Honeymoon Cystitis Relief

Honeymoon cystitis is an old-fashioned term that is applied to a bladder infection that may have occurred as a result of increased sexual activities. Reducing exposure to bladder irritants, regularly flushing the bladder with water and cranberry juice or cranberry tablets and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication will help to provide relief for cystitis. However, when severe cystitis symptoms occur you must see a physician to treat the infection.

Alleviate Pain

• Cystitis causes painful inflammation and irritation of the bladder, which may result in lower abdominal pain, lower back pain and painful burning during urination. Spasms of the urethra contribute to the pain and frequently cause an urgent need to urinate.

  To alleviate pain associated with honeymoon cystitis you will need to stop having sex and avoid substances that irritate the bladder, including alcohol, caffeine and chocolate. Place a warm wash cloth--or a hot water bottle or heating pad if you have one--on your abdomen or lower back to relieve pain. A warm bath in plain water or water with a little vinegar can help to reduce pain associated with bladder spasms, as well.

  Over-the-counter tablets that are designed to relieve painful symptoms and frequent urination associated with honeymoon cystitis contain the active ingredient phenazopyridine hydrochloride; these tablets are orange in color and will turn your urine a bright orange color. Most grocery stores and drugstores carry these tablets.

Address the Infection

• You may be able to stop the infection in its tracks if you are suffering from a mild infection. Once the infection is addressed the pain associated with cystitis will calm down and eventually go away. To attack the infection, drink as much water as you can, urinate whenever you feel the urge to go, keep the genital area clean and dry and do not allow any products with chemicals or fragrances to come into contact with the urethra (e.g. body lotions, soaps, scented tampons or pads or bubble bath).

  Dr. Judith Reichman, a "Today Show" contributor, states that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry tablets may help to reduce the amount of bacteria sticking to the wall of the bladder. Use cranberry juice and cranberry tablets that contain low amounts, or no amount, of sugar, as sugar may irritate the bladder and promote bacterial growth within the bladder.

When to See a Doctor

• Severe bladder infections can migrate to the kidneys and cause kidney infections. This is a serious condition that must be treated immediately with prescription medication. Cystitis infections that require medical intervention are accompanied by symptoms that include blood in the urine, fever, nausea and severe abdominal pain. If you develop these symptoms you will need a urinalysis and physical exam to determine the severity of the infection; serious cystitis infections that are diagnosed early may be treated with prescription antibiotics and pain relievers.