What are the most effective ways to relieve UTI pain at night? Here are some medical and home remedies that can help you find fast relief and get a good night’s sleep.

Understanding UTI Symptoms and Nighttime Discomfort

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause a wide range of disruptive symptoms, including a persistent urge to urinate, burning or pain during urination, and a heavy, achy feeling in the lower abdomen. These symptoms can be particularly problematic at night, when you’re trying to rest and recover.

The frequent need to urinate, combined with the discomfort of doing so, can make it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep. The pain and pressure in the lower abdomen may also worsen when you lie down, further disrupting your sleep. Understanding the causes of nighttime UTI discomfort is the first step in finding effective relief.

Medical Treatments for Nighttime UTI Pain

If you’re experiencing a UTI, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat the underlying infection. Antibiotics are the primary medical treatment for UTIs and are essential for clearing the infection and preventing it from spreading to the kidneys.

In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may also recommend taking a pain reliever, such as phenazopyridine (the active ingredient in AZO Urinary Pain Relief), to provide more immediate relief from the burning, urgency, and discomfort associated with a UTI. These medications can be especially helpful for managing nighttime symptoms.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking any medication for a UTI. Be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms begin to improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Home Remedies for Nighttime UTI Relief

In addition to medical treatments, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate nighttime UTI discomfort:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for flushing out bacteria and keeping your urinary tract healthy. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day, and consider drinking a full glass before bedtime to help minimize nighttime urination.

Apply Warm Compresses

Placing a warm compress or heating pad on your lower abdomen can help reduce bladder spasms and relieve pain. This can be especially soothing before bed.

Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing

Tight, restrictive clothing can irritate the urethra and worsen UTI symptoms. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to minimize discomfort.

Avoid Bladder Irritants

Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic fruits, can further irritate the bladder and exacerbate UTI symptoms. Steer clear of these potential triggers, especially in the evening.

Try Cranberry Juice

While the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of cranberry juice for treating UTIs is mixed, some studies suggest it may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract. Drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice during the day may provide some relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your UTI symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience any concerning symptoms like fever, chills, or back pain, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Ignoring a UTI can lead to a more serious kidney infection, so it’s crucial to get prompt medical treatment.

Remember, the key to managing nighttime UTI discomfort is a combination of medical treatments and home remedies. By taking a proactive approach and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can find the relief you need to get a good night’s sleep and promote healing.

Conclusion

Dealing with a UTI can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially at night when you’re trying to rest. But by understanding the causes of nighttime UTI discomfort and implementing a combination of medical treatments and home remedies, you can find the relief you need to get a good night’s sleep and promote healing.

Remember, if your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. With the right approach, you can get your UTI under control and get back to feeling your best.

Home Remedies for Fast UTI Relief

Table of Contents

• Ways to relieve UTI discomfort at home
  • Try heat
  • Boost your water intake
  • Take an OTC medication
  • Put on your comfy clothes
  • Sip some cranberry juice
  • Steer clear of bladder irritants
• Combine home remedies with medical care
• Forward improves UTI treatment

The urge to go to the bathroom, pain during urination, and lower abdominal pressure and pain associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, enjoy favorite activities and rest comfortably at night. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get UTI relief through home remedies while your body fights the infection.

Ways to relieve UTI discomfort at home

To ease symptoms of UTI and promote healing:

Try heat

Apply warm compresses, a hot water bottle or heating pad to your pelvis. Heat increases blood flow to reduce cramping and pressure.

Boost your water intake

Drinking six to eight, 8-oz. glasses of water every day supports urine production. Each time you urinate, your body flushes bacteria out of your urinary tract to help clear up an infection.

Take an OTC medication

Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is a pain reliever for the urinary tract and can be purchased over the counter in generic form or as the brand name drug AZO. This medication temporarily relieves urinary urgency, pain, and pressure associated with UTIs. However, it doesn’t treat the underlying infection.

Put on your comfy clothes

Tight, restrictive clothing may rub against your urethra and worsen the irritation that occurs during a UTI. Opt for loose-fitting clothes and breathable cotton underwear until your symptoms resolve.

