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What is hemorrhagic cystitis? All you need to know

My dear friend,

Unfortunately, there are different types of cystitis, and knowing them is the first step in being able to treat it effectively.

Today, in particular, we focus on the hemorrhagic one!

Happy reading. ❤️

Hemorrhagic cystitis: what it is, what causes it, and how to treat it effectively

What is hemorrhagic cystitis?

Hemorrhagic cystitis is damage to the inner lining of the bladder and the blood vessels that supply the inside of the bladder.

Hemorrhagic means bleeding. Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder.

A person with hemorrhagic cystitis will then suffer from the typical symptoms of bladder inflammation and notice the presence of blood in the urine.

You should know that there are four types, or grades, depending on the amount of blood in the urine:

  • Grade I: microscopic bleeding (not visible);
  • Grade II: there is visible hemorrhage;
  • Grade III: bleeding with small clots;
  • Grade IV: is bleeding with clots large enough to block the flow of urine.

Read also: How to treat cystitis naturally with D-mannose

Possible causes of hemorrhagic cystitis

Earlier we mentioned that hemorrhagic cystitis is defined by lower urinary tract symptoms that include hematuria and irritation during urination. It results from damage to the bladder transitional epithelium and blood vessels caused by:

  • toxins;
  • pathogens;
  • radiation;
  • drugs;
  • diseases.

But let’s go in order.

Generally speaking, infectious causes of hemorrhagic cystitis include bacteria and viruses.

As for noninfectious hemorrhagic cystitis, however, the causes are generally due to pelvic radiation and chemotherapy.

As we anticipated earlier, there are different degrees of hemorrhagic cystitis, which can be asymptomatic microscopic or with gross hematuria and clots, resulting in urinary retention.

Consequently, treatment depends on the severity of bleeding and symptoms.

Infections can also cause hemorrhagic cystitis, but these causes are less serious, do not last long, and are easier to treat.

Hemorrhagic cystitis: treatment and prevention

Timely treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis is important for two main reasons:

  1. reduce pain;
  2. Prevent long-lasting damage to the bladder.

As we have said, treatment options vary greatly depending on the cause and severity of each case. In any case, treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis may include:

  • Drainage of the bladder through a catheter (tube) into a bag outside the body;
  • in case you are undergoing a course of chemotherapy, doctors might suggest an alternative chemotherapy or a lower dose;
  • Clot evacuation via catheter or cystoscopy to remove clots from the bladder;
  • Continuous bladder irrigation, which injects fluids into the bladder to flush it;
  • intravenous fluids to increase urine output and flush the bladder;
  • Taking antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or antivirals to fight viruses.

Rarely do people with hemorrhagic cystitis need blood transfusions to replace heavy blood loss or surgery.

What is important is that as soon as you notice the presence of blood in your urine, you should immediately contact your doctor. In this way, the root of the problem can be solved without running into unpleasant consequences.

At this point, however, the question arises: how to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis?

Some of these rules apply to all types of cystitis, regardless of whether it is hemorrhagic or not.

First, you should try to drink plenty of water-at least two and a half liters a day. If you are not used to it it might be difficult at first, but you will see that with time it will become practically automatic.

You’ve probably heard that blueberry juice is a great ally for prevention. Here, let’s dispel this myth: it is a real urban legend, and in this in-depth discussion I explain more about why. As an alternative, I suggest Dimann Herbal Tea, a dietary supplement with mallow, horsetail and wheatgrass.

And since we are talking about hydration, we cannot fail to mention diet.

A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the basis for preventing cystitis. It is best to reduce the consumption of fatty and sugary foods, and it is best to avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

In addition, you should never hold your pee for too long: if you have the urge, don’t put it off.

Then we spend two lines on intimate hygiene.

It is extremely important to use only mild intimate cleansers that respect pH, and to wash thoroughly after every sexual intercourse. Postcoital cystitis is a phenomenon that should by no means be underestimated and can be counteracted by paying attention to these small steps.

In this way you can experience sex more freely and carefree! 🙏🏻

Finally, favor underwear with delicate fabrics and avoid wearing pants that are too tight.

One more thing: Even if you don’t suffer from chronic cystitis, it’s good to have checkups periodically, whether it’s a visit to your gynecologist to check your pelvic floor or a urinoculture.

But if you should have any kind of doubt and want to investigate the causes of your cystitis, remember that I am here for you, you can write to me anytime.

I hug you,

Lorenza

Read also: Grandma’s remedies for cystitis: here’s why they won’t work

In this article we talked about…

  • Hemorrhagic cystitis is an acute inflammation of the bladder that combines the typical symptoms of cystitis with the presence of blood in the urine.
  • The care and treatment of this type of cystitis depends largely on the degree of inflammation.
  • Simple steps related to diet and hygiene can help prevent cystitis, regardless of its type.

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