Cystitis
Cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, although it sometimes happens when the bladder is irritated or damaged for another reason.
Mostinfections are thought tooccur when bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel or on the skin get into the bladder through the urethra (tube that carries urine out of your body) and start to multiply.
Cystitis is much more common in women than men, probably because the anus (back passage) is closer to the urethra in women and the urethra is much shorter.
It's not always obvious how the bacteria get into the bladder, but it can be caused by:
There are a number of things that can increase your chances of developing an infection in your bladder. Some of these are outlined below.
If you're unable to empty your bladder fully, any bacteria that get inside may not be flushed out when yougo to the toiletand can multiply more easily.
You may not be able to empty your bladder fully if:
For women whohave been through the menopause , or are going through it, the lining of the urethra can shrink and become thinner because ofa lack of the hormone oestrogen.
The natural balance of bacteria in the vaginamay also change, which can allow potentially harmful bacteria to become more common.
Thiscan make the urethra more vulnerable to infection, which could spread into the bladder.
You're more likely to get cystitis if you have diabetes a condition where the level of sugar in your body becomes too high.
High levels of sugar in your urine can provide a good environment for bacteria to multiply, so any bacteria that get into the bladder are more likely to cause cystitis.
Cystitis can also be caused by damage or irritation to the urethra and bladder.
This can be the result of:
Cystitis has also been linked to recreational use of the drug ketamine.
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments for this common condition.
Find out about the main symptoms of cystitis in adults and children, and when you should see your GP.
Find out what causes cystitis and what can increase your chances of getting the condition.
Find out what you can do to relieve the symptoms of cystitis and what treatment your GP may prescribe.