Everything You Need to Know About Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

While cystitis is typically not serious – and mild cases will clear up on their own – it can be very uncomfortable and distressing. That’s why it’s important to be able to recognise the symptoms of cystitis and when you may need to seek treatment.

In this article, we will help you understand cystitis a bit better, talking through its causes and symptoms, as well as potential home remedies for cystitis.

What causes cystitis?

Cystitis is typically caused by bacteria entering the bladder through the urethra, leading to infection. In most cases of a proven urine infection between 75% to 95% of cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria normally found in your gut.

Common bacterial causes of cystitis include:

• Sexual activity: Sometimes referred to as ‘honeymoon cystitis’, bacteria can be transferred to your bladder during sexual intercourse.

• Wiping incorrectly: Wiping from back to front after using the toilet can introduce bacteria up through the urethra.

• Using certain contraceptives: Spermicides and condoms can irritate the skin and vaginal tract, allowing bacteria to enter your bladder.

• Bladder control issues: When you can’t fully empty your bladder, urine can linger, meaning they may be more prone to bacteria and infections.

Cystitis can also have non-bacterial causes, including certain medications, chemical irritants (such as perfumed soaps), and conditions like interstitial cystitis (also known as bladder pain syndrome).

Can men get cystitis?

Yes, men can also be affected by cystitis, though it is much more common in women. That’s because the female urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

For men, particularly older men, the risk of developing cystitis is higher due to enlarged prostates, bladder stones, or urinary tract blockages. If they are regularly experiencing the symptoms of cystitis, it’s important for men to see their GP, as it may indicate an underlying issue.

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

While the symptoms of cystitis can vary from person to person, there are common signs to watch out for, including:

• A burning, stinging, or painful sensation when urinating.
• Feeling the need to urinate more often and more urgently than usual.
• Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine.
• A dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen.
• Feeling generally unwell, tired, or achy.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for the signs of cystitis in young children, who might not be able to communicate their symptoms. These can include fever, irritability, loss of appetite, lower tummy pain, vomiting, and wetting themselves.

Is cystitis serious?

For most people, cystitis is uncomfortable, painful and often disruptive but rarely dangerous. Only in very rare cases can an untreated infection spread to your kidneys, which is more serious.

You should speak to your GP if you experience the following:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after three days.
• You experience frequent cases of cystitis.
• You notice blood in your urine.
• You have a fever.
• You’re in severe pain.
• You’re pregnant.
• You have the common symptoms of cystitis alongside confusion, vomiting, or chills.

What are the treatments for cystitis?

In most mild cases, cystitis only lasts for a few days. However, those days can still be quite uncomfortable and painful, disrupting your day-to-day. To get quick cystitis relief, try the following at-home treatments:

• Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day.

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain or discomfort.

• Use a hot water bottle on your lower tummy to relax tense muscles and ease any pain.

• Get over-the-counter quick cystitis relief sachets from your pharmacist, which help to neutralise urine acidity (be sure to speak to your pharmacist, first).

In addition to these home remedies for cystitis, it’s also important to know what can aggravate your symptoms. To help your recovery, avoid the following:

• Alcohol, coffee, and citrus juices, as they can irritate the bladder and cause more pain.
• Sugary drinks, which can promote bacterial growth, due to the high acidity and sugar content.
• Sexual intercourse, as it can irritate your urethra and potentially prolong the infection.

Does cranberry juice help cystitis?

Cranberry juice is often recommended as a natural remedy for cystitis, but research shows little evidence that it prevents or treats the condition. Instead, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain relief are more effective ways to manage symptoms of cystitis.

How can I reduce the risk of recurrent cystitis?

If you find yourself suffering from cystitis frequently, there are some things you can try to lower the risk of it coming back. These include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids (aim for around eight glasses a day).
• Wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
• Choosing unperfumed soaps and avoid bubble baths.
• Urinating before and after sex to help flush out bacteria.
• Emptying your bladder fully when urinating.
• Considering changing contraception, if you use a diaphragm.
• Showering instead of taking a bath, reducing the time your genitals are exposed to chemicals in cleansing products. – perfumed or irritant substances

If you continue to experience recurrent cystitis despite taking these measures, speak to your GP about further treatment options.

What if cystitis isn’t caused by an infection?

Not all cases of cystitis are caused by a bacterial infection. If you experience persistent bladder pain or you constantly need a wee, you may have interstitial cystitis – also known as bladder pain syndrome.

While there’s no single cure for interstitial cystitis, you can try the following to reduce the risk and manage the symptoms:

• Reduce your stress levels.

• Avoid certain foods or drinks (such as caffeine and alcohol).

• Stop smoking.

• Maintain good hydration and take regular toilet breaks.

For more information on bladder pain syndrome, head over to the Interstitial Cystitis Association.

How can Benenden Health help with cystitis?

If you’re concerned about the symptoms of cystitis, you should book an appointment with your GP.

With our affordable private healthcare, you access our 24/7 GP Helpline and speak to a UK based specialist about your health concerns from day one.

You can also head over to our Women’s Health Hub to learn more about common health concerns, such as understanding endometriosis and fertility issues.

Medically reviewed by Dr Cheryl Lythgoe in April 2025.