I suppose it's a coincidence but my two flatmates and I have all had cystitis over the past month.

What puzzles me is we have all been given totally different treatments by our doctors. So what is the correct therapy?

Cystitus is really common in younger women, especially after sexual activity. Immediate first aid measures include drinking lots of water, putting a hot water bottle on your tummy and using simple remedies such as Boots Cystitis Relief sachets or old-fashioned bicarbonate of soda.

Further useful tips can be found in Dame Angela Kilmartin's famous books on cystitis - obtainable at most libraries. If medical treatment is needed, most doctors prescribe drugs such as amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim.