What are the treatment options for recurrent cystitis?
Women who suffer from recurrent cystitis should consult their doctor.
Prompt self-treatment of each bout of cystitis - some women who frequently suffer from cystitis are given a supply of antibiotics by their doctor to keep on 'standby'. Symptoms can then be treated as soon as they begin, without seeing a doctor.
Antibiotic prevention - this means taking a low dose of an antibiotic regularly. A 3-6 month course may be advised. You may still get cystitis even if you are taking regular antibiotics and this may be caused by a bacterium that is resistant to the antibiotic you are taking. A urine sample will be needed to see which bacterium is causing the cystitis.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) may reduce recurrent cystitis in women
who are past the menopause. HRT contains oestrogen, which can reverse some
of the changes to the tissues around the vagina caused by the menopause.
Click here to find out about Interstitial Cystitis.