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What is Acute Simple Cystitis and How Does it Affect Women?
Published: Jan 22, 2024
Acute simple cystitis is a common bladder infection that affects many women. It can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms but is usually easy to treat.
Symptoms to Watch For
The classic signs of cystitis include painful urination, feeling an urgent need to pee, peeing more often than usual, and pain in the lower belly. Some women may also notice blood in their urine. These symptoms often come on suddenly and can be quite bothersome.
What Causes Cystitis?
Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the bladder, usually from the urethra. Women are more prone to these infections because they have a shorter urethra. Things like sexual activity, using spermicides, and having a history of UTIs can increase the risk. The most common culprit is a bacteria called E. coli, which normally lives in the gut.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors can often diagnose cystitis based on symptoms alone. A urine test may be done to confirm the infection and check which bacteria are causing it. Most cases can be treated with a short course of antibiotics. Drinking plenty of water and using over-the-counter pain relievers can also help ease symptoms.
Preventing Future Infections
Some ways to reduce your risk of cystitis include peeing after sex, wiping from front to back, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritating feminine products. If you get frequent infections, your doctor may recommend additional preventive strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cystitis is a type of UTI specifically affecting the bladder.
Sometimes, but antibiotics are usually recommended to clear the infection quickly.
Symptoms often improve within 1-2 days of starting antibiotics.
Yes, but it's much less common in men than in women.
It may help prevent UTIs, but won't treat an active infection.
Key Takeaways
While cystitis can be uncomfortable, prompt treatment usually leads to a quick recovery.
References
- Gupta K, et al. International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 52:e103.
- Hooton TM. Clinical practice. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:1028.
- Bent S, et al. Does this woman have an acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection? JAMA 2002; 287:2701.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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