15/09/2023
Symptoms of cystitis
Cystitis can cause problems with p*eing and make you feel unwell.
Symptoms of cystitis in adults
Cystitis in adults can cause:
pain, burning or stinging when you p*e
needing to p*e more often and urgently than normal
feeling like you need to p*e again soon after going to the toilet
urine that's dark, cloudy or strong-smelling
pain low down in your tummy
feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired
blood in your urine
In adults, cystitis doesn't usually cause a high temperature (fever). If you have a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above and pain in your lower back or sides, it may be a sign of a kidney infection.
Symptoms of cystitis in children
It can be difficult to tell whether a child has cystitis, because the symptoms can be vague and young children cannot easily communicate how they feel.
Possible symptoms of cystitis in young children may include:
a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
weakness and tiredness
irritability
reduced appetite
vomiting
Children with cystitis can sometimes also have symptoms usually found in adults, such as pain when p*eing, p*eing more often than normal and pain in their tummy.
When to see your GP
You should see your GP if you or your child have symptoms of cystitis for the first time.
Cystitis isn't usually a cause for serious concern, but the symptoms can be similar to several other conditions, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis.
If you're a woman who has had cystitis before, you don't necessarily need to see your GP again. Cystitis is very common in women and mild cases often get better on their own. Speak to a pharmacist if you need any advice about treating cystitis.
However, you should see your GP if your symptoms are severe or don't start to get better in a few days, you get cystitis frequently, or you're pregnant.
Children and men should always be seen by a GP if they have symptoms of cystitis, as the condition is less common and could be more serious in these groups.
Causes of cystitis
Cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, although it sometimes happens when the bladder is irritated or damaged for another reason.
Bacterial infections
Most infections are thought to occur when bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel or on the skin get into the bladder through the urethra (tube that carries urine out of your body) and start to multiply.
Cystitis is much more common in women than men, probably because the a**s (back passage) is closer to the urethra in women and the urethra is much shorter.
It's not always obvious how the bacteria get into the bladder, but it can be caused by:
having s*x
wiping your bottom after going to the toilet – particularly if you wipe from back to front
inserting a tampon or urinary catheter (a thin tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder)
using a diaphragm for contraception
What can increase your risk?
There are a number of things that can increase your chances of developing an infection in your bladder. Some of these are outlined below.
Not being able to empty your bladder
If you're unable to empty your bladder fully, any bacteria that get inside may not be flushed out when you go to the toilet and can multiply more easily.
You may not be able to empty your bladder fully if:
you have a blockage in your urinary system, such as a bladder stone
you're pregnant, as the baby may be pressing on your bladder
(in men) you have an enlarged prostate gland that presses on the urethra
Menopause
For women who have been through the menopause, or are going through it, the lining of the urethra can shrink and become thinner because of a lack of the hormone oestrogen.
The natural balance of bacteria in the va**na may also change, which can allow potentially harmful bacteria to become more common.
This can make the urethra more vulnerable to infection, which could spread into the bladder.
Diabetes
You're more likely to get cystitis if you have diabetes – a condition where the level of sugar in your body becomes too high.
High levels of sugar in your urine can provide a good environment for bacteria to multiply, so any bacteria that get into the bladder are more likely to cause cystitis.
Other causes of cystitis
Cystitis can also be caused by damage or irritation to the urethra and bladder.
This can be the result of:
friction from s*x
chemical irritants, such as those in perfumed soap or bubble bath
damage caused by a catheter or surgery on your bladder
radiotherapy to your pelvis or treatment with certain chemotherapy medicines
a woman's ge****ls having been deliberately cut or changed for cultural, religious and social reasons (an illegal practice called female ge***al mutilation or FGM)
Treating cystitis
Mild cystitis will usually clear up on its own within a few days, although sometimes you may need to take antibiotics.
See your GP for advice and treatment if:
you have symptoms of cystitis for the first time
your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days
you get cystitis frequently
you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your urine
you're pregnant and have symptoms of cystitis
you're a man and have symptoms of cystitis
your child has symptoms of cystitis
Women who have had cystitis before don't necessarily need to see their GP if the condition returns, as mild cases often get better without antibiotics. You can try the self-help measures below or ask your pharmacist for advice.
Things you can try yourself
If you've had cystitis before and don't feel you need to see your GP, the following advice may help to relieve your symptoms until the condition clears up:
take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – always read the medicine information leaflet beforehand to check whether you can take it, and check with your pharmacist if you're not sure
drink plenty of water – it's been suggested this may help flush the infection out of your bladder and some people find it helpful, although it's not clear how effective it actually is
use a hot water bottle – holding a hot water bottle on your tummy or between your thighs may reduce any discomfort
don't have s*x until you're feeling better, because it may make the condition worse
Some people find drinking cranberry juice or using products that reduce the acidity of their urine (such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate) reduce their symptoms, but there's a lack of evidence to suggest they're effective.
These products are also not suitable for everyone. Check with your GP or pharmacist before trying them if you're taking any other medication.
Antibiotics
In some cases, your GP may prescribe a course of antibiotics. This will usually involve taking a tablet or capsule two to four times a day for three days.
Antibiotics should start to have an effect quite quickly. Return to your GP if your symptoms haven't started to improve within a few days.
Most people won't have any side effects from antibiotic treatment, but possible side effects can include feeling or being sick, itching, a rash and diarrhoea.
If cystitis keeps coming back
If you keep getting cystitis (known as recurrent cystitis) your doctor may prescribe stand-by antibiotics or continuous antibiotics.
A stand-by antibiotic is a prescription you can take to a pharmacy the next time you have symptoms of cystitis, without needing to visit your GP first.
Continuous antibiotics are taken for several months to prevent further episodes of cystitis. These may be prescribed:
if cystitis usually occurs after having s*x – you may be given a prescription for antibiotics to take within two hours of having s*x
if cystitis is not related to having s*x – you may be given a low-dose antibiotic to take for a trial period of six months
Your doctor may also recommend some measures you can take to prevent cystitis, although it's not clear how effective these are.
