Preventive measures
YOU may have heard time and again, how important water is for your health. When it comes to preventing urinary tract infections like honeymoon cystitis, nothing could be more accurate.
YOU may have heard time and again, how important water is for your health. When it comes to preventing urinary tract infections like honeymoon cystitis, nothing could be more accurate.
“If you make a habit of drinking plenty of water or other fluids (not coffee or soda) everyday, it helps to keep the urinary system flushed clean of bacteria.
“You could find yourself emptying the bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, lowering the risk of developing bladder infections,†Dr. Dan Kaye, an obstetrician/gynaecologist lecturing at Makerere University’s school of health sciences, advises.
Some doctors also recommend urinating before and after sex to help flush out any bacteria that may enter the urethra during sexual intercourse.
“See a urologist or gynaecologist for further treatment if the infection returns after honeymoon,†Kaye says.
Treatment
Because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys as is common with complicated UTI, Kaye recommends prompt treatment. He says it is vital that one finishes the course of the prescribed medicine.
Kaye says it is not only for people on honeymoon; any sexually active woman, diabetics and the elderly are prone to the infection. The condition could also lead to chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection, complicated UTI and acute renal failure.
Kaye says antibiotics are the initial treatment for bacterial cystitis, plus drinking plenty water.
“They will usually result in the removal of bacteria from the bladder and the cystitis will clear after a week or so.
“Natural remedies and some drugs which counteract the acidity of urine, such as cystopurin (potassium citrate), sodium bicarbonate and baking powder can relieve symptoms, but do not clear up the infection,†he advises.
In addition, common substances that increase acid in the urine, such as ascorbic acid may be recommended to decrease the concentration of bacteria in the urine.
“Abstaining from sex is recommended, but that is an unpopular option, especially for those who are on honeymoon or in a sexual relationship. Many couples on honeymoon suffer silently,†he says.
He further argues that chronic or recurrent UTI should be treated thoroughly because of the chance of kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
“Antibiotics, which control the bacterial infection, may be required for a long period of time. Prophylactic low-dose antibiotics are sometimes recommended after acute symptoms have subsided,†he explains.
Nonetheless, he notes, most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, but disappear without complication after treatment.
Compiled by Irene Nabusoba
“If you make a habit of drinking plenty of water or other fluids (not coffee or soda) everyday, it helps to keep the urinary system flushed clean of bacteria.
“You could find yourself emptying the bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, lowering the risk of developing bladder infections,†Dr. Dan Kaye, an obstetrician/gynaecologist lecturing at Makerere University’s school of health sciences, advises.
Some doctors also recommend urinating before and after sex to help flush out any bacteria that may enter the urethra during sexual intercourse.
“See a urologist or gynaecologist for further treatment if the infection returns after honeymoon,†Kaye says.
Treatment
Because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys as is common with complicated UTI, Kaye recommends prompt treatment. He says it is vital that one finishes the course of the prescribed medicine.
Kaye says it is not only for people on honeymoon; any sexually active woman, diabetics and the elderly are prone to the infection. The condition could also lead to chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection, complicated UTI and acute renal failure.
Kaye says antibiotics are the initial treatment for bacterial cystitis, plus drinking plenty water.
“They will usually result in the removal of bacteria from the bladder and the cystitis will clear after a week or so.
“Natural remedies and some drugs which counteract the acidity of urine, such as cystopurin (potassium citrate), sodium bicarbonate and baking powder can relieve symptoms, but do not clear up the infection,†he advises.
In addition, common substances that increase acid in the urine, such as ascorbic acid may be recommended to decrease the concentration of bacteria in the urine.
“Abstaining from sex is recommended, but that is an unpopular option, especially for those who are on honeymoon or in a sexual relationship. Many couples on honeymoon suffer silently,†he says.
He further argues that chronic or recurrent UTI should be treated thoroughly because of the chance of kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
“Antibiotics, which control the bacterial infection, may be required for a long period of time. Prophylactic low-dose antibiotics are sometimes recommended after acute symptoms have subsided,†he explains.
Nonetheless, he notes, most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, but disappear without complication after treatment.
Compiled by Irene Nabusoba