Use of vaginal diaphragms and spermicides – this alters the normal bacterial vaginal flora, so there may be an increase in E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria in the vagina, which is associated with an increased risk of cystitis
Sexual activity – sexual intercourse can cause bacteria to enter the bladder and cause inflammation. Micturition (urination) after sexual intercourse (post-coital bladder emptying) can reduce the risk (about one-third of patients become infection-free as a result), as this flushes out any bacteria that may be present. Furthermore, the male partner should ensure adequate hygiene
Anal intercourse / anal sex in men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with an increased risk
Wearing damp swimwear for long periods of time, cold drafts.
Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
Avoidance of psychosocial conflict situations (stress and constant tension – tense bladder walls increase the risk due to decreased mucus production):
Bullying
Mental conflicts
Social isolation
Stress
Conventional non-surgical therapy methods
Postmenopausal (menopausal) patients.
Local-vaginal prophylactic estrogen therapy (ethinyl estradiol; estriol) is an appropriate measure to prevent recurrent cystitis (UTI).
Vaginal fractionated laser therapy (vulvovaginal laser therapy) – innovative, minimally invasive, non-surgical and non-hormonal procedure for the treatment of vulvovaginal dysfunctions, mostly recurrent, difficult to treat, especially concerning sexuality and diseases in the intimate area. Predominantly women in premenopausal/menopausal or other estrogen deficiency situations suffer from it. Mild forms of urinary incontinence (bladder weakness), urge symptoms, nocturia (nocturnal urination), chronic recurrent cystitis (recurrent bladder infections), and descensus complaints can also improve. Particularly noteworthy are the excellent results in the treatment of lichen sclerosus, usually eliminating the need for cortisonetherapy.Impressive is the minimal rate of side effects and the absence of complications with this method, as well as the possibility of use after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, evaluation by controlled studies is still lacking. For details see chapter: “Vulvovaginal laser therapy“, “Laser therapy for bladder problems in women“, “Laser therapy for lichen sclerosus“.
Regular checkups
Regular medical checkups
Nutritional medicine
Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account gender and age.
Observance of the following nutritional medical recommendations:
Attention to the amount of drinking!
Daily drinking amount 1.5 to 2.0 liters (drink plenty of water prevents urinary tract infections).
According to the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), the following water intake through drinks (= drinking amount) and solid food – per kilogram of body weight – should be taken to compensate for daily fluid loss:
From the age of 51 years 30 ml of water per kg body weight per day.
Water intake through beverages (drinking amount) = total water intake – (water intake through solid food1 + oxidation water2)1Water intake through solid food = depending on age group between 680 and 920 ml/day 2Oxidation water = depending on age group between 260 and 350 ml/day Attention!
In summer, when sweating is heavy, the amount of drinking may need to be increased to over 3 liters / day.
Women with at least 3 episodes of cystitis who drank 1.5 liters of water daily in addition to their usual intake reported approximately 50% fewer urinary tract infections than did women in the control group (1.7 versus 3.2; difference: 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.8; p < 0.001)).
