The best thing you can do to prevent cystitis is to stay hydrated. If your urine is straw coloured, you're hydrated enough. Dark coloured urine is a sign you need to drink more. Remember to drink between six to eight glasses of water a day, or more if it’s hot or you’ve been working out.
What not to drink
If you’re prone to cystitis it’s best to avoid drinks that are known to irritate your bladder, including caffeinated, fizzy or alcoholic beverages. Remember, everyone is different so you might find there’s a particular food or drink that triggers your cystitis. You might want to think about keeping a food and drink diary to help you identify any dietary triggers.
Proper washing habits
Good hygiene helps to prevent bacteria from travelling up the urethra and into the bladder, which can help prevent cystitis.
- Change your tampons or pads frequently
- Wash your vagina with warm water and gentle products e.g. Canesfresh Gentle Refreshing Mousse
- Ensure you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet
Sex and cystitis
If you’re having sex, follow these precautions to help prevent cystitis from recurring:
- Empty your bladder fully after sex
- Avoid having sex until your cystitis clears up
- Consider changing contraceptives if you use a diaphragm