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Cystitis is a common type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), primarily affecting women and often caused by bacterial infections such as E. coli. Symptoms may include a persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, pelvic discomfort, and sometimes blood in the urine. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, supported by adequate hydration and good hygiene practices to help prevent recurrence.
Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder, typically caused by a bacterial infection. It is a common Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) that predominantly affects women, though men can also develop it. E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, is a frequent culprit behind cystitis.
Symptoms of cystitis include a strong and persistent urge to urinate, discomfort or burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain, and occasionally, blood in the urine. Factors such as poor hygiene, sexual activity, the use of certain contraceptives, and underlying medical conditions can increase the risk of developing cystitis.
Treatment typically consists of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection causing cystitis. Adequate hydration, proper hygiene practices, and measures to prevent potential irritants can aid in managing and preventing recurrent episodes of cystitis.
Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder, which can cause pain, irritation and discomfort.
Cystitis is most frequently caused by a lower Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), commonly known as a water or bladder infection. Bacteria (usually from the anus) enters the urinary tract and moves up to the bladder where it causes inflammation and irritation. E. coli is the most common bacteria involved in cystitis and is responsible for 75-95% of all cases.
Cystitis also has a number of non-bacterial causes, these include: certain medications which cause inflammation of the urinary tract as they leave the body via urine, existing kidney or spinal cord conditions, some autoimmune diseases and hypersensitivity to certain chemicals in bath oils, soaps and sprays.
Cystitis can affect both men and women of any age, but it is much more likely to occur in women; it is estimated that almost all women will experience cystitis at least once in their life. Women are more likely to experience cystitis due to the presence of a shorter urethra (the tube that urine passes out of the body from) which is located closer to the anus. This enables bacteria to pass more easily from the bowel up into the urethra and cause infection.
Mild cases of cystitis typically last a couple of days and in most cases will resolve on their own. If left untreated, cystitis can develop to a more serious upper urinary tract or kidney infection that will require urgent medical attention.
Some women experience frequent episodes of cystitis, this might require regular or long-term treatment. Recurrent cystitis is most common in women who: are pregnant, are sexually active, have been through the menopause, are diabetic, use a catheter or have kidney problems. Women who are prone to repeated episodes of cystitis should inform their GP.
Cystitis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, however, being sexually active can increase your chances of contracting it.
Children, men, and the elderly with symptoms of cystitis should always see their GP.
Common symptoms of cystitis include:
Other symptoms that may be present and indicate a more serious infection are:
If any of the above symptoms are present you should consult a doctor as your infection may have moved up the urinary tract and reached your kidneys (known as Pyelonephritis).
Women are much more likely than men to have cystitis, as the tube that passes out urine from a woman’s bladder (the urethra) is shorter and opens much nearer to the back passage (anus).
Aside from being female, other things that make cystitis more likely include:
Simple steps that may help to prevent cystitis include:
Mild cases of cystitis often get better without antibiotics and do not always require medical treatment. The first time that you get symptoms of cystitis, you should always visit your GP. After this, you will be familiar with the symptoms and be able to decide whether you require treatment or not.
If you have mild symptoms for less than two days, there are some self-care tips that you can follow that may help clear up the infection:
Women who are able to self-diagnose their cystitis are able to purchase treatment without the need to visit their GP. Urine alkalinising sachets work by reducing the acidity of the urine, which may help to reduce irritation and burning or stinging symptoms when passing urine.
If your symptoms are more severe or have not improved within three days, you may need antibiotics to treat the infection. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and Trimethoprim are first-line antibiotics for the treatment of simple cases of cystitis in women. They are both available for purchase from PrescriptionPad for women who have previously been diagnosed with cystitis by their GP. They are usually taken for a short course of 3 days but may be prescribed for longer.
Antibiotics normally improve symptoms of cystitis within 24-48 hours and cure the condition within 72 hours. If symptoms have not fully resolved once the 3-day course of treatment is complete, or if symptoms have worsened, you should see your GP for further treatment and advice.
If left untreated, the infection in your urethra and bladder can travel up to your kidneys (Pyelonephritis). This can be very painful and may cause the following symptoms:
If any of the above symptoms are present you should seek immediate medical attention.
If you have had three or more episodes of cystitis in the last year or two episodes in the last 6 months, you should see your GP.
Long-term cystitis infections are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over.
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Once your order has been approved by our prescriber, your treatment is then dispensed, packaged, and posted by our regulated pharmacy partner. Your order will arrive as quickly as the next day depending on your selected delivery option.
You can be confident that your treatment will be 100% genuine, safe, and effective as we only use medications procured from licensed manufacturers and trusted UK wholesalers.
Rest assured that your treatment will be delivered in plain packaging for complete discretion.
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The questionnaire consists of simple questions regarding your general health and the specific condition selected. Questions are easy to understand and similar to those that you would be asked during a GP appointment.
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