Sip some cranberry juice

Studies into the effectiveness of cranberry juice for UTI treatment have produced mixed results. However, anecdotal evidence and some small studies indicate that cranberry juice may aid in healing by making it difficult for bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract. If you wish to try this traditional folk remedy, choose a juice that lists cranberries as its first ingredient and is free of artificial sweeteners and added sugar.

Steer clear of bladder irritants

Some foods and drinks can trigger bladder inflammation and intensify urinary tract infections. While your body heals, cut down on or avoid:

• Caffeine, including coffee, tea and chocolate
• Carbonated beverages
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods like fruits and vinegar
• Refined sugar

Combine home remedies with medical care

All of the above home remedies may ease symptoms of a UTI. However, none of them are likely to cure a urinary tract infection. While it is not possible for the immune system to fight off the bacteria that causes UTIs on its own, antibiotics are usually necessary to aid in the process. You can combine home remedies for UTI relief with the medication your primary care provider prescribes to both treat the infection and minimize your discomfort.

If you decide to let your immune system fight the infection on its own, keep close tabs on your condition. Specifically, see your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• High fever
• Pain in your side
• Pain in your lower back
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The above symptoms could indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection requires prompt medical care, since it can permanently damage the organs or move into the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal infection.

Even without kidney infection symptoms, you should see your doctor if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after two or three days
• You have had three or more UTIs in the last 12 months
• You’re pregnant
• You’re diabetic
• You have a medical condition or take a medication that suppresses your immune system

Forward improves UTI treatment

As your primary care provider, Forward delivers one-to-one, personalized care for UTIs. You can schedule an appointment in seconds and see a doctor virtually or in person. Prescriptions come right to your door for added convenience, and we recommend the best home remedies for UTIs to keep you comfortable while you recover. 

No long waits. One flat fee. No copays — ever.

Fed up with a soul-sucking healthcare system? Same. With unlimited visits, personalized insights and real, actionable results, find out what it’s like to actually enjoy seeing your doctor.

Am I a Candidate?

How to Relieve UTI Pain at Night: Medical and Home Remedies

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

You may be able to relieve UTI pain by taking prescribed medications and using home remedies, including a heating pad.

A UTI is a urinary tract infection. It can be an infection in any part of your urinary system, including your bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters.

Some of the common symptoms that can make it difficult to sleep at night include:

• pelvic discomfort
• persistent urge to urinate
• burning sensation when urinating
• frequent urination of small amounts

Keep reading to learn about medical treatments and home remedies you can use to relieve nighttime UTI symptoms.

A UTI is an infection of any location along the urinary tract, but when most people say UTI, they’re usually referring to a bladder infection. UTIs are more common in folks assigned female at birth, because of the setup of anatomy.

S. Adam Ramin, MD, urologist and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, explained that the “bladder and its tubing, the urethra, sit directly along the length of the vagina. Urine exits the body through this very short tube, and the opening of the urethra is a tiny hole right above the entrance into the vagina.”

This positioning makes it super easy for bacteria to travel along the urinary tract.

During vaginal intercourse, bacteria from the vagina and rectum can easily move into the urethra and the bladder, causing a urinary tract infection, Ramin added.

Hormonal change is another cause of UTIs, though it’s less common. Karyn Eilber, MD, a board certified urologist and an associate professor of urology & OB-GYN at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, said some people experience UTIs at certain times of the month.

“Cyclical hormone changes related to the menstrual cycle can influence the vaginal pH. The vaginal pH is acidic which is conducive to the ‘good’ bacteria,” Eilber said. “At certain times of the month (or because of perimenopause or menopause), the pH can become less acidic so that there is an imbalance in a woman’s microbiome and she can be more prone to UTIs. ”

For most healthy, hydrated people, peeing should be pain-free and urine output should be nearly odorless, or in some cases should only have a slight scent of ammonia to it. If that’s not the case, an infection might be present. Here are a few common signs of a UTI to look out for:

Urgent and frequent urination

A UTI can cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder lining, making it more sensitive. This results in more urinary urgency and frequency of urination. You might also notice that despite having an urgent need to pee, the output is minimal or nonexistent.

Burning or pain while peeing

Dysuria, or burning with urination, is also a common symptom. Pain due to a UTI usually occurs with urination, but pain or burning not related to urination may be indicative of a vaginal infection or something else, Eilber said.

Smelly or cloudy urine

Ramin said that sometimes, one of the early signs of an impending UTI is a distinctly unusual smell or cloudy appearance of your urine. If you suddenly notice a foul or otherwise unusual smell to it, this may indicate a urinary tract infection or urinary stones, especially if the smell is also accompanied by a cloudy appearance.

Loss of control

You may also find you have less control over your bladder during a UTI episode. UTIs that have reached the kidneys can include the symptoms mentioned above and are frequently accompanied by back pain and fever.

To help your recovery, you need to rest. But it can be difficult to sleep with some of the uncomfortable symptoms that may accompany a UTI.

Here are some things you can do at home to help you sleep comfortably:

• Drink plenty of water during the day to help flush out bacteria.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks that contain caffeine or citrus juice. These tend to irritate your bladder and aggravate the urgency and frequency of your need to urinate.
• Avoid drinking a lot of fluids before bed.
• Use an incontinence pad or wear incontinence pants. These can lessen the concern of urinating in your sleep or give you the option of not getting out of bed to urinate.
• Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to warm your abdomen to minimize bladder discomfort or pressure.
• Completely empty your bladder before bed.
• Take your antibiotics as instructed by your doctor.

If your doctor hasn’t prescribed pain medication and you feel it would help you sleep, ask them for a recommendation for either OTC or prescription pain medications.

The first step to relieving UTI discomfort at night is to see your doctor about knocking out the infection.

Stopping the infection

Based on your current health and the type of bacteria in your urine, your doctor might recommend antibiotic medication for a simple UTI, such as:

• ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
• cephalexin (Keflex)
• fosfomycin (Monurol)
• nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)
• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

If you have a complicated UTI or kidney infection, your doctor may prescribe a type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin (Levaquin) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, you should receive the shortest treatment course possible. Effective treatment typically takes no more than 7 days.

There are also other medications available for treatment that are not antibiotic-based.

Relieving the pain

Within a few days of starting the antibiotic, you should notice a relief in discomfort, but your doctor may also suggest an analgesic (pain medication).

Antibiotics aren’t the only option and there are other prescription medications available to treat UTIs.

Many UTI analgesics include phenazopyridine for relief from the pain, itching, burning, and urinary urgency. It’s available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms.

Over-the-counter UTI medication

When it comes to treating UTIs with OTC options, you may want to skip it. Bladder infections are usually easy to treat with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor and plenty of fluids. But if you’re looking for pain relief, Ramin recommends AZO.

“AZO is an effective OTC and one of the best over-the-counter bladder analgesics we have available to ease urinary pain. If taken in small doses, this is safe. Overdosing on AZO should always be avoided,” he said. “You can use AZO with or without antibiotics, but typically I recommend using it for 3 days.”

Experts also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, unsweetened cranberry juice, and taking probiotics. Just because there are OTC options to relieve UTI discomfort, you shouldn’t overlook the actual infection. In fact, Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, double board certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, doesn’t recommend taking the OTC route at all.

“I don’t recommend over-the-counter medications for urinary tract infections,” she said. “Untreated [or not properly treated], a common bladder infection can spread to the kidneys and potentially the entire body, resulting in pyelonephritis and urosepsis.”

Those who are pregnant are particularly susceptible to this, as bladder infections can be further progressive in nature.

According to Eilber, UTI pain and other symptoms aren’t worse at night. They are just more bothersome because people aren’t as distracted by their daily activities and the symptoms of frequency and urgency are forcing you to get out of bed.

UTI discomfort may also seem worse because you’re not emptying your bladder as much as you would during the day. The pressure from collecting urine then creates discomfort against the inflamed walls of your infected bladder.

To reduce your risk of getting a UTI, there are specific lifestyle steps you can take, including:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Drink cranberry juice.
• Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movements.
• Empty your bladder before and after sexual activity.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Avoid potentially irritating products, such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders, in the genital area.
• Change tampons regularly.
• Switch your birth control method. Condoms and diaphragms can contribute to bacterial growth.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and clothing.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it’s best to see your doctor as soon as possible. For those who are pregnant, a UTI can be dangerous for both mother and child.

