The Truth About Honeymoon Cystitis

A honeymoon is often associated with romance, beautiful scenery, sunny beaches and pleasure, but if there is one thing that can spoil the fun and adventure, it’s a full-blown urinary tract infection that may dampen lovemaking.

The moniker “honeymoon cystitis” stems from the fact that most women become symptomatic with painful urination and blood-tinged urine afer their first sexual experience. Since lovemaking involves physical activities that could lead to some trauma to the genital and the urethral orifice, and bacterial contamination from the fingers or mouth of either partner, cystitis is highly prevalent among honeymooners, especially among females.

Cystitis is an inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder. When caused by germs, cystitis is called a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can be painful and annoying. A UTI such as cystitis can become a serious problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Cystitis usually begins when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, the tube through which urine exits your body. From there, bacteria adhere to the bladder wall, and begin to multiply. Less commonly, bacteria can spread to the bladder from an infection in another part of the body.

Honeymoon cystitis is actually a form of urethritis. Rather than the bladder being involved, it’s a localized inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the opening near the front of the vagina, through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside.

Once suspects that she has cystitis if there is a burning sensation when voiding. Some pass frequent, small amounts of urine tinged with blood. There is accompanying pain and pressure in the lower abdomen and some have low-grade fever.

Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. The urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders. The bladder secretes a protective coating that prevents bacteria from attaching to its wall. Urine also has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, certain factors increase the chances that bacteria will take hold and multiply into a full-blown infection.

Some people are more likely that are others to develop bladder infections or recurrent urinary tract infections. Women are such one group. Up to 20 percent will develop a bladder infection over a lifetime. A key reason is anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men, which cuts down on the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.

Women who are sexually active tend to have more UTIs, because sexual intercourse can result in bacteria being pushed into the urethra. Women who use diaphragms for birth control may also be at a higher risk. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of a bladder infection as well.

The comon cause of honeymoon cystitis is the introduction of E. coli bacteria (which normally lives in the bowel) into the urethra. These bacteria begin to replicate, which leads to infection. In addition to the possibility of it occuring after frequent, strenuous intercourse, honeymoon cystitis can also start when an unclean finger, penis or other object is inserted from the anus to the vagna. Women who wip from back to front, rather than from vagina to anus, are also at higher risk for this infection.

An ill-fitted diaphragm, contraceptive foam, or jellies, herpes and sexually transmitted diseases, non-baterial infection, like thrush, from contraceptive pills, kidney stones or cysts can all cause cystitis. Some women seem to be more prone than others to acquire cystitis, many of them having the infection 3 to 4 times a year.

Symptoms of honeymoon cystitis generally emerge within a day or two after bacteria are introduced into the urethra. A physician can confirm the diagnosis of infection through a simple urine test.

Once a doctor identifies honeymoon cystitis, or urethritis, as the source of a woman’s discomfort, the physician is likely to prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection and a pain reliever. An analgesic that helps relieve the burning, the urgency of urination, and the irritation in the lower urinary tract. Abstention from sex until the infection clears up is generally advised. Soaking in warm, non-soapy water can provide additional relief to the area, and drinking plenty of fluids will help to flush out the infection more quickly.

Simple precautions can help ensure that honeymoon cystitis does not recur. One has to drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day. Urinate immediately before and after sexual activity to flush bacteria from the urethra. After treatment, consider applying a water-based lubricant to the vaginal area to ease sexual intercourse. Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Doing so prevents bacteria in the anal region fro spreading to the vagina and urethra. Take showers rather than tub baths. If you’re susceptible to infections, doing so can help prevent infections. Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products in the genital area. These products can irritate the urethra.

If the infection recurs after the treatment or beyond the honeymoon, remember to consult with your obstetrician gynecologist.