Thousands of women get this ‘throbbing’ infection in summer — here’s why

Most of us women will have experienced this infection by the age of 24 (Picture: Getty Images) Sitting at your desk at work, you’re hit with that sharp pang many women know all too well: the beginning of cystitis. After a quick dash to the loo, you run to the pharmacy, praying for a quick cure or you’ll end up spending all day in the office loos. Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that targets the bladder, and, according to the NHS, is often accompanied by symptoms including stinging when you go to the loo (and feeling like you need to go more often), dark, cloudy, or slightly smelly wee, and stomach pain. It’s usually caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract and starts multiplying, which can happen for a few different reasons, including pregnancy, going through the menopause, not drinking enough water, or having a weakened immune system from conditions like diabetes. While men can occasionally contract cystitis, it’s a condition which mainly impacts women. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Between 50 and 60% will experience it at least once in their lifetime, as will between 12 and 14% of men. We’ve all been caught short at one point or another (Picture: Getty Images) Plus, one third of us gals will have come down with it at some point by the age of 24, and one in three women will experience it on a recurring basis. Canesten, anyone? But during summer, this infection, which has been likened to a ‘throbbing’ or ‘stinging’ sensation, can become all the more common. There are Subreddits dedicated towards discussing this delicate issue. In r/Interstitialcystitis, @SweetRollsandSkooma previously wrote: ‘I’ve noticed over the last couple of years that summertime is when I get the most flares.’ Another user, by the name of @hantricote, said the ‘heat certainly seems to play a role for me,’ while @Rare_Dog_4724 described the heat as wreaking ‘unbearable’ havoc on their symptoms. They added: ‘I love the winter. My bladder doesn’t flare as much because it’s cold and the sweat is non-existent.’ Why does summer increase cystitis risk? Dehydration When it’s hot outside, we’re more likely to be dehydrated. This means your pee is more concentrated and you won’t feel the need to go as often. Dr Babak Ashrafi, GP for Superdrug online doctor, says: ‘When we’re dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of infections developing.’ Changeable weather Pharmacist Noel Wicks says the unpredictable British summer weather can create the ‘perfect storm’ for cystitis. He says: ‘During summer months, temperatures fluctuate significantly. It may be chilly and damp one day, then warm and sunny the next. @nourishing_lauren UTI, cystitis and bladder pain all tend to flare up in the heat. These 5 tips work for me 1- Take a big bottle of water with you everywhere, and I mean BIG! Yes a smaller bag would be cute with your outfit butt running out of water on a hot train with no air con will ruin your urinary tract more. 2- Loose cotton or linen bottoms only. Please avoid the tight polyester shorts, they will only make you sweat more. Real talk, just wear a cotton maxi and no pants. You’ll thank me later and no one will know. 3- Avoid known bladder irritants. That means no alcohol, caffeine, sugar, nightshade veg to name a few. Yes it is boring, but being on antibiotics is worse. 4- Keep your pelvic area in the shade. Less sweat = less likely to get a UTI. And yes you can still get a tan, just be sensible about it. 5- Cold brew Marigold flower tea! It will calm any inflammation and has antibacterial properties. If you have any cystitis symptoms then please ring your GP as soon as possible! #cystitis #bladderpain #heatwaveuk #uti #chronicillness ♬ original sound – P!NK ‘Even in a single day, we can jump from what has been cloudy, colder days to warm, hot temperatures and mini heatwaves. ‘These shifts can impact hydration levels, immune function and bacterial growth, all of which play a role in cystitis risk.’ Sweating Of course, when it’s hot, we sweat to cool down. But this isn’t great for UTIs either. Noel says: ‘Naturally, we will sweat more, and this includes in the groin area, which can encourage bacterial growth. ‘Warm, moist environments encourage bacterial growth… even small environmental changes can upset the delicate balance of bacteria around the urinary tract.’ How to prevent cystitis While some people are naturally more prone to cystitis, the NHS issues the following advice for reducing risk: Wiping from front to back when going to the loo Keeping your genitals clean and dry Drinking plenty of water Washing the skin around the vagina with water both before and after sex Weeing after sex (we’ve all heard that one, ladies) Wearing cotton underwear. Summer fun Enjoying a walk in the park or a trip to the lido, is part of what makes summer so great, but the clothes we were for these activities can cause issues. ‘Swimming, walking, hiking, running and gym sessions are great for our health, but they can also contribute to risk due to tight clothing, which traps moisture, or damp swimwear that isn’t changed immediately,’ Noel says. Plus, Dr Babak adds that certain summer activities mean we can’t always get to a loo when we need to: ‘People may also hold in urine for longer during travel or festivals, which can further increase risk.’ Swimwear that hasn’t been changed immediately can increase risk (Picture: Getty Images) And, if you’re drinking more booze, that makes things worse too: ‘It’s worth limiting alcohol and caffeine where possible, as both can contribute to dehydration and bladder irritation,’ he says. X-rated activities We’ve all had a summer fling, or fallen victim to the heatwave horn. Sex-induced cystitis accounts for roughly 60% of recurrent cases, often facilitated by movement during sex, which can move bacteria up the urethra into the bladder. As Dr Catherine Hood previously told Metro, certain sex positions can increase your chances of experiencing symptoms. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin ‘We may enjoy more sexual activity in the summer, with sex from behind being especially bad for women with recurring cystitis,’ she said. Millions of UK women have thrush or BV right now Cystitis isn’t the only thing us gals are having to deal with this summer. If you’ve ever experienced that dreaded itchy feeling in your knickers, you’ll know just how uncomfortable thrush is. It’s the last thing you want in sweltering temperatures — but it turns out this yeast infection, as well as the equally irritating bacterial vaginosis (BV), is especially prevalent during warm weather. And warm weather, along with how our habits change over the season, can massively disrupt the balance down below. For more info on how to protect yourself from thrush and BV, read our full article, here. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: boohooMAN’s new summer collection has everything men need for holidays, festivals and heatwaves Arrow MORE: With a fourth heatwave on its way – will the UK see wildfires like those in France? 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