According to the latest available data, about 20-30% of women have had an episode of cystitis at least once in their lifetime.

In some cases, however, the condition is recurrent and frequently reappears throughout the year – this is when we talk about recurrent cystitis.

Cystitis: What Is It, and How Does It Occur?

Cystitis is one of the most common urinary tract infections. Specifically, it is a symptomatic bladder inflammation caused by bacteria or inflammatory causes.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fifty times more common in women than men, particularly if they are sexually active and between the ages of twenty and fifty.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms?

The symptoms of cystitis tend to vary from person to person. The most common include burning during urination, frequency of the urge to urinate, sense of bladder tightness, fever, pain in the hips and pubis, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.

The symptoms may be even more intense when the infection affects the kidneys.

Recurrent Cystitis: When Does It Happen?

Cystitis and urinary tract infections may often come back due to improper diet and behavior or because of the inappropriate use of antibiotics, which does not eradicate the infection and facilitates bacterial resistance, or even if you have congenital or acquired malformations of the urinary tract.

However, there is a whole range of behavioral factors to pay attention to, such as:

  • Altered bowel function (constipation, irritable bowel);
  • Menstrual cycle;
  • Use of antibiotics;
  • Oral contraceptive;
  • Stress;
  • Very frequent sexual intercourse;
  • Weakening of the immune system;
  • Diabetes;
  • Synthetic underwear;
  • Tampons;
  • Harsh intimate cleansers;
  • Smoking;
  • Improper diet (high in sugar);
  • Use of aggressive products for intimate hygiene;
  • Alteration of vaginal pH.

Why Does Cystitis Affect Women More Often?

Cystitis is more predominant in females because several factors predispose women. For example:

  • The anatomical conformation of the lower urinary tract – the female urethra is short and is located near the genital and anal orifices, with a greater risk of contamination by germs of vaginal and intestinal origin; 
  • Possible use of a diaphragm; 
  • Altered vaginal pH; 
  • Sexually transmitted diseases;
  • Hormonal changes; 
  • Incorrect habits such as poor hydration, use of tight clothing, and delayed urination;
  • Pregnancy; 
  • Frequent sexual intercourse; 
  • Menopause due to hormonal problems.

How to Prevent Recurrences?

To avoid recurrences, in the case of bacterial cystitis, it is necessary to properly use antibiotics, which should be taken only after performing a urine culture. It is also essential to change any possible behavioral causes, follow a proper diet, take prebiotics for a balanced intestinal ecosystem, maintain the correct vaginal pH, and avoid traumatic sports on the pelvic floor. It is, therefore, necessary to treat the disease on a general level and not only the bladder aspect.

Are There Foods That Help Against Cystitis?

As with many other conditions, diet can play an important role in managing symptoms and treating cystitis.

It is better not to indulge too much in chocolate, spicy foods, spices, pork, and sausages and to eliminate alcohol and carbonated drinks. Hydration is very important, as it helps disinfect the urinary tract.

In addition, you should limit the consumption of gas-producing foods, such as legumes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, mushrooms, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. It is also important to regularize the bowel by consuming foods rich in plant fiber, whole-grain bread, cooked fruits, spinach, and broad-leaf vegetables. Lastly, it can be recommended to take prebiotics.