottle for your back if you have pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Take a hot bath as it relaxes stress and pelvic muscles and lowers pelvic floor pain.
- Don't use any irritating bath products, as some can cause vaginal irritation.
Watch your diet
If you are suffering from cystitis, it is best to watch what triggers your symptoms in your diet. Certain foods may trigger cystitis, like:
- Spicy foods: peppers, garlic, and spicy sauces
- Caffeine: coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate
- Acidic foods: citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Beverages: beverages with artificial sweeteners, alcohol and carbonated drinks
It is not a must to eliminate everything at once. Stop one thing for a week or two, and then reintroduce it if you didn't notice any changes in your symptoms. Again after a week or two, stop some other food. Use the trial and error method to discover what your triggers are.
Exercise
Gentle exercise can create a world of wonder when a person is stressed. Exercise releases endorphins, which are like nature's painkillers. Try to maintain a moderate activity level. Be cautious not to place pressure on the bladder, as vigorous exercise can backfire and worsen symptoms. Long walks are great.
Consult a physical therapist (PT) with experience in treating pelvic pain. Your PT can massage tight areas and teach you how to relax pelvic muscles. You can then practice those relaxation exercises regularly.
Water aerobics and swimming are terrific because the bladder feels nicely supported when you're in the pool. If you do any water exercise, shower as soon as possible to eliminate chlorine, which can sometimes cause vaginal irritation. Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi are also effective as they stretch out tight pelvic muscles while lowering mental stress at the same time.
Reduce Stress
Research shows that stress causes heightened pain sensitivity. So try to reduce stress, and it will automatically reduce your pain. Indulge in stress reduction activities like meditation, yoga, and massage. A counselling session is another great way to help you deal with bladder pain.
Conclusion
Once you have cystitis, stress can cause a flare. Remember, every flare or burst will settle down and worrying about it only prolongs the discomfort. Uncomplicated cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection and is very common among women. The main symptom is burning pain when urinating. There is, in fact, an increased urge to urinate. These symptoms are usually very unpleasant. However, the symptoms can be treated effectively. Uncomplicated cystitis typically goes away without any trouble.
Many others may opt to take antibiotics because of the unpleasant symptoms. Specific home remedies may also help to cure or prevent cystitis. In addition, long walks and gentle exercise might help you a lot in dealing with cystitis. Try to maintain a moderate activity level. Indulge yourself in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, and massage.
