Medical Encyclopaedia › Cystitis (short definition)
In brief: Cystitis is a mostly bacterial infection of the urinary bladder. Burning on urination and a frequent urge to urinate are typical. Women are affected much more often than men because of their shorter urethra.
Symptoms
Characteristic symptoms are pain or burning on urination, a frequent urge to urinate with small amounts of urine, lower abdominal pain and sometimes blood in the urine. Fever, flank pain or a marked feeling of illness may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and require prompt medical treatment.
Causes
Usually intestinal bacteria, above all Escherichia coli, enter the bladder via the urethra. Contributing factors are sexual intercourse, certain methods of contraception, hormonal changes during the menopause, diabetes and obstruction of urine flow.
Treatment
In uncomplicated cystitis in healthy, non-pregnant women, the infection often heals within a few days even without antibiotics. Drinking plenty and painkillers such as ibuprofen can relieve the symptoms. A short course of antibiotics shortens the symptoms; whether it is necessary is discussed with the doctor. Men, pregnant women, children and anyone with fever should always receive medical treatment.
Prevention
Drinking enough, urinating after sexual intercourse and not holding urine for long are simple measures. For frequently recurring infections, further strategies can be useful depending on the situation, such as local oestrogens after the menopause or immunoprophylaxis. The evidence for cranberry preparations is inconsistent.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Urinary bladder, Pyelonephritis, Escherichia coli, Cranberry, Bearberry leaves, Interstitial cystitis
Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Urologie (DGU): S3-Leitlinie Unkomplizierte Harnwegsinfektionen bei Erwachsenen, AWMF-Register 043-044
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.