$Unique_ID{BRK00898}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System, Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Are Bladder Infections a Result of Sex?}
$Subject{cystitis sex woman bladder}
$Volume{J-16, A-16}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Bladder Infections a Result of Sex?


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QUESTION:  My girl friend is absolutely sure that bladder infections are a
result of sex, and she almost has me convinced.  I don't mean a sex infection,
but the disease that causes painful urination and the feeling that you have to
go constantly.  Can you provide me with some answers?

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ANSWER:  There are many causes for "cystitis", and certainly not every case
can be linked to a sexual act, but in women the most frequent cause is when
bacteria from the vagina find there way up through the urethra (the small tube
like passage between the bladder and the outside) into the bladder, where they
rapidly reproduce and create an infection.  It can occur after sexual
intercourse, though not necessarily so, and when such an infection is seen
after prolonged or repetitive sexual activity, is called "honeymoon cystitis".
It is not included with the group of infections, known as STDs (or sexually
transmitted diseases), and can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
However prevention is still the best medicine and here are a few tips you can
pass on to your girlfriend to help reduce the possibilities of recurrence.  It
is important to empty the bladder both before and after sexual relations.
Drinking a great deal of liquids produces more urine and washes out the
bacteria more frequently.  Perfumed feminine hygiene products and douches may
cause irritation that can lead to infection.  Birth control methods using
diaphragms and foams may lead to more frequent cases of infection, and
consideration should be given to changing these methods.  External sanitary
napkins are preferable to the vaginal tampons particularly in patients with
recurrent bladder infections.  If all these methods fail, a physician should
be consulted to discuss the use of antibiotics prophylactically to prevent
this condition from recurring.  Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or
nitrofurantoin in low doses have been used successfully in such cases.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
