AIBU to think its because I havent actually wanted to do it

[CrotchBurn]

NC because this is embarrassing.

I've got cystitis for the second time this year. Is it possible that I'm getting this because I have been having "duty sex"? Aka not really that into it and not exactly...raring to go? (Yes, I know I need to talk to him about this anyway....)

Second question is I'm in a country where you have to go to a GP and get prodded before they will give you proper chemical medication for cystitis (eye roll). I've bought some homeopathic over the counter stuff but does anyone have any tips for speeding this up?

Cranberry is a total waste of time. Sorry, OP. You really need antibiotics or urinary alalinisers. Can you buy (Hexamine Hippurate, Sodium Citrate Dihidrafe, Bicarb Soda (to a much lesser effect - be careful with that one) Most of those should be available OTC.

Maybe I missed it but no one seems to have mentioned making sure partner washes hands before touching you.

A large glass of water before sex can help too, with the flushing effect of peeing after

Surprised Boots can't help but ring ur GP and get a phone consultation on Monday....easily solved, no need for exam. And buy some lube.
Our GP's doors are barred against all comers atm....really unwelcome, so I'm surprised they'd want to do an examination.

I’ve also found that a shot of lemon juice in a pint of water really helps. Something to do with the pH level of your urinary tract? Obviously doesn’t treat the cause but helps a lot with the symptoms.

You've had lots of advice on the cystitis, which is good, but I just want to comment on the 'duty sex'.

Please don't do it :(.

Talk to your DH about this. Tell him you don't really want sex, and you find yourself just wanting to speed things along. Because it's an issue that needs to be addressed, and nobody should be having sex for someone else's benefit when they don't want to. I mean, okay, I can understand on occasion you might not be as much in the mood but go for it anyway, but to do this regularly? It's not fair on you or him.

Maybe try different things if it's always the same for you, or think about what your actual relationship is like.

Honestly, it sounds miserable having sex because you 'should' rather than because you really want to. And if it's making you unwell definitely stop!

Cranberry juice won't cure cystitis, its a myth.

If you can’t get hold of a urinary alkaliser then try one teaspoon of baking soda / bicarbonate of soda in a glass of water.

@notawittyname1954

I found barley water and bicarb really helped. Definitely peeing as soon after sex as possible. Bicarb is not good if you are on some medications. Flushing it out as early as possible is the best way. Good luck its miserable.

Robinsons Lemon and Barley water used to be recommended before we'd heard of cranberries.

if you are not sufficiently ready/ie lubricated, it can cause issues

If you're not turned on enough as others have said that can be instant cystitis.

Three things that will get rid of it when antibiotics stop working (which they do) are

• Hiprex which is an anti bacterial over the counter drug sold in Australia and available online in the U.K (eBay I think). It was a miracle cure for me.
• D-mannose (I used one called waterfall).
• probiotics but must be a good one like solgar or biocare and take higher doses/twice a day

Of the 3 the Hiprex is by far the most effective followed by the d-mannose. The pro biotics are a good addition to both.

Everything else was a waste of time once these started recurring and not responding to antibiotics.

But please stop having sex you don't want.

Two things worked for me. Antibiotics plus pure 100% unsweetened cranberry juice. It is very expensive so you know if you have the real stuff. The cranberry tablets are useless.

Mummyoflittledragon the antibiotics stop working frightening fast! I didn't respond (it kept coming back) so I looked it up and there's drugs which are becoming useless as the bacteria have developed resistance!

If you get to that point the Hiprex really does work where they fail.

Dryness doesn't help, what about 'time of the month' (not period) as this can be cyclical too and surely has a bearing.

If your partner is one that likes to 'bang away' it can be a problem, as can position, bashing away at your urethra will not help.

Wash before, use lots of lube and as has been said above, pee and wash again after. Wash in a bowl of water or use a shower but don't point it upwards, rather than with a flannel.

Lots of water, you can buy sachets of stuff to put in it or make barley water (not the shop bought crap). The main thing is to drink water.