Cystitis
Cystitis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder, commonly occurring in women. It often resolves on its own but may sometimes require antibiotics. Some individuals experience frequent episodes of cystitis, requiring regular or long-term treatment.
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Treatments
- Sexual activity
- Wiping from back to front after using the toilet
- Use of urinary catheters
- Spermicide use with contraception
- Urinary tract blockages, like kidney stones
- Pregnancy
- Incomplete bladder emptying, such as from an enlarged prostate in men
- Menopause
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Take paracetamol for pain relief
- Drink plenty of water
- Use a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen
- Avoid sexual activity and bladder irritants like coffee and alcohol
- Following thorough assessment, Pharmacy + Me can prescribe a 3-day course of antibiotics if needed.
- Contact a GP if symptoms persist for more than 3 days, are severe, or if cystitis recurs frequently.
- Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms include a high or low temperature, severe pain, confusion, vomiting, or if there’s blood in the urine, as these may indicate a kidney infection.
- Pain, burning, or stinging during urination
- Increased frequency and urgency of urination
- Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Behavioral changes (confusion or agitation)
- Increased frequency of wetting themselves
- Shivering or shaking (rigors)
Cystitis Guides
Simply find your medical condition below to read helpful information written and reviewed by our healthcare professionals.
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
FAQ’s
Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder. It’s more common in women and can cause symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and lower abdominal discomfort.
Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra and traveling to the bladder. Risk factors include sexual activity, improper wiping after using the toilet, urinary catheters, certain contraceptives, and conditions like diabetes or menopause.
Common symptoms include pain or burning during urination, increased frequency and urgency of urination, dark or cloudy urine, and pain in the lower abdomen. In children, symptoms may also include fever, wetting themselves, and irritability.
Cystitis is often diagnosed based on symptoms. A urine test may be done to confirm the infection and identify the bacteria causing it. In some cases, especially if symptoms are recurrent, further tests may be needed.
Mild cases may resolve on their own with increased fluid intake and pain relief. For more severe cases, a GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics. Recurrent cystitis may require long-term treatment, such as low-dose antibiotics or vaginal estrogen cream for postmenopausal women.
Yes, mild cases of cystitis can sometimes resolve without treatment within a few days, especially with proper self-care, like staying hydrated and avoiding bladder irritants. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, medical treatment may be necessary.
You should see a doctor if symptoms last more than 3 days, if they are severe, if cystitis recurs frequently, or if you have symptoms while pregnant. Urgent medical advice is needed if you experience a high or low temperature, severe pain, confusion, or blood in your urine.
Preventive measures include wiping from front to back after using the toilet, urinating after sex, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding bladder irritants like alcohol and caffeine. For those who get frequent infections, D-mannose or cranberry products may help.
Yes, men can get cystitis, though it is less common than in women. When men do develop cystitis, it’s often related to an underlying condition, such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract blockage, and should be evaluated by a doctor.
While cystitis itself is usually not serious, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, leading to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis. This can cause severe symptoms and may lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Prompt treatment is important to prevent complications.