Your doctor will perform the necessary tests, like a urine culture, to figure out the primary bacteria responsible for your infection. They’ll then prescribe medication that is targeted for your specific needs.

Again, this isn’t something you want to ignore for too long because your UTI could get a lot worse. Ramin said, in rare cases, the bacteria could make its way to your kidneys, which makes the UTI more difficult to treat.

“In more serious cases of urinary tract infection, antibiotics may need to be administered intravenously and then followed by a course of oral antibiotics for several days to weeks,” he said.

UTI supplement options

Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

Was this helpful?

How do you get rid of a UTI?

While it’s possible for some UTIs to clear up on their own, the best way to get rid of a UTI is by seeing your doctor.

How long do UTIs last?

According to Jordan Gitlin, MD, chief of pediatric urology at NYU Langone Hospital, a very minor infection will need treatment for about 5 to 7 days. For a more severe infection that goes up to the kidney or requires hospitalization, treatment lasts 10 to 14 days.

Why is UTI pain worse at night?

The pain and discomfort associated with UTIs aren’t worse at night, you’re just more aware of them. This is because you’re not distracted by your daily tasks and because you’re not emptying your bladder as much as you would during the day.

How should I sleep with UTI pain at night?

Here are some things you can do to help you sleep more comfortably at night, if you have UTI pain:

• Make sure you empty your bladder completely before going to bed.
• You may consider setting alarms during the night so you wake up and use the bathroom.
• Use an incontinence pad or wear incontinence pants. These can lessen the concern of urinating in your sleep or give you the option of not getting out of bed to urinate.
• Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to warm your abdomen to minimize bladder discomfort or pressure.

Some of the uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI can interfere with sleep.

Once your doctor has diagnosed and recommended treatment for your UTI, talk with them about steps you can take to make sleeping easier. They can recommend prescription or OTC pain medications. You can also try heating pads and hot water bottles.

Once you’ve recovered from your UTI, some ways you can avoid another one are to stay hydrated, take showers instead of baths, and wear cotton underwear.

symptoms, treatment, prevention discussed with an obstetrician-gynecologist

The weekend was great. You went camping with headscarves, or went to the beach, where you swam a lot, and then sat in a cold wet swimsuit, or went to a picnic, where everything was fine, except that on cool evenings you sat on the cold ground for too long

The weekend went great. You went camping with headscarves, or went to the beach, where you swam a lot, and then sat in a cold wet swimsuit, or went to a picnic, where everything was fine, except that on cool evenings you sat on the cold ground for too long … And now as a result, do you feel a sharp pain when urinating, a feeling of impossibility to go to the toilet, do you have to squeeze out the liquid literally drop by drop? As sad as it is, most likely you have cystitis.

Our consultant: obstetrician-gynecologist EUROMED Clinics Alina Vladimirovna CHAPLOUTSKAYA.

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. This term is often used to refer to a urinary infection associated with inflammation of the bladder mucosa and impaired function.

The appearance of cystitis can be provoked by trauma to the mucous membrane of the bladder, problems with urination, diseases of the bladder and nearby organs (prostate, urethra, genital organs), intestinal bacteria, blood stasis in the veins of the pelvis, hormonal disorders, beriberi, hypothermia, etc.

Women are more likely to suffer from cystitis than men – approximately 20 to 40% of the female population has experienced this disease.

Cystitis is primary and secondary, acute and chronic, infectious and non-infectious. Symptoms of cystitis depend on its type.

Symptoms

Acute cystitis is characterized by frequent urination , accompanied by “cutting” pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), discomfort in the lower abdomen, aggravated by urination, cloudy urine, fever, general malaise.

Chronic cystitis may have little or no symptoms. The only thing to notice is the increased urge to urinate.

Acute cystitis is diagnosed according to the clinical picture – pronounced symptoms make it easy to identify this disease. Chronic cystitis is determined by characteristic symptoms, urinalysis results, bacteriological studies, cystoscopy, functional studies of the lower urinary tract.

Treatment

Do not delay in contacting a doctor! Only a doctor will be able to assess your condition and prescribe an effective treatment, thanks to which you will forget about discomfort very quickly. With cystitis, antibiotics are usually prescribed, as well as drugs that relieve spasm of the muscles of the bladder, which reduces pain.

