Thrush: what else can you do?
The NHS recommends the following to ease discomfort and prevent thrush returning:
• Use water and an emollient product to wash your vagina or penis instead of soap or shower gel (ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable product)
• Take showers instead of baths • Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight underwear or tights
• Avoid sex until the infection has cleared up • Don’t use douches or deodorants on your vagina or penis
Symptoms in children can include pain during urination, weakness, vomiting and irritability.
What causes it? Experts don’t know exactly why it happens, but most cases of cystitis are thought to be caused by bacteria getting into the bladder through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Some things are thought to make this more likely to happen, including:
• Sex • Using a diaphragm as contraception • Toilet hygiene (wiping your bottom from back to front) • Pregnancy • Diabetes • A weakened immune system • Having a urinary catheter • Age (those younger than one year or older than 75 are thought to be more susceptible)
How can your pharmacist help? Mild cases of cystitis often get better by themselves within a few days. However, your pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain. Other things they may recommend include drinking plenty of water and holding a hot water bottle against your stomach or between your thighs. If, however, your symptoms don’t start to improve or you get episodes of cystitis on a regular basis, see your GP as you may need a
What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis has symptoms similar to cystitis, but the cause isn’t a bacterial infection. According to the NHS, this poorly- understood condition mostly affects middle-aged women. Symptoms include long-term, frequent or intense pelvic pain,
needing to urinate frequently and having sudden strong urges to go to the toilet. So if you have persistent pelvic pain or you notice a change in your usual pattern of urination, see your GP for advice. Interstitial cystitis can have a significant impact on your life.
However your GP can recommend medicines that may be helpful. Lifestyle changes may also help improve your symptoms, including avoiding stress, giving up smoking, drinking less before going to bed and taking regular planned toilet breaks to stop your bladder becoming too full.
All About health 23
course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Men, pregnant women and children who are having the symptoms of cystitis should also see their GP, as should anyone having severe symptoms. Meanwhile, if you want to prevent cystitis
coming back there are some things you can do – though according to the NHS it’s not clear how effective most of these measures are:
• Avoid using perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals
• Have showers instead of baths • Wear cotton underwear instead of clothes made from synthetic materials
• Avoid wearing tight jeans and trousers • Empty your bladder as soon as possible after having sex
• Empty your bladder as soon as you need to, always emptying it fully
Find your nearest Careway pharmacy at
www.careway.co.uk/find-a-pharmacy
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