Honeymoon cystitisN30.0

In 1959, O' Donnell was the first to suspect that the penetration of bacteria after sexual intercourse occurs more frequently if the urethra assumes a relatively hypospadic position during coitus, as can be the case with an incomplete rupture of the hymen, for example. For this reason, operations to divide the anterior bridge of the hymen on both sides were performed successfully from 1967 onwards (Blackledge 1979).

In honeymoon cystitis, mechanical irritation of the urethra due to the close proximity of the vagina leads to acute bacterial cystitis (Braun 2018).

Bacterial urinary tract infections occur in 50% of cases in sexually active women or women with predisposing risk factors (Herold 2022).

The irritation of the urogenital tract during sexual intercourse leads to a change in the vaginal environment. This makes it easier for weak pathogens such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus to multiply. The germs enter the urinary bladder through germ ascension and cause cystitis there (Ekert 2020).

Affected patients complain of abdominal pain and alguria (Ekert 2020). Pollakiuria and dysuria also occur frequently (Goerke 2018).

Histologically, S. saprophyticus is the most common trigger of honeymoon cystitis (Holtmann 2024).

During treatment, both partners should always be treated by applying antimicrobial creams to the genital mucosa (Ekert 2020).

To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, it is recommended to empty the bladder after sexual intercourse so that any pathogens can be flushed out. Affected women should also make sure they drink enough fluids (Ekert 2020).

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3. Ekert D, Antwerpes F (2020) Honeymoon cystitis. DocCheck Flexikon. doi: https://flexikon.doccheck.com/en/honeymoon-cystitis
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