Cystitis: A Beginner's Guide To Managing Symptoms

In this article, we will provide a beginner's guide to the symptoms of cystitis covering everything you need to know about how to spot and manage the condition. We'll explain what cystitis is, how it affects the body, and what symptoms to look out for. As well as this we will break down factors that increase the risk of cystitis and how you can prevent it. We’ll also break down the different types of cystitis and how the condition differs from other urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about cystitis and how to manage the symptoms of cystitis:

• Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that specifically affects the bladder, often caused by a bacterial infection.

• Women are more prone to cystitis due to their anatomy, but men can also be affected, particularly if they have certain risk factors such as unprotected anal sex, an enlarged prostate, or a weakened immune system.

• Preventing cystitis involves good hygiene practices, such as wiping from front to back, urinating after sex, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritating products like scented soaps or spermicides.

• There are different types of cystitis beyond bacterial cystitis, including drug-induced, radiation, foreign body, and chemical cystitis. 

• It is important to consult a GP if cystitis symptoms persist for more than three days, are severe, occur frequently, or if you are pregnant or a man experiencing symptoms. Urgent medical attention is required if there are signs of a kidney infection, such as high or low temperatures, pain in the lower back, confusion, or blood in the urine.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (often referred to as a UTI) that affects the bladder. It occurs when the bladder is inflamed, most commonly due to a bacterial infection. Cystitis is common, especially among women, and while it does clear up on its own within a few days some people may require treatment to manage symptoms and prevent further issues (NHS, 2022).

How does cystitis affect the body?

Cystitis affects the body by causing inflammation or irritation in the bladder. When bacteria enters the urethra and makes its way up to the bladder it can multiply and lead to an infection which results in cystitis. According to Yale Medicine, cystitis is more common in women due to them having a shorter urethra located closer to the anus and vagina, meaning it is easier for bacteria from these areas to enter the urethra.

In men, cystitis is less frequent. Despite this, certain factors can increase the risk for men such as unprotected anal sex, being uncircumcised, having an enlarged prostate or having an issue with urine flow. In these cases, bacteria can multiply and cause infections including cystitis. 

What are the common symptoms of cystitis?

Understanding what the common symptoms of cystitis are can help you to spot the condition early. According to the NHS, the most common symptoms of cystitis in adults include:

• Burning or stinging when urinating

• Frequently or urgently needing to urinate

• Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

If you are the parent of a child then cystitis may present itself differently. The NHS states that the common symptoms of cystitis in younger children are (alongside the above):

• High temperature

• Frequently wetting themselves or the bed

• Reduced appetite

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Irritability

Can anything put me at a greater risk of getting cystitis?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing cystitis or repeated urinary tract infections. Women are more likely to experience cystitis due to their anatomy as previously mentioned, with men subsequently being less likely. According to the Mayo Clinic, other factors that can influence the risk of getting cystitis include:

• Being sexually active

• Certain contraception options like diaphragms, particularly those that contain spermicide

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause

• Bladder stones or an enlarged prostate

• Weakened immune system caused by conditions such as diabetes, HIV or cancer treatment

• Long-term use of catheters

How can cystitis symptoms be self-managed?

Managing cystitis symptoms at home by yourself is usually straightforward and can help you to cope with the condition whilst it is being resolved. It is vital to remain hydrated to help flush out the bacteria from the bladder, as well as maintain optimal health. If you are experiencing pain or abdominal discomfort you can use mild pain-relieving over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen or treat it with heat from a hot water bottle. It is also important to only ever use medication prescribed to you by a healthcare provider and to avoid any unprescribed antibiotics (NHS, 2021).

What can I do to prevent cystitis from occurring?

Thankfully there are a number of things that you can do to prevent cystitis from occurring. The NHS suggests the following to prevent future cystitis issues:

• Maintain good toilet hygiene by wiping from front to back

• Urinate after sex as soon as possible

• Stay hydrated

• Choose showers over baths

• Wash before or after sex

• Change soiled nappies or incontinence pads quickly

• Keep the genital area clean or dry

What should I avoid doing to prevent cystitis from occurring?

