Cystitis
Cystitis - or inflammation of the bladder - will affect one out of every 3 women at some time in their lives. It is less common in men but can occasionally occur.
The usual symptoms of cystitis are the need to pass urine frequently and pain or a burning sensation when passing urine. Sometimes there will be an urge to go but little urine is passed. Often after passing urine there is a need to go again a few moments later. The urine may be cloudy, smelly or blood-stained.
Cystitis is usually due to infection with bacteria. In this case it is a type of urinary tract infection. In women, the bladder is very close to the outside world, with only a short tube (the urethra) separating them. It is very easy for bacteria to pass up this tube and multiply in the bladder, producing cystitis.
Careful hygiene measures are important in preventing cystitis. Many of the bacteria that cause cystitis are normally present in the bowel. Because the opening of the bowel (anus) is very close to the urethra it is easy for bacteria to spread from one to the other. When using toilet paper after a bowel movement always wipe from the front to the rear to reduce the risk of this spread.
Sexual intercourse is another time when cystitis can be triggered in women, as the urethra is very close to the vagina. It is easy to see how bacteria can be 'pushed' into the urethra during sex. Emptying one's bladder shortly after intercourse will help reduce this problem.
In men, cystitis is more common if there is a problem with urine flow, such as that caused by inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis).
Apart from bacterial infection, other causes of cystitis include a reaction to some drugs and to products such as spermicides and feminine hygiene products, which can be irritating in susceptible people.
If you develop cystitis see a doctor as soon as possible. If the cause is a bacterial infection, then antibiotics are usually needed. A bladder infection can be painful and a nuisance and can become a serious problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys. In men with cystitis, your doctor may suggest investigations to check for any underlying problems that have increased your risk.
In the meantime, drink lots of water and try to empty your bladder fully when you need to go to the toilet.
Substances that reduce the acidity of urine, known as alkalinisers, are available over the counter in pharmacies. They may help reduce the pain of cystitis but do not cure the infection.
Last Reviewed: 18 June 2010
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2. MayoClinic.com. Cystitis (published 6 Mar 2010). Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cystitis/DS00285 (accessed Jan 2011).
3. Urinary tract infections (revised Jun 2010). In: eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2010 Nov. http://www.tg.org.au/ (accessed Jan 2011).
4. Kidney Health Australia. Drink water instead (updated 26 Jun 2009). http://www.kidney.org.au/KidneyDisease/Drinkwaterinstead/tabid/703/Default.aspx (accessed Jan 2011).
