Can cystitis be caused by stress?

Managing your sexual health can be a full-time job. With the constant worry of sexually transmitted infections and other health concerns, it’s easy to overlook the role that stress plays in our sexual well-being. One condition that is often linked to stress is cystitis. Cystitis can be a chronic bladder condition, and its common symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, and pelvic pain.

But can stress really affect your health so much that it can cause infections like cystitis? Keep reading to find out.

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Understanding cystitis and urinary tract infections

Before we explore the relationship with stress, it’s essential to understand cystitis itself.

Cystitis primarily affects the bladder, leading to symptoms such as:

• Overactive bladder

• Burning sensations during urination

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Chronic bladder pain

• Increased frequency and urinary frequency

• Pain during sex

• Bladder discomfort

In most cases, bacterial infection is the primary cause of acute cystitis, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, there are instances where no bacterial infection is present, leading to a condition known as interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome or bladder pain syndrome. IC is a chronic bladder condition characterised by an irritated bladder wall, and it can be distinguished from a chronic urinary tract infection, which involves ongoing infection.

Around half of women will get cystitis at some point in their lifetime, and many women will get it more than once and may need regular long-term treatment for it. Cystitis is also more common among older men than younger men.

The risk factors for getting cystitis include:

• Frequent sex

• Changes in the structure of your vagina or vulva due to injury

• Changes in the flora of your vagina

• The presence of kidney stones

• The insertion of a catheter

• The use of vaginal diaphragms with spermicide

Cystitis can resolve on its own, but some infections will require treatment with antibiotics. Holding urine for too long can allow bacteria to multiply, and neglecting to drink enough water can result in more concentrated urine that irritates the bladder lining. Hydrating and avoiding bladder irritants help prevent cystitis-related irritation.

There is no single test to diagnose interstitial cystitis, and diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions. Urine tests may look for white blood cells as indicators of infection or inflammation, helping to distinguish between different causes of bladder symptoms. The body’s ability to fight infection and regulate inflammation also plays a role in the development and severity of cystitis.

The role of chronic stress in causing cystitis

While bacterial infections are the primary cause of cystitis, stress can significantly impact the body’s susceptibility to this condition.

Stress can trigger a host of physiological responses in the body, in particular cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can disrupt the body’s immune function, making it more vulnerable to infections. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which has a direct, detrimental effect on the lower urinary tract.

Stress also weakens the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, which plays a crucial role in the development of cystitis. It also affects the body’s ability to cope with inflammation and infection, further increasing susceptibility.

Furthermore, chronic stress exposure can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition characterised by the dysfunction of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Persistent tension in pelvic floor muscles due to stress can irritate the bladder wall and surrounding nerves, worsening symptoms. This tension can impede normal bladder function, leading to symptoms resembling those of cystitis.

A study out of Northwestern University found that life stress is associated with greater IC symptoms. The prevalence of stress-related disorders is higher in patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, and these patients often experience chronic pain and a lower quality of life. Several more studies have found positive correlations between lower urinary tract symptoms and chronic psychological stress commonly experienced in people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Diagnosing IC is complex because there is no single test that can definitively confirm it. The process of diagnosing IC often involves ruling out other conditions through a combination of urine tests, urine culture, imaging, and sometimes a biopsy. These tests help identify infections, abnormal cells, or other urinary tract problems, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.

Importance of adequate sleep

Getting enough sleep is a crucial part of managing IC and reducing the impact of bladder pain and discomfort. Many patients with IC find that chronic stress and poor sleep can make their symptoms worse. When you sleep, your body has the opportunity to repair and regenerate tissues, including the bladder wall, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the urinary tract.

Research shows that people with IC who struggle with sleep disturbances often experience more severe symptoms, such as bladder and pelvic pain. Sleep deprivation can also weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off urinary tract infections and other triggers that can cause painful flare-ups. This is why stress management and adequate sleep are both essential parts of any treatment plan for chronic bladder conditions.

Managing stress to prevent cystitis

Given the significant impact of stress on cystitis, managing stress effectively is crucial for both preventing and managing this condition. Here’s how you can reduce stress to avoid getting cystitis:

Use meditation and deep breathing techniques to calm anxiety
Exercise regularly
Make time for things you enjoy, like spending time with friends and family or engaging in hobbies
Seek support from a therapist or counsellor if you’re struggling to cope with stress effectively
Eat a well-balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and hydrate regularly

Get tested at home

Urinary tract infections can be a pain. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, you can use Better2Know’s Urine for Microscopy and Culture Home Test to identify the presence of yeast or harmful bacteria in your urine.

Your discreetly packaged home testing kit will include a container for urine collection, a pathology form, and a postage-paid return envelope. We will also email you a detailed leaflet with clear instructions for collecting your sample. Once you have taken your sample, pop it into the prepaid envelope and send it to our laboratory for analysis. Results will be ready two days after the laboratory receives your sample. If you’re concerned about your symptoms and would like to talk to someone about them, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of Better2Know’s expert Sexual Health Advisors.