The Condition of Cystitis in Women and Men

Each week, millions of people suffer from cystitis. I am one, and I'm sure many of those who will read this do, too. Not too long ago, I overheard a lady talked to her companion about her having cystitis and how she's worried of having a cyst somewhere because of this. Of course, she was wrong; because the "cyst-" in cystitis refers to the bladder which is a kind of sac, rather than to the cyst per se which literally translates to "sac." Hence, cystitis refers to the inflammation of the bladder (as "-itis" means "inflammation").

In women, cystitis (more commonly referred to as urinary tract infection or UTI) often become manifest in about a couple of days after sexual intercourse, or, putting it in another way, when women begin to have sexual intercourse on a regular basis. This is the reason why this particular condition is sometimes referred to as honeymoon cystitis. In this case, the bladder may have been infected by bacteria which have traveled up the urethra.

In men, cystitis may turn out as a result of an infected kidney or an inflamed prostate. When a residual amount of urine stays in the bladder at all times due to any partial obstruction to the flow of urine, bladder infection is most certain to develop.

The symptoms of cystitis, whether in women or in men, show a connection mostly with the functions of the bladder. These include a desire to void at frequent intervals, a strong urge to empty the bladder, and a burning sensation during urination. If the symptom is fever, the likely cause is the inflammation of either the kidney or prostate, rather than of the bladder itself.

Cystitis should be treated immediately whatever the cause. In some cases, the infection which has remained untreated caused scarring to the bladder. What's good to know is that inflammation of the bladder responds easily to treatment. Proven effective in clearing up bladder infections are sulfa drugs (antimicrobial drugs). Doctors also recommend hot fomentations over the lower portion of the abdomen, given thrice a day, to help provide comfort to the patient. Likewise helpful is the patient's drinking of at least ten glasses of water a day.

If the aggravating cause of cystitis is a stricture of the urethra or an enlarged prostate - factors that obstruct the outflow of urine - this must be remedied at once. If your particular condition abates but recurs repeatedly (like mine used to), there must be some underlying cause which should be corrected. See your doctor immediately. [Read the Original Article]