Honeymoon Cystitis is bladder infection in women resulting from sexual intercourse. Despite its name, it does not only affect those on honeymoon but may affect any woman having sexual intercourse at any time.
Why is it called honeymoon cystitis? – New couples are believed to have frequent sexual intercourse around the period of honeymoon. This may invariably predispose the woman to cystitis.
How common is honeymoon cystitis? – Honeymoon cystitis occurs commonly, especially in women who have sex for the first time or with a new sex partner; women who have sex occasionally, women who have been for some time without sexual partner; women who are in early reproductive years (teens and 20s) and after menopause (50s and above), as well as in women who have frequent sexual intercourse like those on honeymoon. In short, any woman having sex is at risk of honeymoon cystitis.
How sexual intercourse causes cystitis in women – Women have short urethra (the pipe carrying urine from the bladder outside), which is about 4cm (compared to man’s 25cm) and close to the vagina.
During sexual intercourse, there is close contact between the man’s pubis with the woman’s pubis. The bacteria around the vulva and in the vagina may be rubbed against the urethral opening.
From here, they may find their way into the bladder and start multiplying. They begin to manifest with symptoms when their numbers are substantial.
Also, during penetration, when the penis pushes against the front wall of the vagina, it may irritate the back wall of the bladder, which is in close apposition with the anterior vaginal wall.
From there, bacteria may find their way into the bladder and start multiplying. Due to the short time of their maturation, within few days, they are usually so many in number as to cause symptoms of bladder infection.
Some women have noticed that they have cystitis after having sexual intercourse with a new partner or a particular partner. This may be due to the introduction of a new bacterial strain or due to sexual positions adopted with such partners which make it easier for bacteria to access the bladder through either of the means earlier explained and cause infection there.
What are the symptoms of honeymoon cystitis? – A woman with honeymoon cystitis experiences burning sensation while passing urine; may urinate more frequently and usually, in small volumes.
They may need to pass urine immediately they feel the urge (urgency), otherwise, they may pass urine on themselves before reaching a convenience. There may be lower abdominal pain. The woman may pass cloudy or slightly bloody urine.
How is honeymoon cystitis treated? – If you have symptoms suggestive of cystitis, you should visit your doctor. Honeymoon cystitis is treated with a course of antibiotics which should be recommended by your doctor.
Other measures that help in treatment are drinking water adequately and taking vitamin C in addition to antibiotic treatment. This helps in flushing out some of the bacteria as well as makes the environment not conducive for bacterial growth. You may need to abstain from sex during the treatment period until the infection is cleared.
Prevention of honeymoon cystitis – Honeymoon cystitis can be prevented by the following simple measures:
