Cystitis

A condition involving inflammation of the bladder, often associated with urinary symptoms.

Cystitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder, most commonly caused by infection, and may be associated with symptoms such as painful urination, urinary urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort.

The condition and its symptoms

What is cystitis

Cystitis is a common condition affecting the bladder. It can affect anyone, but it’s much more frequent in women. In many cases, cystitis is due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), most often caused by bacteria1. Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, with some symptoms commonly reported.

Burning when urinating (dysuria)1

Lower abdominal discomfort1

Frequent or urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder feels empty1

Bladder discomfort or pain1

Different forms of Cystitis

There are different types of cystitis, including bacterial, interstitial, and radiation/chemotherapy cystitis, among others.

Bacterial cystitis

This is the most common type. It commonly occurs when bacteria, most often E. coli, enter the bladder via the urethra1. It may be considered recurrent when infections occur repeatedly over time.

Close-up of a person lying down wearing protective absorbent underwear, representing the management of incontinence or bladder weakness

Interstitial cystitis

Also called bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), consists in bladder inflammation without bacterial infection. The cause isn’t fully understood yet, as it likely involves a complex combination of factors2.

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Radiation / chemotherapy cystitis

This may occur following pelvic radiation therapy or certain medical treatments that affect the bladder. Symptoms may include urinary discomfort and, in some cases, blood in the urine3.

Overhead close-up of a woman lying on a bed in white underwear with her hand on her abdomen, representing intimate health, hygiene, and body awareness

Who is affected by cystitis

Cystitis is a very common condition1.

 

Women are more likely to develop cystitis, in part due to a shorter urethra. This can allow bacteria to reach the bladder more easily in cases of infection1.

 

Cystitis has some common risk factors, things that may increase the chances of developing it1.

Common risk factors include:

Sexual activity

New sexual partners

A history of urinary tract infections

Hormonal changes after menopause

How cystitis develops

The triggers of cystitis may vary, and in some forms may involve changes to the bladder’s protective lining (urothelium)

Mechanism

Damage to the protective layer of the bladder.

Experts agree that the GAG layer, the protective lining of the bladder, is important for preventing chronic inflammation to the bladder. When this layer gets damaged, it can cause persistent inflammation in the bladder wall and related nerve pain5,6 resulting in the symptom of cystitis.

Data about cystitis

Cystitis by the numbers

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50%

Percentage of women who suffered from cystitis by the age of 321.

20%

Urinary tract infections affect around 20% of the male population in their lifetime7.

12%

Percentage of women who report having a urinary tract infection in the past year1.

Diagnosing the disease

Professional medical evaluation is essential for diagnosing cystitis.

Diagnosis of cystitis involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including:

  • collection of a detailed symptom history and review of predisposing factors;
  • Physical examination, which may include assessment of the suprapubic or pelvic region when appropriate;
  • laboratory analyses (urinalysis, urine culture) and, when appropriate, imaging studies;
  • in selected cases, maintenance of a bladder diary to assess micturition patterns and symptom correlation;
  • a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s overall well-being.

 

Laboratory tests may include urinalysis to identify markers of infection, with urine culture used to detect bacteria when indicated.

Doctor speaking to a female patient during a medical consultation

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References

  • 1 / Li R, Leslie SW. Cystitis. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
  • 2 / Lim Y, Leslie SW, O'Rourke S. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. [Updated 2024 Oct 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
  • 3 / Smit, S., Heyns, C. Management of radiation cystitis. Nat Rev Urol 7, 206–214 (2010).
  • 4 / European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines for Urological Infections; uroweb.org
  • 5 / Lazzeri M,et al. Ther Adv Urol. 2016;8(2):91–99.
  • 6 / Wyndaele JJJ, et al. Neurourol Urodyn. 2019;38(2):535-544.
  • 7 / Farrell K, Tandan M, Hernandez Santiago V, Gagyor I, Braend AM, Skow M, Vik I, Jansaaker F, Hayward G, Vellinga A. Treatment of uncomplicated UTI in males: a systematic review of the literature. BJGP Open. 2021 Apr 26;5(2):bjgpopen20X101140. doi: 10.3399/bjgpopen20X101140.

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