In acute cystitis, patients are recommended a special diet with a low calcium content and plenty of fluids, including herbal infusions that have a diuretic effect. But it is better to refuse tea, coffee and alcohol for the period of treatment. To reduce pain, you can use heating pads, take warm baths.

Prevention of cystitis

• Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid per day.
• Do not hold back urination, empty your bladder regularly. Stagnant urine is a great breeding ground for bacteria.
• Hygiene is important – wash at least once a day, while the direction of movement of the sponge should be from front to back – to avoid bacteria from entering the anus into the vagina. Toilet paper should be used in the same way.
• Choose safe sex.
• Urinate after intercourse. So you wash away the bacteria that got into the urethra during the act.
• Underwear should be made of natural fabrics, you should not wear synthetic panties on a regular basis, and especially thongs, no matter how beautiful they may be.
• Avoid hypothermia: do not sit on cold surfaces, immediately take off your wet swimsuit and put on dry underwear, etc.

Services

Nephrologist’s consultation

Urologist’s consultation

Therapist’s consultation

Pediatric urologist

Treatment of cystitis

Author of the article

Chaploutskaya Alina Vladimirovna
Head of outpatient gynecology and obstetrics service, obstetrician-gynecologist, specialist in aesthetic and reconstructive gynecology

symptoms, causes and treatment. Which doctor should I contact?

Contents

• 1 Cystitis: causes, symptoms and treatments. Which doctor should I contact?
  • 1.1 Characteristics of cystitis and manifestations of the disease
  • 1.2 What are the causes of cystitis?
  • 1.3 Diagnosis of cystitis
  • 1.4 How to treat cystitis?
  • 1.5 Treating cystitis at home
  • 1.6 What medicines help with cystitis?
  • 1.7 The role of proper nutrition in cystitis
  • 1.8 Factors that worsen the course of cystitis
  • 1.9 What treatment does a urologist prescribe for cystitis?
  • 1.10 When should I see a gynecologist and not a urologist?
  • 1.11 What preventive measures can help to avoid cystitis?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What are the symptoms of cystitis?
      • 1.13.0.2 What can cause cystitis?
      • 1.13.0.3 How to relieve the symptoms of cystitis at home?
      • 1.13.0.4 What diagnosis should be made if cystitis is suspected?
      • 1.13.0.5 Which doctor should I contact for cystitis?
      • 1. 13.0.6 What drugs are prescribed for cystitis?

Cystitis is a disease of the urinary system, characterized by acute pain during urination, frequent desire to go to the toilet and other symptoms. In the article you will learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and which doctor you should contact if you suspect cystitis.

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which is manifested by pain when urinating, unpleasant pain in the lower abdomen and the need for frequent visits to the toilet. This ailment is becoming an increasingly common problem among many people. According to studies, cystitis affects more than 50% of women during their lifetime. In men, this disease develops less frequently, but can also cause many problems.

The basis of the development of cystitis are infections that enter the bladder through the urethra. Although there are many causes, the infections that cause cystitis are often the result of poor personal hygiene practices. However, sometimes people who become ill do not have an infection, which indicates the presence of other possible causes of the development of the disease.

There are several treatments for cystitis that aim to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent re-infection. Some methods include lifestyle changes, cleaning systems, or even surgery. Therefore, when symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Which specialist will take care of your treatment depends on many factors, such as gender, age and health status. But in most cases, for the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, you need to contact a urologist or gynecologist.

Characteristics of cystitis and manifestations of the disease

Cystitis is a disease of the urinary tract, which is manifested by inflammation of the complex system of urinary organs. First of all, women suffer from this disease, because their bladder is closer to the vagina and anus, which contributes to the rapid penetration of bacteria.

The causes of the disease are: violation of the hygiene of the intimate area, weakened immunity, colds, drinking alcohol, spicy, salty, fatty foods. For diabetics, the use of steroids, catheterization of the bladder and other scrotal organs can also increase the likelihood of cystitis.

• inflammatory process in the bladder;
• painful urination;
• frequent need to urinate;
• occurrence of bloody discharge during urination;
• pain in the subleft pancreas;
• increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees and above.

