Welcome to Alfa Clinic

What We Do

Dr. Ali Poonawala, our Urologist was trained in mumbai as well as in the UK. He is a visiting consultant and Head of Department of Urology at St. Martha's Hospital.

FAQs about cystitis

What is “cystitis”?

Bladder stores urine before we empty it via urethra. Inflamed bladder (like a cold) is irritable, making you pass urine very frequently and with pain in lower part of the tummy. There is severe burning when you pass urine. You have to rush to pass urine, (urgency). There may be some blood in urine in severe infections, especially at the end.
What causes inflammation?

Commonest cause is bacterial infection, tuberculosis in our country or schistosomiasis in countries like Egypt as well as some other diseases lead to cystitis. Some times stones or other local problems may cause infection. In some young women, sexual intercourse seems to precipitate it (Honeymoon cystitis).
How does one get infected?

Most of the time, the invading bacteria have come from the patient’s own innards, nearby opening of stool passage (the anus) is the usual source. In women, since the anus and the urethral opening are closer and the urethra is short, bacteria do not have to travel much and hence cystitis is commoner in women.
What tests are carried out?

Generally, first infection, in a woman, is symptomatically treated with a short course of antibiotic. It is necessary to do urine (R+M) Routine examination for sugar, albumin and microscopy for pus cells and Red cells-RBCs- as well as culture sensitivity test (urine C/S) to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. If infections are frequent and severe, it becomes necessary to try and identify any underlying factors. Apart from Blood Sugar to rule out Diabetes, Ultrasound scan KUB region (Kidney, Ureters , Bladder) is one important test which is painless, and can provide information about stones, dilatation, and other anomalies. Urine culture test for TB (Tuberculosis), specialized X-ray test like IVU (Intra-Venous Urogram) or MCU (Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram ) and finally, examination of the bladder (cystoscopy) may be required in certain cases to find underlying problems.
How can I avoid getting cystitis?
Some people are more prone to getting cystitis than others. Certain precautions help:
1. Plenty of liquids help to ‘wash out’ the bacteria. Water is the best liquid, as long as it is clean and potable. Soft or hard (i.e. Bore-well water) does not matter.
2. Avoid Constipation. Take green vegetables, salads and fruits (if not diabetic), in plenty.
3. Regular physical exercise improves circulation and general immunity. Take help of qualified physical instructors if in doubt.
4. Empty the bladder regularly, once in 3-4 hours is recommended. Especially, getting up in the middle of night, passing urine and drinking a glass of water before going back to bed, is a must if you keep getting lot of infections.
5. ‘Front to back’ action for ablution, after passing motion, rather than using ‘back to front’ action which is more instinctive and easy. The logic is, since most of infections come from our own body and anal region is prime source, the action should be from relatively cleaner area, to dirtier region and not vice versa.
6. Pass urine immediately after sex. This is to flush out the germs which might attack when there is some lowering of normal defence.
7. Do not use Tampoons. Pads are preferable if one is prone to infections
8. No douche/ ‘cleaning’ the vagina using antiseptics/ lotions. Natural fluid secretions of vagina has inherent antibacterial action.
It is too painful…Can I use the same antibiotic which worked last time?

Yes, provided approved earlier by the urologist. Even then, before taking antibiotic, collect a Clean Catch Mid Stream Urine sample for R+M and C/S tests -in a sterile container- and submit to the lab, if lab is open or store in the fridge (Not Freezer) overnight and submit next working morning.