Stop Cystitis Ruining Christmas!

With the party season here, it’s likely that your diary is feeling busy with social events; from office parties to catch-ups with friends. But, amid the festivities it’s important to stay healthy, and that includes avoiding urinary tract infections.

Women’s Health expert and advisor to Effercitrate Tablets  which help tackle cystitis – www.effercitrate.co.uk – Dr Catherine Hood says: “Christmas is a common time to develop the burning pain of cystitis^[1], the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Parties, alcohol, stress, feeling run down; these can all trigger cystitis.”^[2]

Around a third of females will have experienced cystitis by the time they reach the age of 24^[3], and one in three women will develop a UTI during their lifetime.^[4]

What actually causes cystitis?

Dr Catherine Hood explains: “Cystitis occurs when bacteria enters your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. This often happens if bacteria from your rectum or vagina spread to the opening of your urethra.”^[5]

As well as burning or stinging when you pee, other symptoms of cystitis include needing to pee regularly, but passing only a little or no urine, cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine, pain in the lower tummy, incontinence, a high temperature and generally not feeling well.

Swerving cystitis during the festive, party season is a self-care must. Luckily, there are ways you can prevent cystitis, and if you do develop it, there’s a simple solution to help alleviate symptoms –Effercitrate Tablets.

Soothing Cystitis

To soothe the symptoms of cystitis and provide swift relief Effercitrate Tablets are a simple, drinkable, palatable solution to take when cystitis strikes – vital for those suffering from cystitis. Treating cystitis promptly is essential as it can be very debilitating.

Available without the need for a prescription or a urine sample, the lemon and lime flavoured effervescent tablets contain the ingredient potassium citrate when dissolved – which makes the urine more alkaline, helping to soothe the bladder and urethra lining and relieve discomfort caused by the infection.

Simply dissolve two tablets into a glass of water (this is where the ingredients become active and do their job). Drink the pleasant lemon and lime solution. Relief provided from the burning irritation and discomfort caused by cystitis.  Always read the label.

5 Ways To Stop Cystitis From Wrecking Party Season – www.effercitrate.co.uk

#1. Alternate alcohol with water

During the silly season, your alcohol intake might increase, which can in turn cause you to become dehydrated.  “Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you urinate more, meaning more water leaves the body. Plus, you may snack on more salty foods such as crisps which can in turn make you pee more,” says Dr Catherine Hood. Because of this, it’s important to keep drinking plenty of water to counteract the effects of alcohol and salty foods.

“At parties, if you are drinking alcohol, aim for a glass of water with every glass of wine or cocktail. And don’t drink fizzy drinks as an alternative to alcohol as they may irritate the urinary tract,” adds Dr Catherine Hood who explains that drinking water helps to strengthen your pee stream and reduces the chances of bacteria sticking to the wall of your bladder and urinary tract. In summary, Dr Catherine Hood adds: “Drinking plenty will also ensure you pee more which helps to flush out bacteria.”

#2. Wipe front to back

How you wipe after visiting the toilet is more important than you might think. Anxious to get back to the party? Pause for a moment and make time to wipe from front to back. Dr Catherine Hood notes: “This applies to all women as it is more hygienic and will help to avoid spreading bacteria into your urinary tract and vagina.”

#3. Tackle it quick

If you do get cystitis, don’t panic. Effercitrate Tablets are effervescent tablets which can help alleviate the symptoms of cystitis. They contain Potassium citrate and Citric acid. Potassium citrate in these tablets makes the urine more alkaline, which helps soothe the bladder and urethra lining, helping to relieve the discomfort caused by the infection swiftly. In a lemon and lime flavour, the Effercitrate Tablets are palatable and easy to take which is vital for those suffering from cystitis. Plus, these tablets don’t require a prescription.

If your symptoms worsen or don’t go away within a couple of days, book an appointment with your GP or visit a walk-in centre. Ultimately, the festive season needn’t be a time to get ill; look after your health and focus on staying hydrated and hygienic to avoid the wrath of cystitis.

#4. Post party-sex routine

It’s important to keep bacteria away from your urethra so Dr Catherine Hood recommends washing your genital area before and after sex.  “Try to empty your bladder after sex too and lean back on the toilet when passing urine to wait for the last few drops to pass out. Drink a large glass of water after having sex too as this strengthens the pee stream and stops bacteria sticking inside the urinary tract.” If you develop cystitis, it’s best to totally avoid sex.

“Sex can cause friction and irritation in the urethra, which is sensitive during an infection,” adds Dr Catherine Hood.

In fact, estimates show sex is a key trigger of cystitis for millions of women in the UK as sex-induced cystitis accounts for around 60% for recurrent cases.^[6]

#5. Keep your gut healthy

Did you know, your gut is home to 80% of your immune cells^[7]? A healthy diet that supports your gut can therefore do wonders for your immune health to help reduce the risk of infection. Dr Catherine Hood says: “Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and include unsalted nuts and seeds in your diet too. Try a handful as a snack between lunch and dinner.  Enjoy lean meat, red meat, fish, dairy and whole grains as well because these contain nutrients to support your immune system.”  A probiotic supplement also helps to maintain a healthy balance of gut microbes, which can impact your immune function and risk of infection.

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