Acute cystitis infections are those that begin suddenly. Some people get recurrent or chronic cystitis infections. Causes of noninfectious cystitis include:
Interstitial cystitis This chronic bladder inflammation, which is also called painful bladder syndrome, is most commonly diagnosed in women.Drugs Medications, in particular the chemotherapy drugs cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, can cause cystitis.Radiation Radiation treatment of the pelvic area can cause bladder inflammation.Foreign bodies Prolonged use of a catheter can make you more prone to bacterial infections and tissue damage, both of which can lead to inflammation.Chemicals If you’re sensitive to the chemicals in products such as bubble bath, feminine hygiene sprays, or spermicidal jellies, you may experience an allergic-type reaction in your bladder, which can cause inflammation.Other conditions Diabetes, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or spinal cord injuries may lead to cystitis.
Risk Factors
Hormonal changes during pregnancyMenopause (also due to hormone changes)Use of a diaphragm for birth controlEnlarged prostate in men, narrowed urethra, or any condition that blocks the flow of urineBlockage of the bladder or urethraBowel incontinenceBeing older, especially if you live in a nursing homeTrouble fully emptying your bladderHaving a procedure that involves the urinary tractNot moving for a prolonged period of time
Learn More About Causes of Urinary Tract Infections: Common Risk Factors, Genetics, and More
Cystoscopy to look at your urinary tract and check for signs of disease. A thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into your urethra to do so.Imaging to see rare causes of inflammation such as a tumor or structural abnormality. Tests may include an X-ray or ultrasound.
Learn More About Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections: Tests and Screenings, Early Diagnosis, and Your Doctors
Prognosis of Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis may be treated with medications that are taken orally or inserted directly into your bladder. If your cystitis developed as a complication of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to help you manage the pain.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Learn More About Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More
Prevention of Cystitis
While there isn’t conclusive research to prove that they are effective, the following tips are low-risk and may potentially be helpful:
Urinate after sex to flush bacteria out of the urethraAvoid spermicides and diaphragms as contraceptivesWash your genitals regularly and gently with soap and waterDon’t use special feminine hygiene productsAlways wipe from front to backDrink lots of fluidsKeep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep and avoiding stress
The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that specializes in clinical practice, education, and research. Its website offers information about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cystitis. MedlinePlus MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It offers information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cystitis.
