Cystitis is a very common urinary tract infection (UTI), most often occurring in women. It’s generally nothing to worry about and might clear up on its own, but if it’s left untreated it could lead to a kidney infection.
What are the symptoms?
- A painful, burning or stinging sensation while peeing
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate
- Peeing more often
- Dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Feeling unwell
Treating cystitis
Cystitis can sometimes clear up on its own in mild cases, but generally you’ll need a course of antibiotics such as Trimethoprim. These are available on prescription from your GP or through an online consultation. Trimethoprim will usually start to have an effect after 2 days of taking it.
How to take it
Trimethoprim should be taken twice a day, usually for three days. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and you can take them with or without food. It’s important to keep taking them for the entire course as prescribed otherwise the infection could come back. For pregnant women and men, the antibiotic treatment will last for 14 days.
Are there side effects?
Trimethoprim can cause side effects, like all medicines. These include:
- Itching
- Mild rash
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
Staying hydrated and taking the tablets with meals can help to reduce symptoms.
Can I take Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim isn’t suitable for everyone and might have harmful effects for the following groups:
- Pregnant women
- Those with liver or kidney problems
- Anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to antibiotics
- If you have anaemia
- If you have low folate in your blood
- Those with porphyria
There are some other medications which can interfere with Trimethoprim:
- Rifampicin
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes treatments
- Epilepsy medicine
- Digoxin
If any of the above applies to you, tell your GP or pharmacist so that they can prescribe you with a suitable alternative.
How can I prevent cystitis?
If you regularly get cystitis, you can ask for a repeat prescription without needing to get a GP appointment. There are also things you can do to help keep cystitis at bay:
- Avoid bubble baths and perfumed soaps
- Have showers instead of baths
- Don’t wait to use the toilet when you need to pee
- Drink plenty of water
- Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Avoid synthetic materials
- If you use a diaphragm, consider finding an alternative method of contraception
Sources
NHS> Trimethoprim: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trimethoprim/
NHS> Cystitis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystitis/
