Bladder Inflammation (Cystitis)

Cystitis is inflammation of your urinary bladder, usually because of a bacterial infection. Bacteria from the area between your genitals and rectum (perineum) can get into your urethra and travel up to your bladder. That leads to symptoms that affect how you pee.

Bladder infections are very common, especially in females. About 50% to 60% of females will have cystitis at some point. And these infections may come back (recur) — between 30% and over 40% of females who get a bladder infection will have another one later on.

Males are less likely to get cystitis. That’s because their urethras are longer — about 8 to 9 inches (about 20 centimeters). In females, they’re much shorter — about 1.5 inches (3 to 4 centimeters) long. Because of that, it’s harder for bacteria to reach the bladder in males.

Many people feel shy about bringing up cystitis symptoms. But bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Each year in the U.S., UTIs lead to more than 10 million visits to healthcare providers. You’re not alone. Providers treat them all the time, and you don’t need to feel embarrassed.

What are the different types of cystitis?

There are two main types of cystitis:

• Uncomplicated cystitis is mild. It usually goes away easily and doesn’t cause serious problems.
• Complicated cystitis is more serious. It can spread to your kidneys and may be harder to treat.

What are symptoms of cystitis?

Cystitis symptoms commonly include:

• Peeing more often than usual (frequent urination): You may feel like you have to pee all the time, even if not much comes out. Some people also feel a sudden, strong need to pee and can’t hold it (urge incontinence).
• Pain or burning when you pee (dysuria): It may burn or itch when you start or finish peeing.
• Changes in your pee: It might look darker or smell bad.

If the infection spreads to your kidneys (pyelonephritis), you might also have:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flank pain

What triggers cystitis?

Bacteria cause most bladder infections. The most common one is Escherichia coli (E. coli). It gets into your urethra and multiplies in your bladder.

Other factors that may increase your risk of cystitis include:

• Urinary system problems you have at birth (congenital urinary abnormalities)
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Using a Foley catheter
• Using a vaginal diaphragm
• Using spermicides
• Having sexual intercourse with more than one partner
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

You’re also more likely to get cystitis if you’ve had it before.

Are bladder infections contagious?

No, you can’t catch a bladder infection from someone else — even through sexual intercourse. But sex can sometimes let bacteria into your urinary tract and cause an infection.

To help lower your risk after sex, try these tips:

• Use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant (lube).
• Pee after sex.
• Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom and having sex.

What are the complications of cystitis?

If you don’t treat cystitis, it can spread to your kidneys. This type of infection is an upper urinary tract infection, and it’s harder to treat.

How is bladder inflammation diagnosed?

Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of cystitis. Your provider will usually ask for a pee sample to help diagnose bladder inflammation.

They may run two tests:

• Urinalysis (pee test): Checks how your pee looks and what’s in it
• Urine culture: Finds out what type of bacteria caused cystitis

Does it show up on urinalysis?

Yes, providers often find cystitis with a pee test. But sometimes, your results may look normal, even if you still have symptoms.

If that happens, talk to your provider again. They may do more tests or send you to a urologist for a closer look.

What is the fastest way to get rid of cystitis?

Antibiotics are the fastest way to treat cystitis. Your provider will choose the right one based on the kind of bacteria causing your infection.

You may need antibiotics for three to 14 days, depending on how bad the infection is. Be sure to take all your medicine, even if you start to feel better. If you stop too soon, the infection could come back and be harder to treat.

What antibiotics treat it?

Some common antibiotics that providers prescribe to treat cystitis include:

• Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid®, Macrodantin®, Urotoin®)
• Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
• Amoxicillin (Amoxil®, Moxilin®, Sumox®)
• Cephalosporins
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®, Bacter-Aid DS®, Septra®)
• Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®)

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

You should start feeling better within a few days to a week after you start taking antibiotics.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Call your provider if you have symptoms of cystitis. If you’ve already started treatment but still don’t feel better after a week, contact them again. They may order another test or give you a different antibiotic.

During your appointment, you may wish to ask the following:

• If I don’t have cystitis, what other conditions may be causing my symptoms?
• How long should I take antibiotics?
• Do I need to take my antibiotics at a particular time every day?
• Are there any special directions for how to store my antibiotics?
• When will I start to feel better?
• Should I schedule a follow-up appointment?

What can I expect if I have bladder inflammation (cystitis)?

With proper diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for cystitis is good. Bladder inflammation often improves by staying hydrated and taking antibiotics. Be sure to finish your entire prescription. Stopping your medication early could lead to the infection coming back.

How do you calm it?

Antibiotics usually help within a few days to a week. While you heal, avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder, like:

• Alcohol
• Citrus juices
• Caffeinated drinks
• Spicy foods

How can I prevent bladder inflammation (cystitis)?

You can help prevent cystitis by adopting the following practices:

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water helps you pee more, which flushes out germs from your body.
• Don’t hold it in: When you feel the urge to pee, go. Holding it too long gives bacteria a chance to grow.
• Wipe front to back: After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back. This helps stop germs from getting into your urinary area.
• Pee after sexual intercourse: This helps wash away any germs that might have gotten near your urethra.
• Avoid spermicides and diaphragms: These forms of birth control can disrupt healthy bacteria and raise your risk for a UTI.
• Ask about vaginal estrogen: If you’ve gone through menopause, a cream or ring with estrogen might help lower your risk of UTIs.
• Cranberry pills: Cranberry supplements — not juice — may help prevent UTIs by keeping bacteria from sticking to your bladder.
• Consider probiotics: Probiotics can support healthy bacteria in your body. They may be especially helpful after menopause.
• Ask your provider about methenamine hippurate (Hiprex®, Urex®): Urinary antiseptics like methenamine hippurate can stop bacteria from growing in your pee and help prevent recurrent UTIs.
• Talk to your provider if you get frequent UTIs: If UTIs keep coming back, your provider might suggest a low daily dose of antibiotics or pills to take after sex as a preventive measure.