Cystitis is one of the most common complaints in gynaecology. It is an inflammation of the bladder.

Urinary tract infections

Doctors speak of cystitis when there is inflammation of the bladder, which is one of the urinary tract infections. Those affected feel a constant urge to urinate and have to pass urine again and again. Bladder infections are usually harmless and respond well to treatment.

Cystitis is common in women and girls. The risk is particularly high during pregnancy and after the menopause. This urinary tract infection is much less common in men. The reason is that women have a shorter urethra, which means the microbes that trigger it can spread more easily. In later life, however, men are also more prone to urethritis, which in their case usually results from an enlarged prostate.

What is cystitis?

Under physiological (normal) conditions, the urinary tract is sterile, meaning it contains no micro-organisms. Infection most often occurs via the urethra.

In women, the short distance between the opening of the urethra and the vagina and anus makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Uncomplicated cystitis is the most common urinary tract infection. Some women experience it several times in their lives.

Diagnosing cystitis

Your doctor will carry out a medical examination and ask about your symptoms. You may then have:

  • A urine test for bacteria, blood or pus in the urine.
  • A urine culture to find out which type of bacteria you have.

Urology in Switzerland is represented by world-renowned specialists and private clinics equipped with advanced technology for the treatment and early detection of urinary tract conditions. Treatment in Switzerland includes a full medical examination and addresses the causes of recurrent cystitis.

What causes cystitis?

There are many causes of cystitis (reasons why the bladder becomes inflamed). Here we discuss only cystitis with infectious causes, and in particular bacterial cystitis, the most frequent and widespread form, as a doctor can readily trace other forms of cystitis to their causes.

It is important to remember that:

  • when cystitis recurs over time, you should see a doctor. Any changes that favour infection need to be ruled out.
  • the bacteria that cause cystitis are usually present in the gut flora and travel from there into the urinary tract.
  • cystitis is more frequent in women, especially of childbearing age, owing to their anatomy and certain behavioural factors.
  • frequent cystitis deserves attention: consult a doctor to prevent complications and kidney damage.

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

  • pain above the pubic bone
  • a feeling of heaviness in the perineum
  • more frequent urination
  • urgency, a pressing need to urinate, sometimes with urge incontinence
  • burning and/or pain when urinating
  • a feeling of incomplete emptying
  • haematuria (blood in the urine)

All these symptoms may occur at the same time or, conversely, appear individually, and they may even vary over time in intensity, number or frequency.

These symptoms are not unique to cystitis. Only a proper assessment by a doctor can reliably attribute them to inflammation of the bladder and rule out other conditions.

Cystitis can also affect your state of mind. Some people dealing with cystitis may experience low mood or anxiety.

In young children, wetting themselves during the day — if they do not usually do so — can also be a sign. Bedwetting at night is usually unrelated to cystitis. Children with cystitis may also feel weak and have difficulty keeping food down.

Signs of cystitis in young children and babies should be taken very seriously. They can indicate urinary reflux, which is when urine flows back into the body instead of leaving it during urination.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Blood in your urine
  • Signs and symptoms that last longer than a few hours
  • Symptoms that return after you have finished a course of antibiotics

Seek help immediately if you have the following signs of a kidney infection:

  • A high temperature
  • Pain in your side or back
  • Shaking and chills
  • Vomiting
  • An upset stomach

Treatment

In most patients, a bladder infection clears up by itself within a few days. Treatment aims to speed up healing. It is also important to avoid possible complications or recurrence.

Helpful measures include drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day and bladder tea. In addition, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the bacteria responsible. These are taken as tablets or capsules. The antibiotic often takes effect within a few hours, sometimes only after one or two days.

Bladder infections are usually harmless. A course of antibiotics is usually enough for the infection to clear within a few days. Serious complications are rare.