Skip to main content
  • REPORT A SIDE EFFECT
  • About Canesten
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us

Dropdown Language

Switch Language
  • EN
  • FR
Home
  • VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
    womans-intimate-health
  • BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
    Feel good in your skin
  • WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTRE
    alternate
    • What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection (VYI)?
    • What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
    • What Is Menopause?
    • What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
    • What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
    • What Is Cystitis?
    • What Is Vaginal Dryness?
    • How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area
  • CANESTEN® PRODUCTS
    • VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION PRODUCTS
      • Canesten® Combi 1 Day ComforTAB® + External Cream With NEW CanesComfort® applicator
      • Canesten® Combi 3 Days ComforTAB® + External Cream With NEW CanesComfort® applicator
      • CanesOral® Combi 1 Day
      • CanesOral® Single Capsule
      • Canesten® Combi 1 Day Internal + External Creams
      • Canesten® 1 Day Internal Cream 10% Vaginal Treatment
      • Canesten® 3 Day Internal Cream 2% Vaginal Treatments
      • Canesten® 6 Day Internal Cream 1% Vaginal Treatments
      • Canesten® External Cream 1%
      • Canesten® Extra Strength External Cream 2%
    • BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS PRODUCTS
      • NEW CanesBalance® Treatment - Soft Vaginal Tablets​
      • CanesBalance® Treatment - Vaginal Gel​
      • CanesBalance® Treat & Prevent - Vaginal Gel​
    • INTIMATE HYGIENE PRODUCTS
      • CanesFresh® Everyday Protection 200 mL
      • CanesFresh® Soothing 200 mL
Bayer Cross Logo
  1. Home
  2. Women's Health Centre
  3. What Is Cystitis?
woman smiling

What Is Cystitis?

Learn what cystitis is and what symptoms can help identify cystitis. You can also find out how you can treat cystitis and how you can prevent it from recurring.

Cystitis

Cystitis is the medical name given to an inflammation of the bladder. One out of three women will experience at least one episode in their lifetime. The feeling that you need to urinate more often, and suffering from uncomfortable or even painful urination, are two of the main symptoms that indicate you may be suffering from cystitis.

Normally when you urinate it should not be painful, and your urine should be the colour of straw. The amount of urine you produce varies according to what you've been eating or drinking.

Cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it could be the result of damage or irritation to your bladder (non-infectious cystitis). There are many causes of inflammation, so if you suffer frequently from cystitis, keeping a diary and recording when you get cystitis may help you to determine what triggers it for you.

Causes of a bladder infection (infectious cystitis):

  • Not emptying your bladder fully when you urinate

  • Pressure on your bladder due to pregnancy

  • Using a diaphragm

  • Wiping the wrong way after going to the toilet (You should wipe front to back.)

Causes of irritation or damage in your bladder (non-infections cystitis):

  • Hormone changes, e.g., menopause

  • Nicotine

  • Dehydration

  • Vigorous sex

  • Chemicals and perfume in soaps

  • Ketamine use

  • Diabetes

  • Wearing a catheter

What Are the Symptoms of Cystitis?

Most people with cystitis experience symptoms such as:

  • Burning or stinging sensation when you urinate or pain when urinating

  • A frequent need to urinate

  • Feeling that you can't fully empty your bladder

The following symptoms aren’t uncommon but can also be caused by other conditions:

  • Strong smelling urine

  • Cloudy or dark urine

  • Blood in your urine

  • Abdominal pain or backache

  • Fever, temperature and weakness

How to Prevent Cystitis

One of the best ways to prevent cystitis is to stay hydrated. If your urine is straw coloured, you're hydrated enough. Dark coloured urine is a sign you need to drink more. Remember to drink between six to eight glasses of water a day, or more if it’s hot or you’ve been working out.

What Not to Drink

If you’re prone to cystitis, it’s best to avoid drinks that are known to irritate your bladder, including caffeinated, fizzy or alcoholic beverages. Remember, everyone is different, so you might find there’s a particular food or drink that triggers your cystitis. You might want to think about keeping a food and drink diary to help you identify any dietary triggers.

Proper Washing Habits

Good hygiene helps to prevent bacteria from travelling up the urethra and into the bladder, which can help prevent cystitis.

  • Change your tampons or pads frequently.

  • Wash your intimate area with warm water and un-perfumed products.

  • Ensure you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.

Sex and Cystitis

If you’re having sex, follow these precautions to help prevent cystitis from recurring:

  • Empty your bladder fully after sex.

  • Avoid having sex until your cystitis clears up.

  • Consider changing contraceptives if you use a diaphragm.

You should see your doctor if:

  • You are experiencing cystitis symptoms for the first time.
  • You are suffering from any of the serious symptoms above.
  • You suffer from cystitis more than three times in a year.

Learn More about Women's Intimate Health

smiling woman with pink background

What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Learn what a vaginal yeast infection is and what common symptoms can help identify it. You can also find out how you can treat a yeast infection and how you can help prevent it from recurring.

LEARN MORE
woman laughing

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Learn what BV is and what bacterial vaginosis symptoms are. You can find out who is more prone to getting this infection and what the differences between a vaginal yeast infection and BV are.

LEARN MORE
woman wearing glasses

What Is Menopause?
 

Learn about menopause, including symptoms and how to treat them.

LEARN MORE
woman clapping

What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
 

Learn more about your menstrual cycle, including your periods.

LEARN MORE
woman playing with her hair

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Learn what PMS is, how to treat and prevent PMS, and when you should see a doctor about your PMS symptoms.

LEARN MORE
woman smiling

What Is Cystitis?
 

Learn about the causes and symptoms of cystitis, plus how to prevent it.

LEARN MORE
woman with arms folded smiling

What Is Vaginal Dryness?
 

Learn what vaginal dryness is, including symptoms and prevention.

LEARN MORE
woman with drink smiling

How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area

Learn about hygiene in your intimate area.

LEARN MORE
  • VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
    • BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
    • INTIMATE HYGIENE
  • WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTRE
    • What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection (VYI)?
    • What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
    • What Is Menopause?
    • What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
    • What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
    • What Is Cystitis?
    • What Is Vaginal Dryness?
    • How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area?
  • CANESTEN® PRODUCTS
    • About Canesten®
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us

 

® TM see www.bayer.ca/tm-mc

Bayer Inc., Mississauga, ON L4W 5R6.

© 2021 Bayer Inc.

* Data on file.

To be sure this product is suitable for you, always read and follow the label.

First-time sufferers of Vaginal Yeast Infections or Bacterial Vaginosis, see your doctor. Canesten® and CanesOral® cure most vaginal yeast infections.

IMPORTANT NOTE This website is intended for marketing educational purposes only and is in no way intended to substitute for professional medical advice, to contradict medical advice given, or for medical care of any kind. As with any medication, speak to your doctor before using. Please review the Conditions of Use before using this website. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to be bound by the Conditions of Use.

  • Sitemap
  • Conditions of use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Imprint
  • Bayer Canada
  • Bayer Global