Learning About Reducing Bladder Irritation (Cystitis) From Prostate Cancer

The bladder becomes irritated when the tissues are inflamed and sensitive. Bladder irritation is known as cystitis. This can be a common problem when you have prostate cancer. It may be caused by:

• Prostate cancer growth pressing on the bladder.
• Inflammation from radiation therapy such as EBRT or brachytherapy.
• Inflammation from chemotherapy medicine.
• Damage to nerves and muscles during surgery to remove the prostate.

Symptoms can include:

• Loss of control over your bladder (incontinence).
• Needing to urinate often.
• A sudden, urgent need to urinate.
• Accidentally urinating when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.
• A burning feeling when you urinate.
• Needing to get up in the night to urinate.

The symptoms may last for a few weeks or for months.

Some things can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse. Making some lifestyle changes during this time may help ease your symptoms.

• Watch your activity. Some exercises or activities that require high impact or strain may make your bladder symptoms worse. These can include aerobics, weight lifting, jogging, sex, and bike riding. Other exercises may feel better right now, such as swimming or yoga.
• Track your fluids. Drinking fluid of any kind can affect your symptoms. They may get worse if you drink less fluid or too much fluid. Keep track, and see what is the most comfortable amount for you.
• Avoid certain foods and drinks. Some foods and drinks can irritate the bladder more than others. These include acidic foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

Some things have been shown to irritate some people’s bladders. You may not be sensitive to all of these.

• Acidic fruit and juice. These include orange, grapefruit, cranberry, pineapple, lemon, and strawberry.
• Drinks with alcohol. These include beer, wine, and hard liquor.
• Drinks with caffeine. These include coffee, black and green teas, cola, and energy drinks.
• Spicy foods. These are made with chili pepper that’s cooked, raw, powdered, or dried.
• Tomatoes. This includes foods with pieces of tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Not all bladders are affected by food and drinks in the same way. Your goal is to find the foods and drinks that make your own symptoms worse. If there are foods or drinks you love and don’t want to cut out, you can avoid one for 10 days and see if your symptoms get better. Then you can try it again and see how it feels to your bladder. Test only one food or drink at a time.

Each person’s bladder may be affected by different things. Consider keeping a journal of your symptoms. Write down your activities and what you eat and drink. Note when your symptoms get worse or better. This can help you see which activities, foods, drinks or other things affect your symptoms.