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Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder. The condition primarily affects women, but can affect all age groups from either sex. There are two main types of cystitis, interstitial cystitis, which is rare, difficult to diagnose, and does not involve foreign organisms, and bacterial cystitis. The rest of this article considers the more common bacterial cystitis.
Causes
The main cause of bacterial cystitis is coliform bacteria. These bacteria commonly occupy the bowel, and may become transferred to the urethra, then the bladder, and cause cystitis. The bacteria may become transferred because of trauma such as unaccustomed and prolonged or vigorous sexual activity or after radiotherapy to other organs in the pelvis. Therefore, it is a good idea for women to urinate after sexual intercourse.
Treatment
Drinking lots of water will usually result in the removal of the bacteria from the bladder, and the cystitis will clear after a week or so. Natural remedies and some drugs which counteract the acidity of urine, such as Cystopurin (Potassium citrate), can help to relieve symptoms, but will not clear up the infection. Drinking cranberry juice can also aid in relieving a bladder infection as it helps rid the bladder of bacteria.
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