Preventing cystitis can be relatively straightforward, as shown above. As there are things you can do to prevent the condition, there are also things you can avoid to prevent it. The NHS suggests the following:

• Avoid scented products

• Avoid spermicides

• Don’t hold in urine

• Take your time when urinating

• Limit irritating drinks such as alcohol or coffee

• Reduce sugary foods and drinks as these can encourage bacteria growth

Can any medical treatments help me to manage cystitis?

Yes, there are a number of cystitis treatments that you can use to help manage cystitis, some of which are available to purchase from UK Meds. Some commonly prescribed treatments include:

• Trimethoprim - An antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

• Nitrofurantoin MR - A modified-release antibiotic that combats bacteria and ensures consistent levels of medication in the body.

• Cymalon - Over-the-counter treatment that relieves the symptoms of cystitis by neutralising the acidity of urine.

• Caneoasis Cystitis Relief - Over-the-counter treatment that also reduces the acidity of urine.

It is important to speak to your doctor to determine what the safest and most appropriate treatment option is for you. They will be able to assess your symptoms, any underlying health conditions and potential medication interactions to take into consideration.

What are the different types of cystitis?

Some people are not aware that there are actually a number of different types of cystitis, each with different characteristics and causes. Below are the different types of cystitis (Soliman & Felman, 2024):

• Bacterial Cystitis

The most common form of cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra.

• Drug-induced Cystitis

Certain medications, particularly some chemotherapy drugs, can irritate the bladder as they are processed and excreted by the body, causing inflammation and cystitis.

• Radiation Cystitis

This type occurs after radiation therapy, particularly when aimed at the pelvic region.

• Foreign Body Cystitis

This can happen when medical instruments such as catheters, stents, or other endoscopic tools are used. The insertion or removal of these devices can introduce bacteria into the urethra or cause physical damage, resulting in cystitis.

• Chemical Cystitis

This type is caused by irritation from chemicals, including those in some medications, soaps, spermicides, gels and dyes.

Summary of the different types of Cystitis:

Here is a handy table of these different types of cystitis outlining what they are and how they are caused:

How is cystitis different from a UTI?

Cystitis and UTIs are often mistaken for being the same thing, however, they are different conditions. Understanding the differences between the two conditions can help to diagnose one or the other quickly. The two conditions differ in terms of symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options. If you are concerned about either a UTI or cystitis you should contact your doctor as soon as possible for advice. Below is a table outlining the differences between cystitis and a UTI (Braun & Dubinskaya, 2024).

Cystitis Symptoms FAQS

Can men experience cystitis symptoms?

Yes, men can experience cystitis symptoms. In men, cystitis presents similar symptoms as it does in women. As previously mentioned, common symptoms of cystitis include: 

• Burning or stinging when urinating

• Frequently or urgently needing to urinate

• Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

It should be noted that symptoms may differ in elderly men, with many reporting a general feeling of being unwell (Hazel & Vincent, 2023).

Can cystitis be cured permanently?

Whether or not getting cystitis once will vary depending on a number of factors. Cystitis is not permanently preventable, however, you are able to avoid it as previously mentioned. 

Recurrent infections can still happen

It should be noted that recurrent cystitis infections are possible, particularly in people at high risk. The NHS states that some people may get cystitis multiple times, and some may need long-term or frequent treatment.

Interstitial cystitis can't be cured permanently

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome or bladder pain syndrome is a bladder condition that causes long-term pain in the pelvis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, however, Canesten suggests reducing stress and avoiding certain foods and drinks you notice make symptoms worse to help cope with it.

When should I see my doctor about cystitis symptoms?

If you believe that you are struggling with cystitis, it is crucial that you consult with your doctor for further advice. The NHS says that you should see a GP if:

• You have cystitis and your symptoms have not gone away within 3 days

• Your symptoms have not improved after a course of antibiotics

• You have severe symptoms

• You frequently experience cystitis symptoms

• You have symptoms of cystitis and are pregnant or a man

• Your child is showing symptoms of cystitis

The NHS also says that you should contain NHS 111 for urgent advice if you have:

• A high temperature or are feeling hot and shivery

• A low temperature or are shaking and shivering

• Pain in the lower stomach or back under the ribs

• Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty speaking

• Feel or are being sick

• Have not urinated all-day

• Blood in the urine

Sources

Cystitis: What is it, symptoms, types, treatment, and diagnosis - Medical News Today.

Cystitis | NHS inform

Cystitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Cystitis: Symptoms, causes and treatment | Bupa UK