Cystitis is an annoying urinary tract infection that mainly affects women and is caused by bladder inflammation. The most common symptoms are difficulty and burning when urinating, frequent urination, pain in the pelvic area, and often blood or pus in the urine.
Cystitis is very common in summer
Cystitis can have several causes, but one of the most common is the increase in temperature and humidity in summer, which favors the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Specifically, Escherichia coli, the most common bacterium using cystitis, proliferates in humid environments with temperatures between 35º and 45ºC. For this reason, summer temperatures and keeping the intimate area damp by keeping our bikinis wet are highly conducive to irritation of the genital area and the appearance of urinary tract infections.
The humidity of swimming costumes after bathing, contact with cold water, and the abuse of air conditioning are the most frequent causes of summer cystitis.
Another important cause to take into account is the lack of proper hygiene before sexual intercourse. If there is no proper perianal hygiene, Escherichia coli can appear in this area, a very common bacterium in feces, and one of the main causes of cystitis. During sex, bacteria can be carried from the perianal area into the vagina and urethra.
How to avoid summer cystitis
Our experts have spoken, offering the most effective advice for a perfect, trouble-free summer:
- Drink plenty of water. It helps to eliminate bacteria and maintain the pH balance of the urine. It is recommended to drink at least two liters of water a day, especially if it is very hot or if you do physical exercise.
- Maintain good intimate hygiene. Wash with water and a specific product after urinating and sexual intercourse. Afterward, dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel. Avoid scented or irritating products that can alter the vaginal flora and facilitate infections. It is essential that you always wipe from front to back so that microorganisms from the anus do not come into contact with the urethra or vagina.
- Wear cotton underwear. This natural fabric allows perspiration and prevents moisture and heat build-up in the genital area. Avoid wearing synthetic, tight-fitting, or wet underwear like swimming costumes or jeans.
- Avoid and moderate the consumption of certain foods. Some can promote or worsen cystitis, so it is best to moderate your intake or avoid them altogether. These include spicy, acidic, salty, or sugary foods, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and citrus juices.
- Boost your defenses. A robust immune system is vital to preventing and fighting infections. To do this, it is essential to eat a balanced and varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and probiotics, which help maintain intestinal and vaginal flora health.
- It is also advisable to take natural supplements that include cranberry, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, or vitamin C, which increases the acidity of urine and hinders the growth of bacteria.
Lanier Pharma offers Istivan, a natural supplement to help you prevent and/or control urinary tract infections. Its triple mechanism of action for urinary well-being prevents the bacteria that cause cystitis from adhering to the urinary walls. We have included in the formulation the most potent and clinically proven natural ingredients to treat cystitis: cranberry, mannose, and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
We hope these tips will help you take care of yourself and avoid summer UTIs. But don’t forget that these tips should never replace medical treatment. Cystitis is not a serious illness if treated in time, but you must not let it become complicated and spread. Avoiding it and, above all, identifying it and remedying it in time will prevent major problems.
