Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and is a common form of urinary tract infection (UTI). Cystitis predominately affects women, but occasionally it can affect men and children.
What Causes Bacterial Cystitis?
In most cases, cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can make its way into the urinary system in different ways, these can include:
Sexual Intercourse
This may introduce bacteria into the bladder and can also bruise the urethra and bladder
Hygiene
This is a common cause in women as women have a shorter urethra than men. Also in women, the urethra is closer to the anus.
Irritants
Bubble baths and fragranced products can irritate the urethra and the bladder.
Pregnancy
When pregnant, pressure from the uterus may result in incomplete emptying of the bladder, and this can encourage bacteria to grow.
Diabetes
The urine of someone with diabetes can contain a lot of sugar which can encourage bacteria growth. The bladder can also be affected by diabetes, preventing it from contracting and not emptying properly. This again can encourage bacteria to grow.
Postmenopausal Changes
Postmenopausal women experience a decrease in hormones which cause changes in the body. These changes may include reducing the normal defences of the urethra and allowing harmful bacteria to grow.
Catheters
Bacteria may colonise in the urine if a catheter has been inserted into the bladder. If the catheter is in place for a long period of time, it is inevitable that the bacteria will grow and the bladder will then become infected.
Kidney / Bladder Stones
These can cause urine to stagnate in the bladder and this will encourage the growth of bacteria and act as a focus for infection.
Bacterial Cystitis Symptoms
The main symptoms associated with bacterial cystitis include:
- Pain when urinating
- An urgent need to pass water but only passing small amounts
- Feeling a need to urinate even when the bladder is empty
- Urine that can be cloudy and dark and strong smelling
There are other associated symptoms which are less common including:
- Blood in the urine
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Chills and fever
- Feeling generally unwell
- Pain in the lower back and or abdomen
- Lethargy
Diagnosing Cystitis
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you should visit your GP who will ask for a urine sample to aid diagnosis.
Low-Grade Bacterial Infections And Cystitis
In some cases, all the symptoms of bacterial cystitis may be present yet a urine sample does not indicate the presence of any infection. In these cases, the symptoms of bacterial cystitis can persist even if a course of antibiotics has been prescribed and been unsuccessful.
If the above is relevant to you, this may mean that you suffer from a low-grade bacterial infection. Your urine sample may contain a slightly raised level of white blood cells but no infection. To treat this, a longer course of antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection. Please visit your GP to have this investigated.
