How does cystitis happen

Women in their late teens and older are most susceptible to cystitis, especially if they are sexually active. The female urethra is only 4 cm long, which gives bacteria easy access to the bladder. Female sex hormones influence the vaginal secretions that affect the ability of bacteria to survive. This makes women more susceptible to infection:. Men tend to get cystitis later in life.

Where trouble with urine flow is a symptom, this may indicate that the underlying cause is a problem with their prostate gland. Cystitis is common in older people, particularly if they are unwell. Bladder catheters and some urinary-tract operations may also increase the risk of cystitis.

Cystitis in a child always needs to be investigated, because it may indicate a more serious condition such as urinary reflux also known as vesicoureteric reflux. This is a bladder-valve problem, which allows urine to flow back towards the kidneys. In some women, one bout of cystitis allows their urinary system to build up a type of immunity and further bouts are rare. For other women, cystitis can occur regularly.

Although not always backed up by research, some women have found that useful suggestions include:. Cranberries usually as cranberry juice have been used to prevent UTIs. Cranberries contain a substance that can prevent the E. However, recent research has shown that cranberry juice does not have a significant benefit in preventing UTIs, and most people are unable to continue drinking the juice on a long-term basis.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. This can occur during sex, or if you wipe your genital area from the back to the front after a bowel movement poo. Bladder — the bladder stores urine. When you urinate, the urine goes to the outside of the body through a tube called the urethra. The doctor may also check for other possible causes of the symptoms.

This check may include a pelvic examination to ensure the vagina is healthy, or an X-ray or ultrasound of the urinary system. Sexually transmitted infections STIs often cause infections of the urethra and symptoms similar to cystitis. Symptoms should disappear after a few days, but you need to take all the antibiotics to make sure the infection has completely gone. See your doctor immediately as this could mean the infection has reached the kidneys, and could cause kidney damage. The following can help, but they will not cure the infection.

You still need to see a doctor. People who have cystitis often feel embarrassed, depressed or anxious. Talk about it with your doctor, a counsellor, or others who have the same problem. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change.

All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions. Skip to navigation Skip to main content Site map Accessibility Contact us. Search this site Search all sites Search. Go to whole of WA Government Search. Open search bar Open navigation Submit search. Health conditions. Facebook Youtube Twitter. Home Health conditions Cystitis.

Some people find using these remedies eases burning or discomfort when they pee. If you do decide to use these products, you can only use them for a short time. This is because they contain lots of potassium or salt. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Some pharmacies in the UK can test you for cystitis and prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. You usually take antibiotics for cystitis for three days.

But sometimes antibiotics are prescribed for seven days or longer. Sometimes your GP may prescribe you more than one type of antibiotic. They may then prescribe a different antibiotic. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or GP for advice. Sometimes your doctor might ask you to take different types of antibiotics at different times.

They may refer you to a urologist a doctor who specialises in the urinary system for more tests. You may have a condition called interstitial cystitis.

This causes ongoing inflammation in your bladder and cystitis-like symptoms. Cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Over eight in every 10 cases of cystitis are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli E.

Interstitial cystitis is a different condition. But it may be caused by a problem with your bladder or immune system or changes to your nervous system. Cystitis is often mild and clears up on its own. If bacteria in your bladder reach your kidneys, you may get an infection called pyelonephritis. This can cause pain in your side and back and a high temperature fever. You may feel sick or be sick too.

Pyelonephritis can be treated with antibiotics. Cystitis in men can lead to an infection of the prostate gland prostatitis. This can cause pain, especially at the bottom of your penis and around your anus back passage. You may not be able to pee when you go to the loo. Prostatitis is treated with a long course of antibiotics. If you keep getting cystitis after having sex, see your GP. They may prescribe antibiotics to keep at home and take straight after you have sex.

If you get cystitis a lot, your GP may prescribe a low-dose antibiotic for you to keep at home. You can take this if your cystitis comes back again. You may be prescribed trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin. Your GP will let you know how often to take your medicine. Your GP may refer you to a urologist a doctor who specialises in the urinary system. They may offer you some further tests. If you have cystitis there are lots of things you can do to help with your symptoms.

These include drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter painkillers. Some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, can cause similar symptoms to cystitis. Interstitial cystitis painful bladder syndrome is a different condition. It causes inflammation in your bladder. You may have cystitis-like symptoms as well as lower tummy or pelvic pain or pressure when your bladder is full. Interstitial cystitis is difficult to diagnose and treat, so your GP may refer you to a urologist.

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It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.