Cystitis is a fairly common condition, when the bladder becomes inflamed. This is generally caused by a bladder infection. While most cases are mild, cystitis can lead to more serious kidney infections if left untreated. Signs of cystitis include:

• Pain when passing urine
• Needing to pee more often
• Dark or cloudy urine
• Pain low in the stomach
• Feeling achy or generally unwell.

It is thought that cystitis is caused when bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel or on the skin are able to travel through the urethra. In most cases, it isn’t clear how this happens.

Treating cystitis

If you have mild cystitis, there are a few things you can do to relieve your symptoms. These include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Peeing frequently
• Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Avoiding sex
• Having a hot water bottle on your stomach
• Gentle washing around your genitals with a mild soap
• Wiping from front to back when you go to the toilet

Some people believe that cranberry juice also helps, although there is little clinical evidence of this. If symptoms haven’t eased after trying these tips, you may need a more powerful cystitis remedy.

Cystitis products

There is a range of products designed to relieve the symptoms of cystitis. These sachets are designed to reduce the acidity of urine. This can relieve the pain and discomfort of cystitis, allowing your body to combat the infection.

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