Cystitis/Urinary tract infection

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder characterised by urgent desire to empty the bladder.

It affects more women than men. In men it may signify a more serious problem such as prostatitis. It can be common in pregnancy due to extra progesterone relaxing the bladder or from trapped urine in later pregnancy. It’s also common during menopause due to decrease in oestrogen and residual urine is also a factor here.

Interstitial cystitis is a non-bacterial form. It is inflammation between the bladder lining and bladder muscle.

Although usually not a serious problem, it can lead to a kidney infection if not treated.

Infection can be bacterial (e coli) or non-bacterial. Bacteria can be introduced from vaginal secretions or faecal contamination.

Signs & Symptoms

• Burning pain on urination
• Odour from urine
• Cloudy urine
• Stop and start flow
• Frequent and urgent urination
• Lower back pain