AKA:
Bladder infection, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
What is it?
Bacteria live in our guts. They're meant to be there, but sometimes they get into our bladder and start multiplying. This causes trouble.
How do I know I've got it?
The symptoms (in order of likelihood) are:
- Burning/pain as you wee
- Weeing more often
- Cloudy or blood-stained wee
- Having to rush to the loo
- Pain in the lower tummy
- Fever and shivers
- Back ache
Why me?
UTIs are very common. Half of all girls get one at some point, usually for no good reason. They happen less often to boys.
You haven't caught it from anyone else (nor can you pass it on). It has nothing to do with public loos, swimming pools or being unclean.
That said, UTIs are more likely if you have sex. And especially if you use the cap (diaphragm) for contraception.
What else could it be?
Not all burning when we wee means a UTI. Thrush, irritation from soaps or bubble baths and some STIs can also do this.
So what should I do?
Go straight to your GP for a check up if you have any of these:
- Blood in the wee
- Fever and chills
- Back pain
- Vomiting
If not, give yourself 48 hours to get sorted and follow these tips to help:
- Drink 2 litres of water every day.
- Drink a glass of cranberry juice morning and night. The bugs that cause UTIs have hooks which attach to our bladders. Cranberry juice stops the hooks working. And yes, purple drink fans, it has to be cranberry.
- Take Potassium Citrate (from the chemist).
- Cut out cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine. Also avoid strong soaps and bubble baths.
If no joy in 2 days, head for the docs.
What will the doctor do?
They're likely to pack you off to the loo with a clean specimen jar. Try to catch the middle of your wee, not the first bit that comes out. They'll test the sample on the spot and if you do have a UTI, they may recommend antibiotics.
How can I prevent myself getting a UTI?
- Drink loads of water. Aim for a glass every 2-3 hours.
- Have a wee straight after sex.
- Girls: wipe your bum front to back - it keeps the bum bugs away from your bladder.
- Keep your resistance high: eat well, sleep well and exercise. The best combination to prevent all infections. And look fabulous into the bargain.
Further help and advice
nhsdirect.nhs.uk
netdoctor.co.uk
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 3rd July 2007
Previous article
sarah, 14
I HAVE CYSTITUS! it hurts SO much! :( ive been drinking loads of cranberry juice & have been given medication from the GP. it should be gone soo but gosh it hurts! i sympathise with all of you cos mannn it kills x
Charlotte, 17
Cystitis is awful, I've had it quite a lot recently. It's really horrible having a wee straight after sex, but it does help. It continues to keep coming back, but definitely cranberry juice, potassium citrate mixture and water work. I got told to drink at least 3 litres of liquid per day, be it water, apple juice, coke, anything. Hope all you girls out there feel better having read this page, it's extremely helpful.
Manisha, 16
Ive had a cystitus before. Really hurt. And kept needing the toilet, everytime I went it burned! And I couldnt sit or sleep comfortably. And because I dont like going to the doctor, and had no idea what it was, I had it for 4weeks!! Then it gradually got smaller and went. Its only till a couple of months later, My boyfriend, told me what it was, so I looked it up and found this useful site! If only I found this site earlier! Well at least I know what to do if I get it again! Hopefully I shouldnt though!xxxx
Sarah, 17
I've Had Cystitus and it sucked! it didnt hurt much just like a burning tingling feeling and i kept needing to go to the toilet alot too which really sucked! but i drank nothing but water and cranberry juice and it got rid of it then my mum sent a urine sample to my doctor and gave me antibiotics and it claered it up then i got a bit ill for a few days now im feeling fine!
Ashlie, 14
Ive had cystitus, its one of the worst things in the world ! Every 5 minuets i was going to the toilet and sometimes i would be sitting on the toilet for 20-30 minuets at a time because nothing would come out but it felt like i needed a wee or only a little bit would come out and when it did it burnt and makes you feel like crying, Thanks to cranberry juice i got rid of it & this website helps alot !
hayley, 14
i've had cystitis but i haven't had it since i layed of soaps, salt, orange and yeasty foods (e.g bread)! do this and you will be fine! :-)
lulu, 17
I've had cystitus aswell and its not very nice. I cudnt slepp when i had it it hurt so much! I've got it sorted out now and there are guidelines on here that i can follow to keep cystitis away next time! :)
vicky, 17
i have had cystitus twice from the beginning of 2008 and honeslty girls it is not nice, i was admitted to hospital for the first one, but i have managed to get rid of the second one. girls you should always read stuff like this so it can warn you for the future...x..
emma, 17
i have had Cystitis, and its really uncomfortable and sore. but i drunk the water and sum cranberry juice, it did help i have to say, but then a few days later the pain got worse n id to go to the doctor they found that id also got them on my ovaries, and if it had went on any longer they would have scard me and reduced my chances of having children. so any girl out their who thinks they may have them Cystitis follows the above steps and also get checked out...
kaycee, 18
i've had cystitus and it is not very pleasant. it made me feel so uncomfortable and i was rushing to the bathroom every five minutes sometimes less. i was thankful that my mum knew what to do.
onelife
bodymind_everyone_cystitis