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Urinary tract infection (lower) - women - Management
What lifestyle measures should I advise for preventing cystitis?
Advise women with recurrent cystitis that:
- Cranberry products reduce the recurrence rate of cystitis, and are available from shops (but not on the NHS).
- Cranberry products should not be taken if warfarin is being used.
- High strength capsules (containing at least 200 mg of cranberry extract) are recommended because they may be more effective and acceptable than cranberry juice.
- If cystitis is related to sexual intercourse, advise:
- Using a different contraceptive method if a diaphragm is being used.
- Voiding soon after intercourse.
- Using a lubricant if symptoms could be due to mild trauma rather than infection.
In depth
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