What is cystitis?
Cystitis is a bladder infection, usually caused by gut bacteria such as E. coli traveling up the urethra (Hooton, 2012). It's far more common in women because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus; sex, menopause and some forms of birth control raise the risk.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
What are the symptoms?
- Burning or pain when you pee
- Needing to go often and urgently
- Feeling you haven't fully emptied, lower belly discomfort
- Cloudy or bloody urine
| Cystitis | Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Bladder | Kidney |
| Fever | Usually none | High fever, chills |
| Pain | Lower belly | Side or back |
Fever, flank pain or vomiting can mean the infection has reached the kidneys, so get seen promptly.
Treatment and prevention
Uncomplicated cystitis in women is diagnosed with a urine test and treated with a short course of antibiotics; international guidelines list options like nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin as first choices (Gupta et al., 2011). Men, pregnant women and people with frequent recurrences need further tests such as a urine culture. Drinking enough fluids, not holding it in and peeing after sex are commonly recommended habits.
FAQ
- Will a bladder infection go away on its own?
- Mild cases sometimes clear, but infections can spread to the kidneys, so it's safer to get checked when you have symptoms.
- Does cranberry juice help?
- Studies on preventing recurrences are mixed, and it isn't a substitute for treatment.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- Hooton, T. M. (2012). Uncomplicated urinary tract infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(11), 1028–1037.
- Gupta, K., Hooton, T. M., Naber, K. G., et al. (2011). International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(5), e103–e120.