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4 health conditions people mistake for Cystitis

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

Cystitis is nothing if not inconvenient. At the first hint of a burning sensation down there, off you go to the shops, stocking up on cranberry juice and cancelling all plans so you can spend the foreseeable future sitting on the toilet trying to pee.

But according Tania Adib, a Harley Street gynaecologist, we should be careful not to assume it's always a UTI. "The most common symptoms of cystitis are a stinging or burning sensation when passing urine, a need to pass urine frequently and urgently, dark, cloudy or odorous urine and abdominal or back pain," says Tania. "In some cases, women may experience fever, temperature or weakness, frequent and recurring UTIs, reduced sex drive and discomfort during sex," she adds.

It's due to this array of symptoms that cystitis is easily confused with other conditions that may be more serious or need to be treated and checked in a different way. According to Tania, these are the common misdiagnosis that can occur - plus how to differentiate between them:

1. Bacterial vaginosis and thrush

"Bacterial vaginosis and thrush can show similar symptoms to that of cystitis. It is not uncommon to experience pain when passing urine. Other symptoms include soreness, itching and redness around the vulva, and an unusual discharge," advises the gynaecologist.

"You can also have pain when having sex. It is important to get checked out as this could mean you have a vaginal infection. Using an at-home self-test for vaginal infection can give you an answer in ten seconds to help you determine if you’re suffering with thrush or BV."

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

2. Ovarian cancer

One of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is needing to pass urine more oftenand more urgently, which is where the confusion can come in. But if you were suffering from an illness of this severity, you'd likely display other symptoms, too. "Persistent abdominal pain, persistent bloating, and difficulty eating and feeling full more quickly" Tania says are all potential indications of cancer of the ovaries.

"The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague, so it’s important to keep a symptom diary, and let your doctor know if you are worried," she adds.

3. Dehydration

"Pain when urinating and strong smelling urine could actually be due to dehydration," says the gynaecologist, advising you should "make sure you drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day. The body is made up of 75% of water, so it is important to stay well hydrated.

"Dehydration can cause countless problems, and is very bad for the body. Water allows the kidneys to process everything and support intimate health."

Photo credit: Giphy
Photo credit: Giphy

4. Interstitial cystitis

Similar name, but very different situation. "Interstitial cystitis causes pain and pressure over the bladder," explains Tania. "You can have symptoms of pain passing urine, and sudden urge to need to pass urine, which typically doesn’t resolve, and can go on for weeks. You also wake up several times at night to pass urine.

"Interstitial cystitis is also called 'painful bladder syndrome'. The pain may be worse when you have your period, or after eating certain foods. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not known, but it is not caused by an infection of the bladder and antibiotics don’t help. It typically affects women in their 30s and 40ss, and is associated with other pain syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome."

If you've got any concerning symptoms, make sure to visit a GP.

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