does anybody else keep getting cystitis?

[funkylady]

I get cystitis about once a month, sometimes I pass a bit of blood.  I take a basic cystitis medicine which I can get over the counter in my local chemist which always gets rid of my cystitis.  I don't usually feel lots of pain when I pass urine it's just that I need to go to the bathroom a lot and I feel really urgent but I only pass a tiny bit and then 10 mins later I am urgent again.  I am scared about going to my doctor not only because it is embarrest but also because I am worried about horrible tests.  

I would really appreciate it if someone else who suffers with cystitis can tell me what sort of tests I can expect the doctor to do? and what are the causes of cystitis?

[funkylady]

Thanks so much for all the information and advice.  I will book an appointment with my doctor this week.  

[David A Burks, MD]

Hi,  You have the complaint of urinary frequency and sometimes blood.  This is seen commonly seen in a bacterial cystitis, the most common form of cystitis in women.  You need to see your promary care doctor or gynecologist who will simply have you urinate into a cup and send it for culture. Ususally frequent UTI s is a susceptability problem, not a structural problem and no extensive work up is needed.   The lab will identify the type of bacteria and the best antibiotics to treat it.  I'm not sure what OTC prepartion you are taking but a standard antibiotic would work best at eliminating the infection and reducing the rate of recurrance.  If you are getting them monthly during your period or after intercourse it may be better to place you on a preventative dose to stop the infection from occuring.  I recommend you start with a visit to your primary care doctor/gynecologist for a culture and go from there. They can come up with a strategy to minimize your infections and maximize your ease of treatment. Don' 't be afraid afraid to seek help.  Recurrent UTI is the most common reason for a women to go to the doctor. Good Luck.