Cystitis

Cystitis is when your bladder gets infected or inflamed. It’s usually caused by bacteria and can make you feel like you need to pee often, or cause pain or burning when you go. It can also cause pain in your lower belly. It’s more common in women, but anyone can get it.

Watch this video to know more about cystitis.

Most of the time, the inflammation is caused by bacteria called E. coli, which is often found in the bladder. It’s not always clear how E. coli gets into the bladder, but some things that can increase the risk include:

• Having sex.
• Wiping from back to front after using the toilet.
• Using a diaphragm for birth control.
• Not drinking enough water and being constipated (when you have trouble passing stool) can make urinary problems worse and can also increase the risk of getting cystitis.

Cystitis can be painful, but it’s more of an annoyance than a serious health issue. It usually goes away on its own in a few days.

Cystitis symptoms usually appear suddenly, rather than over time, and can make you feel unwell. The most common symptoms are:

• Needing to pee more often than usual.
• A burning feeling when you pee.
• Feeling like you need to pee urgently, even if your bladder isn’t full.
• Pain or pressure in your lower belly.
• Cloudy, strong-smelling urine.
• Sometimes, blood in your urine.

Mild cases of cystitis often get better on their own, but if you’ve been having symptoms for more than 3 days, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. Some of the symptoms can be like those of other health problems, so it’s important to get checked. Your doctor can help you figure out what’s going on.

If you have back pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, it's important to see a doctor right away, as these could be signs of a kidney infection. Don’t wait, getting help quickly is important.

If cystitis comes back, it’s called recurrent cystitis. It’s not always clear why this happens, but if it keeps coming back, you should talk to your doctor about seeing a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who treats problems with the urinary system, like the kidneys, bladder, and how we pee. They can do tests to find out if there’s another problem.

Recurrent cystitis is treated with longer-term methods to help stop infections from coming back.

Your doctor may give you a low dose of antibiotics to take for several weeks or months to help clear the infection. If you get cystitis after having sex, your doctor might suggest taking antibiotics after sex to help prevent it from happening. It can feel awkward to talk about sex with your doctor, but being open about it can really help you get the right treatment.

Is there anything else that can help stop cystitis from coming back?

There isn’t much strong evidence that changes in your daily routine (lifestyle changes) work, but some people find these tips helpful:

• Drink lots of water throughout the day to help flush out bacteria.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Go to the bathroom when you feel the need to pee, instead of holding it.
• Pee right after sex.
• Take showers instead of baths and wash yourself every day.
• Try not to use products that can irritate your genital area, like soap, deodorants, powders, or gels used for birth control.

The information provided here is general and may vary based on where you live. You may want to ask your doctor for advice that's specific to your situation.

Here are some simple questions you can ask your doctor about cystitis:

• What caused my cystitis?
• What treatments are there, and which one is best for me?
• How long will it take to feel better with treatment?
• Should I worry about any problems from cystitis?
• How can I stop cystitis from happening again?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to help me get better?
• Are there any side effects from the medicine I’m taking?
• How can I tell if my cystitis is getting worse or if I need to see you again?
• Can cystitis affect my kidneys or cause other problems?
• Do I need any tests to check for other infections or problems?

These questions can help you understand your condition and get the right treatment.

This chapter contains general information about cystitis. If you have any specific questions about your own medical situation you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: February 2025