What are the causes of cystitis?

Cystitis is an infection of the urinary system that causes the bladder to become inflamed. The main cause of cystitis is bacteria entering the bladder through the genitourinary system. Women are more likely to get cystitis because they have a shorter ureter, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Also, the risk of the disease increases in people who have a lowered immune system, experience stress, lack of sleep, or long-term use of certain medications.

If you have a frequently bothersome urinary tract infection or a recent case of cystitis, be sure to see your doctor. The doctor can refer you for an examination and identify all the causes of discomfort and pain in the urinary system.

Diagnosis of cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammatory process in the bladder, which is manifested by various symptoms. For accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, some diagnostic procedures are required.

1. Urinalysis – allows you to determine the presence of inflammation, the degree of its development, the presence of protein and erythrocytes in the urine.
2. Bacteriological examination of urine – allows you to detect the causative agent of the disease and determine the sensitivity to various antibiotics.
3. Ultrasound of the bladder – allows you to see changes in the walls of the bladder, tumors and stones, as well as to exclude various pathologies.
4. Cystoscopy – a method of imaging the bladder, which allows you to detect changes in the internal walls of the bladder, tumors, stones and other diseases.

After carrying out all the necessary diagnostic measures, the degree of development of the disease is determined and appropriate treatment methods are prescribed. It is important to know that cystitis is not an independent disease, but only a symptom of some other pathologies.

How to treat cystitis?

Cystitis can be treated in various ways, depending on the cause of the disease. In many cases, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection that caused the cystitis. It is also recommended to increase fluid intake to flush out bacteria from the bladder.

It is important to maintain genital hygiene and avoid swimming in pools and hot tubs during cystitis treatment. Some patients also find relief from applying warm compresses to the lower abdomen or warm baths laced with herbal preparations.

• Antibiotics for cystitis:
• Cephalosporins (ceftriaxone): they are effective against most types of bacteria;
• Penicillins (amoxicillin, amoxiclav): prescribed for cystitis caused by Streptococcus faecalis or E. coli;
• Macrolides (azithromycin): used for pathogens resistant to penicillin;
• Quinolones (ciprofloxacin): drugs of this group are bactericidal and effective in various types of urinary tract infections.

Treatment of cystitis at home

In some cases, cystitis can be treated at home. However, before starting treatment, you should definitely consult a doctor and get recommendations on treatment and medications taken.

To reduce the pain of cystitis, you can use warm compresses on the lower abdomen or use a heating pad. It is also helpful to increase your fluid intake, especially water, and go to the toilet more often.

It is important to remember that home treatment of cystitis is not a guarantee of its complete cure. If the symptoms of the disease do not disappear or worsen, you should consult a doctor and get professional help.

What medicines help with cystitis?

Cystitis is a disease of the urinary system, which is accompanied by inflammation of the bladder. For its treatment, drugs are often prescribed to fight the infection and relieve the symptoms of the disease.

The following groups of drugs are used to treat cystitis:

• Antibiotics . They help destroy the bacteria that cause cystitis. The purpose of a particular drug depends on the causative agent of the disease, its sensitivity to antibiotics and the patient’s condition. Among the most commonly prescribed drugs are fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporins.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs . These medications help reduce inflammation and reduce the pain of cystitis. The purpose of the drug depends on the symptoms and condition of the patient. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen are often used.
• Anti-symptoms . They help reduce urinary discomfort and pain. Analgesics are often prescribed, such as paracetamol, trimedat, etc.
• Immunity enhancing drugs . They help the body to better cope with the infection. Often used are vitamins C and B-complex, as well as preparations based on echinacea.

All medicines should be prescribed by a physician based on a careful analysis of symptoms, history and examinations. Self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences.

The role of proper nutrition in cystitis

Cystitis is a disease of the urinary system, accompanied by inflammation of the bladder. The main symptoms of the disease are pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, possibly blood in the urine. In addition to drug therapy, you need to monitor your diet, which plays an important role in the recovery process of the body.

If you have cystitis, you need to drink more fluids to help flush out bacteria from your bladder and prevent stones from forming. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day, preferably water or non-carbonated drinks.

