Nonbacterial causes of cystitis (noninfectious cystitis) exist but are less common.
Acute cystitis infections are those that begin suddenly. Some people get recurrent or chronic cystitis infections.
Signs and Symptoms of Cystitis
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Urine with a strong or foul odor
- Low fever
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Cramps or pressure in the lower middle abdomen or back
- An urgent need to urinate, even right after you’ve emptied your bladder
- Urinating frequently in small amounts
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Unusual daytime accidents in potty-trained children
Learn More About Signs and Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection
How Is Cystitis Diagnosed?
If you have recurrent infections, your doctor may refer you to a urologist who may perform or order:
- Cystoscopy to look at your urinary tract and check for signs of disease. A thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into your urethra to do so.
- Imaging to see rare causes of inflammation such as a tumor or structural abnormality. Tests may include an X-ray or ultrasound.
Learn More About Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections: Tests and Screenings, Early Diagnosis, and Your Doctors
Prognosis of Cystitis
Treatment and Medication Options for Cystitis
Medication Options
If you’re a woman who has repeat bladder infections, your doctor may recommend taking a single dose of an antibiotic after having sex, or taking a single, daily dose of an antibiotic to prevent infections.
Interstitial cystitis may be treated with medications that are taken orally or inserted directly into your bladder.
If your cystitis developed as a complication of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to help you manage the pain.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Learn More About Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More
Prevention of Cystitis
While there isn’t conclusive research to prove that they are effective, the following tips are low-risk and may potentially be helpful:
- Urinate after sex to flush bacteria out of the urethra
- Avoid spermicides and diaphragms as contraceptives
- Wash your genitals regularly and gently with soap and water
- Don’t use special feminine hygiene products
- Always wipe from front to back
- Drink lots of fluids
- Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep and avoiding stress
Complications of Cystitis
- Kidney infection Older adults and children are most vulnerable to kidney damage, because their symptoms may be overlooked.
- Bloody urine Overt or visible blood in the urine is more common when cystitis is caused by radiation or chemotherapy.
Related Conditions and Causes of Cystitis
- Diabetes
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Spinal cord injuries
Resources We Love
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that specializes in clinical practice, education, and research. Its website offers information about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cystitis.
MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It offers information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cystitis.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Cystitis. Mayo Clinic. May 14, 2020.
- Cystitis — Acute. MedlinePlus. November 3, 2020.
- Sabih A, Leslie SW. Complicated Urinary Tract Infections. StatPearls. July 17, 2020.
- Jia X, Crouss T, Rana N, Whitmore KE. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Management of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: a Recent Update. Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports. June 11, 2020.
- Acute Cystitis: Preventing Cystitis. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. October 24, 2019.
- Li R, Leslie SW. Cystitis. StatPearls. June 7, 2020.
- Acute Cystitis: Overview. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. October 24, 2019.