Cystitis is a condition that occurs when there is an inflammation of the bladder. It’s most often caused by a bacterial infection, and in this scenario, it’s referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI), according to the Mayo Clinic.
In most cases, cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the bladder and cause an infection, notes MedlinePlus.Usually, your body naturally expels bacteria when you urinate, but sometimes it gets stuck to the wall of the urethra or bladder, or it grows so rapidly that some of it remains in the bladder.

Nonbacterial causes of cystitis (noninfectious cystitis) exist but are less common.

A simple UTI, or simple cystitis, can almost always be treated relatively easily with antibiotics.But some cystitis infections can be complex or complicated; for example, those that occur in men, or those that occur when someone has a catheter or a urinary structural abnormality.

Acute cystitis infections are those that begin suddenly. Some people get recurrent or chronic cystitis infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Cystitis

According to MedlinePlus, signs and symptoms of cystitis may include:
  • 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
Per the Mayo Clinic, additional symptoms of cystitis may include:
  • 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?

To diagnose cystitis, your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and medical history, according to the Mayo Clinic.They may also check your vital signs and perform a physical examination. In addition, your doctor may order a urine analysis to see if there’s bacteria, blood, or pus in your urine.

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

Cystitis usually clears up after treatment with antibiotics without causing any complications, notes MedlinePlus. But it may be uncomfortable until it’s resolved.

Treatment and Medication Options for Cystitis

Your doctor will most likely recommend antibiotics to treat a bacterial bladder infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.There are other treatments for other forms of cystitis.

Medication Options

In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe medications such as phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) to relieve to discomfort caused by cystitis, per MedlinePlus.

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.

If you’re postmenopausal and you get cystitis often, your doctor may prescribe a vaginal estrogen cream, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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

Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies are sometimes used to support treatment and management of chronic recurrent cystitis. For example, complementary therapies for interstitial cystitis may include acupuncture and mind-body approaches to address symptoms, according to a review published in Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports in June 2020.

Learn More About Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More

Prevention of Cystitis

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are various self-care measures that are said to help women prevent 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

Left untreated, cystitis may lead to the following complications, per the Mayo Clinic:
  • 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

Cystitis may be a complication of a number of conditions, notes the Mayo Clinic.These include but are not limited to:
  • 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.

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