DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...

DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

Tracey’s already doing the right things to prevent cystitis — cranberry juice helps stop the bacteria that causes it from sticking to the bladder wall and the resulting inflammation, while drinking plenty of fluids dilutes germs and flushes out the system.

But swimming certainly isn’t the cause of her attacks.

However, Tracey should always empty her bladder straight after sex, as not doing so can irritate the urethra and push germs into the bladder, causing a risk of further infection.

Diagnostic tests by a specialist urogynaecologist would establish if there’s an underlying anatomical problem, as would a micturating cystogram — an X-ray that takes pictures of the urine flow.

Tracey could try Cymalon drinks to reduce acidity in her urine (available without prescription).

She could also try taking a daily preventative antibiotic if it’s needed.

'How can I stop cystitis attacks?'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT’S AUTHOR AND TV PRESENTER TRACEY COX, 46

I’ve suffered from cystitis – inflammation of the bladder due to infection or irritation – since my late teens, and still get attacks several times a year.

Because I’m a sex guru, people automatically assume I’ve just been having too much sex – but when cystitis strikes, bedroom action is the last thing on my mind.

When I was 24 the cystitis was so bad I had to have a cystoscopy, where a camera is used to explore the urethra for any obvious causes or abnormalities.

But the test didn’t reveal anything unusual, and I still have regular attacks.

Sometimes there’s blood in my urine, and sometimes I’m sick because the pain is so excruciating.

Sex is a trigger.

I once spent a supposedly romantic Italian holiday on a bidet, because it was the only relief I could find.

Sitting in a bath of warm water helps too.

Acidic drinks can set it off.

And I know I drink far too much red wine, which is also a trigger.

I’ve tried cranberry juice, but this only seems to work for milder attacks.

I always have a course of emergency antibiotics in the house just in case I get an attack.

I drink lots of water, and I wipe front to back after using the loo to prevent infection.

I swim a lot, and wonder if swimming pools might trigger my cystitis.

What can I do to stop it?

Tracey Cox is the author of Kama Sutra (Dorling Kindersley, £14.99).

Words: Vicki Grimshaw; Photography: Dave Poole/Scopefeatures.com

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