Q. MY SUMMER BREAK IS OFTEN SPOILT BY CYSTITIS. I DON'T GET IT AT OTHER TIMES, SO WHY ON HOLIDAY? Gemma, 27, Dublin
A. Cystitis is a common holiday curse. Dehydration, alcohol and more sex than usual can all provoke this bladder infection. It's crucial to drink plenty of water when you're in the sun and, if holidays also mean poolside piña coladas, fizzy drinks and a heavy dose of caffeine, make sure you're upping your water intake. If you need to pee - don't hold on and ideally, try to go before and after sex. Cranberry juice may help stave off cystitis, so make that your holiday juice and mixer of choice. As you seem to get it fairly regularly, it might be worth talking to your GP, who may be able to give you an emergency prescription for antibiotics in case it hits you on your hols. Having said that, antibiotics aren't always neccessary and mild infections can often be managed with an over-the-counter remedy. If you're looking for an herbal alternative, you can buy Bionorica Cystipret, £14.25 for 60 tablets at Boots. It combines three anti-cystitis herbs, centaury, lovage root and rosemary leaf.
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