You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
Cystitis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder. It's common, particularly in women. It often gets better by itself, but may sometimes be treated with antibiotics.
Some people get cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.
Symptoms of cystitis include:
Symptoms in young children may also include:
In older, frail people with cognitive impairment (such as dementia) and people with a urinary catheter, symptoms may also include:
You think you or someone else has cystitis and:
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it’s not treated as it could cause sepsis.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you have cystitis, a GP may:
If you keep getting cystitis, a GP may prescribe:
In some women, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection even though you have cystitis symptoms.
This may mean you have a long-term (chronic) bladder infection that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatment.
Long-term infections are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over.
If you have mild symptoms of cystitis, it can help to:
Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent cystitis from happening, which might help. However, there’s no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat cystitis if the infection has already started.
You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for cystitis. A pharmacist can:
Some pharmacies offer a cystitis management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they're needed.
Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria from poo getting into the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra).
Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder and cause an infection.
Things that increase the chance of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
If you get cystitis frequently, there are some things you can try to help prevent it returning.
wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
pee as soon as possible after sex
drink plenty of fluids, especially water – so that you pee regularly during the day and do not feel thirsty
have a shower rather than a bath – this stops exposing your genitals to cleaning products for too long
wash the skin outside the vagina (vulva) with water before and after sex
change soiled nappies or incontinence pads promptly
keep the genital area clean and dry
do not use scented soap, bubble bath or talcum powder
do not use spermicide with diaphragm or condoms – try non-spermicidal lube or different type of contraception
do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go
do not rush when going for a pee – try to fully empty your bladder
do not drink lots of alcoholic drinks or coffee – they may irritate your bladder
do not have lots of sugary foods or drinks – they may encourage bacteria to grow
If you keep getting cystitis, there is some evidence you may find it helpful to take:
Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar. If you're taking warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products.
