Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. It is important to note that the information here is meant to help educate readers on a topic of interest, but in no way is it meant to replace the need for patients to visit a healthcare professional or get a proper diagnosis before beginning any treatment program. Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, and is a protective response involving immune cells. When inflammation occurs in any tissue, chemicals from the body’s white blood cells are released into the blood. This release of chemicals increases the blood flow to the area of injury or infection. What causes cystitis? While a urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur anywhere in the GU tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, cystitis takes place in the bladder specifically. The urinary tract is where the body filters fluids. The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra are all connected and work together in removing waste from your body. Kidneys filter waste from blood and regulate the concentrations of many substances. Tubes called ureters carry urine from kidneys to the bladder, where it’s stored until it exits your body through the urethra.

Cystitis and sexual activity Some people may be hypersensitive to chemicals contained in certain products, such as bubble bath, bath salts, douches, feminine hygiene sprays, spermicidal jellies, and latex condoms. Certain products used for vaginal or anal pleasure (such as vibrators) may also cause bladder infections either from the materials used in making of the product themselves or in the improper cleansing of the product by the consumer before or after use. Both women and men may develop an allergic-type reaction within the body causing cystitis. Sexual intercourse can result in harmful bacteria (your own or your partner’s bacteria) being pushed into the urethra. This happens so often for people having sex for the first time or after a period of not having sex that it has a name: honeymoon cystitis. Honeymoon cystitis remains more common among young women in their twenties, although women of all ages have reported that they suffer from the problem. The risk of honeymoon cystitis increases if someone starts having sex again after not having done so for a long period of time. Condoms may help but are not a guarantee of protection against honeymoon cystitis, especially if sexual activity includes direct skin-to-skin stimulation before penetration.

Your healthcare provider will take into account your medical history and any symptoms you report that relate to cystitis. Your physician will look for symptoms that are consistent with excessive exposure to anything that could contribute to infection or irritation that may result in cystitis. This could be anything from drinking too much soda or coffee, to exposure to toxic chemicals on the job, to having unprotected sex with multiple partners. Certain lab tests are often used to measure the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in the body. These tests may include a blood or urine analysis that will directly relate to your risk of developing cystitis. You may have blood cells, WBC, or casts in your urine that can suggest an infection. If these elements remain after treatment (usually antibiotics), your doctor may recommend that you have more tests or visit a medical specialist to determine the cause. Visible blood in the urine is rare but this symptom is more common with chemotherapy or radiation treatment patients. Preventing cystitis According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking enough water is critical for the entire human body to function properly. This is especially important for the bladder, kidneys, and all tissues related to the elimination system.