Bacterial cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a UTI. If you are experiencing recurrent symptoms of bacterial cystitis, consult a doctor.
What is Bacterial Cystitis?
Bacterial cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). Around 40% of women in the UK have had cystitis at some point and, in most cases, is more annoying than dangerous.
If you are experiencing recurrent symptoms of bacterial cystitis, you should consult a doctor to avoid regular discomfort. Cystitis can be treated by a course of antibiotics prescribed by one of Dr Felix’s GMC qualified doctors. Persistent cystitis may ascend further up the urinary tract and lead to a more serious kidney infection, so it is important to know your symptoms and when to seek medical attention.
What Causes Bacterial Cystitis?
Cystitis occurs when bacteria that live harmlessly in the anus or on the skin get into the bladder via the urethra. Women are significantly more prone to cystitis than men because their anus and urethra are closer together, and because their urethra is much shorter.
Although it is not always clear, common causes of cystitis are irritation during sexual intercourse, using a diaphragm for contraception, and wiping from back to front after going to the toilet.
If you have diabetes, you may be more prone to cystitis because high sugar levels in urine are favourable to the spread of bacteria. Hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy or menopause, or the presence of an untreated STI may also increase the risk of cystitis.
Can Men get Bacterial Cystitis?
Although much more common in women, bacterial cystitis can be experienced by men as well. Men experiencing symptoms of cystitis should consult a doctor immediately, as this may be an indication of more serious health concerns.
What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Cystitis?
Common symptoms of cystitis include:
- Pain or burning while passing urine.
- Frequent or uncontrollable urgency to urinate.
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Feeling generally unwell, achy and tired.
Can I Manage Bacterial Cystitis at Home?
Women who have experienced these symptoms will recognise cystitis easily, and mild cases often get better on their own. Measures you can take at home to help get rid of cystitis include:
- Drinking plenty of water. Urinating frequently and emptying your bladder completely helps flush out bacteria from the bladder and urethra.
- Avoid having sex until you are sure the symptoms have passed, as this may aggravate the infection further.
- Avoid tight clothing and synthetic underwear to avoid further irritation.
- You may choose to take over-the-counter pain killers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, to relieve any abdominal pain you might be experiencing.
- You might have heard that drinking cranberry juice helps clear cystitis, but there is no evidence to suggest that it is any more effective than drinking plenty of water.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If bacterial cystitis persists, it can lead to more serious health issues, such as kidney infection. You should seek consultation from a doctor if:
- You are male, pregnant, or diabetic and experiencing symptoms of cystitis.
- Your child is experiencing symptoms of cystitis.
- Your symptoms do not improve after two days.
- You are experiencing symptoms of cystitis regularly, or have recurrent cystitis known only to respond to antibiotics.
- You are experiencing severe symptoms of cystitis, such as blood in your urine, a high temperature, shivering, and pain in your side or lower back. These symptoms are indicative of spreading infection.
- Dr Felix’s GMC qualified doctors will be able to diagnose bacterial cystitis by asking you about your symptoms. It is also common for doctors to check your urine for E. coli, which is the most commonly found cause of bacterial cystitis.
How is Bacterial Cystitis Treated?
If diagnosed with cystitis by a doctor, you will usually be prescribed a short course of antibiotics. Antibiotics contain the infection and prevent it from spreading, allowing your immune system to clear it. Treatment usually takes effect within a couple of days. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor again.
The antibiotics most commonly prescribed to treat cystitis are Trimethoprim and Nitrofurantoin. Amoxicillin may also be prescribed, but not to people who are allergic to penicillin. You must complete the entire course prescribed to you, which may range from between 3 to 7 days.
How Can I Avoid Bacterial Cystitis?
If you suffer from cystitis regularly, there are several precautions you can take to try and avoid it. These include:
- Wiping from front to back after going to the toilet. This method reduces the risk of E. coli from your anus spreading to your urethra.
- Urinating as soon as possible when you feel the urge and emptying your bladder fully. Bacteria that thrive in urine will quickly spread if held inside the bladder.
- Urinating as soon as possible after sex. This helps flush out any bacteria which might have been transferred to the urethra.
- Use a form of contraception other than the diaphragm, such as condoms or the Contraceptive Pill.
- Always drink plenty of water. This will help you urinate more frequently and prevent bacteria from multiplying in the bladder.
