Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Cystitis?

O. Wallace
O. Wallace

Cystitis is a generic term used to describe a variety of infections of the bladder. It can also be used to describe many different infections of the lower urinary tract. Cystitis, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), occurs when bacteria enters the bladder through the urethra, adheres to the bladder wall and starts multiplying. At this point, the immune system gets involved, and the body begins to fight off the infection. Although this is typically not a serious illness, if it is untreated and spreads from the bladder to the kidneys, a potentially damaging infection can take control.

Women tend to be more prone to cystitis because of their anatomy. Their urethras, which are the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, are naturally shorter than men’s. Approximately 20 to 40% of women experience cystitis at some point in their life. The bacterium that most often causes it is E.coli, which is common in the intestines. The condition occurs when this bacteria makes its way up the urethra into the bladder.

Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.
Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.

Another common cause is urine retention. This occurs in people who have trouble emptying their bladder completely. The urine that sits in the bladder is a breeding ground for bacteria. Hygiene is another factor, and women should always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria from the anus from reaching the urethra. Congenital deformities, especially in men, can prevent the complete emptying of the bladder. Children with vesicoureteral reflux also are at risk for retaining urine due to the formation of their urethras.

A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose cystitis.
A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose cystitis.

Catheterization is another common cause of the condition. Frequent changing of a catheter may cause small injuries to the tissue, providing entry points for bacteria. In general, catheters tend to introduce outside bacteria into the urethra on a regular basis.

Men with enlarged prostates can be more prone to the condition, because the prostate interferes with urination. Pregnancy is another factor that increases the risk, as well as frequent sexual activity, some sexually transmitted diseases and parasites. Post-menopausal women, as well as diabetics, are at increased risk as well. Recent studies have shown that certain blood types predispose some women to more frequent bouts of the condition.

Cystitis involves bacteria entering the urethra and attaching to the bladder wall.
Cystitis involves bacteria entering the urethra and attaching to the bladder wall.

Symptoms include painful urination, burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, bad-smelling urine, cloudy or bloody urine and a slight fever. Your doctor may dip your urine for a rapid test or send off a urine sample to be cultured by a lab. Treatment is usually a course of antibiotics, including amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. If frequent cystitis is plaguing you, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or perform more diagnostic tests on your urinary tract.

Amoxicillin is often prescribed for cystitis.
Amoxicillin is often prescribed for cystitis.

Prevention is simple: lots of fluids, urination after intercourse and urination at least every three hours are all good habits. Cranberry juice has shown many benefits, including preventing cystitis. Taking showers instead of baths, in order to reduce the amount of fluid that makes it up into the urethra, is also a good practice.

Discussion Comments

anon153387

Drink plenty of water! See a doctor! Avoid caffeine, chocolate and spicy foods.

anon100108

to anon20315: If you are 13 sweetie, and having this problem, I have to ask if you are sexually active or have been sexually abused? Your mother or primary caregiver should know about your symptoms and yes you need to see a doctor, clinic, nurse, someone right away.

anon20315

i have been having a problem and im only 13!

whenever i go pee it really hurts at the end and sometimes blood comes out and its not even my period. The pee usually turns out cloudy and i read on a sight that some of those things were the symptoms but im not sure. Please someone help this is excruciatingly painful. Should i go to a doctor?

anon6588

i was just curious. i have had a problem lately with my bladder. i noticed my irregular problems with not drinking much during the day, and i feel like i have to pee a lot. i have the urge to pee i have no pain, but just the urge to pee and that hurts. When i pee (it doesn't hurt--is what i meant) but say after i have gone the bathroom, about 10 minutes to 15 minutes later, i have that pressure that i have to pee again!! i try to hold on to it, but when i can't take the pain anymore, i go-- when i sit down and try to pee hardly anything comes out!!-- but then the cycle goes again. Ive been watching what i eat and drink. I don't know why this is happening-- if someone could get back to me--

ps: my mom has diabetes, and my dad has low sugar problems.. i'm in the in between. i have gotten tested but that was about 4 years ago.

thank you for anyone who can get back to me

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.
      By: Galina Mikhalishina
      Drinking cranberry juice may help fight bladder infections.
    • A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose cystitis.
      By: jcreaxion
      A urinalysis is typically used to help diagnose cystitis.
    • Cystitis involves bacteria entering the urethra and attaching to the bladder wall.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Cystitis involves bacteria entering the urethra and attaching to the bladder wall.
    • Amoxicillin is often prescribed for cystitis.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Amoxicillin is often prescribed for cystitis.
    • Cystitis is a term used to describe an infection in the bladder or lower urinary tract.
      By: snapgalleria
      Cystitis is a term used to describe an infection in the bladder or lower urinary tract.
    • Men with an enlarged prostate can be more prone to cystitis because of how it interferes with with urination.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Men with an enlarged prostate can be more prone to cystitis because of how it interferes with with urination.
    • Ciprofloxacin can be prescribed to treat cystitis.
      By: Syda Productions
      Ciprofloxacin can be prescribed to treat cystitis.
    • Bloody urine is one possible symptom of cystitis.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Bloody urine is one possible symptom of cystitis.