The cystitis diet should consist of easily digestible foods low in fat and protein. Eating more fruits and vegetables is recommended as they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the urinary system. It is important to cut down on spicy and fatty foods that can aggravate the symptoms of cystitis.

Some foods may increase urinary irritation and should be avoided or reduced. These foods include: alcohol, coffee, tea, spices, chocolate, and citrus fruits. You should also avoid foods that can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, proper nutrition for cystitis is an equally important factor in the treatment, which helps to harmonize all processes in the body and reduces pain symptoms.

Factors that worsen the course of cystitis

Delayed treatment

The main reason for the worsening of the course of cystitis is untimely access to a doctor and lack of treatment. Pain during urination may increase, there will be severe pain in the abdomen and lower back, as well as an increase in body temperature.

Drinking disorders

When you have cystitis, it is very important to eat right and drink enough fluids. If you drink less than you need, the urinary system will not be able to remove bacteria from the body, which will worsen the condition.

Stress and sleep disorders

Stress and lack of sleep can negatively affect the immune system and increase symptoms of cystitis. It is necessary to try to avoid stressful situations and monitor sleep patterns.

Incorrect treatment

Incorrect treatment (for example, self-medication with antibiotics without a doctor’s recommendation) can only aggravate the condition. It is necessary to follow the recommendations of the specialized doctor and take the prescribed drugs in accordance with the recommended dosage.

What treatment does the urologist prescribe for cystitis?

Cystitis is a disease of the urinary system that requires complex treatment and obligatory supervision by a urologist. For cystitis, the urologist may prescribe the following measures:

• Antibiotics . It is the main drug in the treatment of cystitis, which is mainly used to reduce pain and inflammation. It is important that the drug is prescribed only by a urologist, since self-treatment can lead to complications.
• Drinks . It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids to speed up the elimination of harmful substances.
• Pain relievers . The urologist may prescribe medications that will reduce pain during urination.
• Prophylaxis . After the cystitis is cured, the urologist may suggest taking prophylactic medications. In addition, the urologist may advise you to change your lifestyle, lead a healthy lifestyle and adhere to proper sexual behavior.

It is important to understand that self-treatment in the case of cystitis can lead to severe complications that will be much more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is imperative to contact a urologist for the appointment of competent treatment.

When should I see a gynecologist and not a urologist?

Signs of urinary tract infection, including cystitis, may be similar to those of gynecological disorders. Therefore, if a woman experiences burning or pain when urinating, but the urologist has not found an infection or cannot explain the symptoms, then you may need to contact a gynecologist.

In women, cystitis is most often caused by infection from the perineum, so if the symptoms are accompanied by itching and vaginal discharge, then most likely a visit to a gynecologist is necessary.

If the woman is pregnant, it is worth paying attention to changes in urination, as cystitis in pregnant women can lead to more serious consequences. In this case, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.

General recommendation: if the symptoms do not disappear after treatment of cystitis by a urologist or are similar to those of gynecological diseases, a gynecologist should be consulted.

What preventive measures can help to avoid cystitis?

Drink plenty of fluids. This will help reduce the concentration of bacteria in the urine and facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body.

Maintain genital hygiene. The cavity between the labia and anus should be washed daily to prevent bacteria from entering it.

Avoid prolonged sitting posture. Regular movement and warm-up will help to avoid stagnation of urine in the bladder, which can lead to infection.

Choose the right laundry. Well-ventilated cotton underpants will help prevent the growth of bacteria in the genital area.

Watch your diet. Inclusion in the diet of fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants will strengthen the immune system and help fight germs.

Pass urine at the first request. Don’t put off going to the bathroom, as holding on to urine encourages bacteria to grow in your bladder.

Seek medical attention at first symptoms. You should never self-medicate, as improper therapy can only aggravate the disease.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

Among the main symptoms of cystitis are pain when urinating, severe burning and itching in the genital area, fever, frequent urination, as well as changes in the color and smell of urine.

What can cause cystitis?

Cystitis can occur for a number of reasons, such as infections, poor diet, alcohol or smoking abuse, hormonal imbalances, stress, and other factors that impair the body’s immunity.

How to relieve the symptoms of cystitis at home?

To relieve the symptoms of cystitis, you can drink plenty of water to speed up the removal of germs from the bladder.