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Page 21
| IUDs can set up a cycle of urethral irritation, as can some spermicidal gels. |
| Soap and cosmetics: Strong antimicrobial soaps like Safeguard may alter (sometimes to the worse) surface flora. Scented, flavored or colored vaginal or anal lubricants offer up a variety of possible allergens or irritants. Some scented bath oils, surfactants and salts may also irritate the urethra and labia, as can use of those scented "feminine" sprays, douches and such. Even excess douching with more staid agents can contribute to the disruption of the normal flora. |
| Sexual Activities |
| Vaginal intercourse: Like it or not, the more frequent, the more cystitis. The more partners, the more cystitis. "Honeymoon cystitis" is even worse . . . frequent intercourse with a new partner. Women under 20 years of age bear the greatest risk, since the hormonal yo-yos of adolescence can contribute to a chronic imbalance of vaginal pH and major shifts in native flora, both compromising resistance. |
| Anal intercourse: A sure way to aggravate or even initiate cystitis in malesuse a condom. If vaginal intercourse follows, at the very least change condomsanything else puts your partner at risk for cystitis. If you are a male with recurring cystitis, anal intercourse is generally the last thing you should be doing. Find inventive alternatives. |
| Oral sex: Mouth flora is very changeable and infectious bacteria can be passed back and forth this way. If you are trying to deal with frequent urethritis and cystitis, oral sex may be contributing. |
| Oral contraceptives and pregnancy: I realize this is a peculiar juxtaposition of terms, but, to a degree, the first |
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