Cystitis Treatments
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, commonly caused by a bacterial infection, also known as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in medical terms, and often referred to as a "water infection" by the general public. At Ashcroft Pharmacy, you can be prescribed a 3-day course of antibiotics to treat your cystitis by one of our prescribers.
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Cystitis Key Information
Cystitis (UTI) Treatment
Cystitis often gets better by itself but may be treated with antibiotics. Some people get Cystitis frequently (interstitial cystitis) and may need regular or long-term treatment.
About Cystitis
Cystitis isn’t dangerous, but it can be painful and disruptive, especially for those who experience it often.
In this case, women are more likely to get cystitis, although less commonly, men can also get a cystitis infection (UTI), and when they do, it tends to be more severe.
Studies suggest that nearly a third of women will have at least one episode by the age of 24. Though most cases respond well to treatment or self-care, recurrent cystitis may require long-term management to prevent future infections.
Is Cystitis the same as UTI?
Although Cystitis and a UTI (urinary tract infection) are related, they are not the same. UTI is a broad term that refers to any infection in the urinary system, including the bladder (a muscular bag that stores the urine until you feel the need to urinate), kidneys, ureters (carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), or urethra (Urine leaves your body through the urethra).
On the other hand, Cystitis is a common type of UTI that is caused by bacteria entering the urethra and traveling into the bladder, leading to inflammation and discomfort. However, Cystitis can be non-infectious and triggered by certain irritants or medications. It can be managed with self-care or over-the-counter treatments. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
What causes Cystitis?
Cystitis is often caused by bacterial infections. Bacteria is commonly found in and around your anus and the vagina. Urination helps to clear bacteria from the body but when bacteria are able to enter the urethra, they multiply and spread, causing an infection.
Besides this, the other causes of Cystitis are:
Bacteria: The most common cause is Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria that can enter the urinary tract from the bowel.
Poor hygiene: Wiping from back to front after using the toilet can introduce bacteria.
Sexual activity: Having sex can introduce bacteria into the urethra.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause can increase the risk of Cystitis in women.
Underlying medical conditions: Weakened immune system, diabetes, HIV infections, cancer, or kidney stones can increase the risk of Cystitis.
Irritants: Bubble baths, perfumed soaps, or feminine hygiene products may irritate your bladder.
Some other causes that can inflame the bladder are:
- Chronic bladder inflammation or painful bladder syndrome
- Certain chemicals can cause allergic-type reactions within the bladder
- Certain medications (as the broken-down components of the drugs exit the body)
- Radiation treatment of the pelvic area
- Inserting a tampon
- Multiple sexual partners
- Constipation
- Using spermicides
- Inserting a urinary catheter ((a thin tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder)
- Using a diaphragm for contraception
- Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract
- Enlarged prostate gland in men (a condition that makes it difficult to fully empty the bladder)
- Spinal cord injury
Antibiotic treatments for Cystitis
Your GP may suggest you following options for the treatment of Cystitis such as:
Cystitis antibiotics: The short course of antibiotics, typically for 3-7 days is prescribed by the doctor. It will improve symptoms within 24-48 hours. The best antibiotics for UTI or Cystitis are:
- Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
- Nitrofurantoin Tablets
- Trimethoprim Tablets
- Fosfomycin
- Nitrofurantoin
- Amoxicillin
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Cephalosporins
- Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®)
Painkillers for Cystitis
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol ease discomfort and fever.
Other options: Phenazopyridine, vaginal estrogen cream, or anticholinergic drugs are recommended to relieve pain, relax bladder, and improve symptoms.
In case you keep getting Cystitis, your GP may ask you to:
- Take a single dose of antibiotic within 2 hours of having sex
- Take a low-dose antibiotic for 6 months
- If you have chronic Cystitis and its cause is physical obstruction to the urethra or bladder, surgery is needed to improve urine flow.
At Ashcroft Pharmacy, we offer a range of effective Cystitis medication options such as
Trimethoprim Tablets and Nitrofurantoin Tablets.
Just fill out an online consultation to help our medical professionals determine whether this treatment is safe for you. Once approved, we will deliver the Cystitis antibiotics to your door the very next day.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team — Mr Suhail Jamil, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2069518).