Cystitis Q&A’s | Ask Emma Your Cystitis Questions questions

Why is Cystitis Uva-ursi not recommended for men to take?

Although our Uva-ursi & Echinacea complex is licensed for women, it may be taken by men too, where appropriate, and our Uva-ursi complex is... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve had bouts of cystitis over the years, the last one a week or so ago and I’ve been given 3 days worth of antibiotics. I suffer from soreness around the vulva too. I am 65. I’ve been taking the cranberry complex but wondered how long I should take them for? Last time I bought the uva-ursi but only used it for a day or so then had to dispose of it as it needs using quickly so felt that it was a waste of money.

Our Cranberry Complex can be taken on a long term basis if you feel it is helping. However, I would be keen for you to try the Uva-ursi for a longer... Read the full answer 〉

Hi, it's been a couple of hours now and I’ve had a really bad burning feeling as I pass urine. I’ve had so many glasses of water to try and flush it out but it still isn’t working. I took some co-codamol tablets to treat some back pain so I’m guessing this could be the cause but I’ve never had it before. Do you think it's because of the tablets and what can be done to help?

Although I couldn't say for sure what the cause might be, this could be linked to symptoms of a urinary tract infection or... Read the full answer 〉

I suffer from cystitis regularly usually twice a year sometimes more or maybe less. I know it my diet that is a trigger but I don't know exactly what foods are causing it. I am being careful by not having coffee/yoghurts/cream cakes or anything too rich and chocolates but after a period of time it returns again. I drink mainly water or hot water sometimes. Can you help?

Hi Jenny, We have a blog on which foods to eat and those to avoid if you suffer from cystitis which I hope you'll find useful: Drinking water... Read the full answer 〉

What treatment can men use for cystitis whilst waiting to see a doctor? The waiting time for appointments is about two weeks.

Our Uva ursi Complex may be appropriate here, if the symptoms are due to a urine infection. If symptoms do not improve or start to get any worse you... Read the full answer 〉

What can I take to make my urine less foul smelling?

Firstly, have you had this checked by your doctor? They can take a sample and check in case there is an infection present which could be contributing... Read the full answer 〉

Can you please advise if there is a time limit to how long one can take uva-ursi? I’m finding it’s helping my bladder after a bout of cystitis but unsure how long to take it for. Many thanks.

Although this is individual based on your symptoms, we often don't recommend you take this remedy for longer than 6 weeks at a time. If your... Read the full answer 〉

Does coffee make cystitis worse?

Yes, it can, any acidic drinks such as coffee, fizzy drinks, fruit/sugar drinks can make cystitis worse. In this situation, drink plenty of plain... Read the full answer 〉

I have had a urine infection for the last 8 weeks, but think it could be linked to vaginal dryness, what advice will help with this?

Yes, you are right in saying that unfortunately vaginal dryness can contribute to more urinary tract infections. I would recommend take our... Read the full answer 〉

Hi, how can I get rid of cystitis without going to the doctors?

You can take our Uva-ursi & Echinacea cystitis remedy for up to 6 weeks for the treatment of cystitis: Take 15 drops in a small splash of water up... Read the full answer 〉

Today I completed a 7 day course of antibiotics to treat cystitis which appears successful. I had bought Uva-ursi & Echinacea oral drops beforehand (still unused) and wonder if taking a course of these now would ward off further cystitis. If so would you let me know what the dosage would be and for how long? I recently had a cystoscopy where nothing apart from a slight prolapse was found. I was advised to drink 6 glasses of liquid a day in future. Just as I was recovering from a very bad dose of the current flu virus, the cystitis reoccurred.

We don't generally recommend Uva-ursi for maintenance, but as you are still recovering from the infection it may be useful. I would recommend... Read the full answer 〉

My prolaspe bladder seems to cause bladder infections any suggestions?

Unfortunately a prolapsed bladder can make bladder infections more likely. My advice would be to consider trying some pelvic floor exercise which may... Read the full answer 〉

Why do fizzy drinks make it sting when I urinate? Does anyone else have this problem?

Fizzy drinks often contain sugar, artificial sweeteners and even caffeine, all of which can act as irritants to the bladder and digestive tract, I... Read the full answer 〉

Hi I’m male 43, I’ve got cystitis, I done my prostate test which is negative, also routine urine which is also negative for infection. I got pain in my bladder area and penis. I sometimes take pain killers. It recurring me in 3 months time. Please guide me what to do?? My doc says no need for antibiotics as no infection in urine.

You could try taking our remedy for cystitis, Uva-Ursi, which is often helpful in cases of interstitial cystitis when there is no infection... Read the full answer 〉

Can the cause of cystitis be the build up of overwhelming stress and tiredness?

Yes, stress and a lack of sleep can certainly have an impact - this can affect your immune system for one, is thought to often be a major... Read the full answer 〉

Some people say that it’s best to have acidic urine and some say alkaline. What's best to avoid uti on a daily basis?

There is often confusion surrounding this and this is mainly because different areas of the body work best at a different pH. For example, urine with... Read the full answer 〉

Is there a herbal remedy to help cystitis?

Cranberry has been shown to counter the ease with which bacteria adhere to the surface of the bladder lining. This makes it harder for them to... Read the full answer 〉

Apart from diet, what else can I do to reduce urinary tract infections?

As well as taking care with your diet, observing good hygiene when going to the toilet, inserting tampons and having sex, it is sensible to avoid... Read the full answer 〉

Will changing my diet help with cystitis?

There are many helpful things you can do diet-wise to reduce the likelihood of cystitis. • Drink at least 1.5 litres of still, plain water daily to... Read the full answer 〉

Is cystitis infectious?

No, it’s a bacterial infection that cannot be caught and cannot spread to another person. It may appear to be spread by sexual contact, but the... Read the full answer 〉

How is cystitis diagnosed?

A urine sample is given to the doctor, who sends it for testing. A urinary tract infection is deemed to be present when the number of bacteria in the... Read the full answer 〉

What causes cystitis?

Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder. It starts when bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) attach successfully to the mucosal... Read the full answer 〉

Can men/children get cystitis?

Yes, but it’s not as common in men or in children as in women. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder caused by bacteria from nearby skin... Read the full answer 〉

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