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Cystitis
- See a urogynaecologist or GP within 24 hours
- Fast access to tests and treatment
- Comfortable private facilities in London, Birmingham and Manchester
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CYSTITIS AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
If you're experiencing serious cystitis symptoms, repeat infections or chronic discomfort, our urogynaecologists specialising in the urinary and reproductive systems can help.
You can quickly book an appointment with one of our private GPs or consultants at our state-of-the-art facilities in London, Birmingham and Manchester. You'll have tests on the same day and receive tailored, effective treatment and advice. We're here to help you make a quick recovery, avoid further problems and get back to living your life as soon as possible.
Cystitis is an inflammation of your bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection. It's a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) which affects around half of women during their lifetime. There are also non-infectious types such as interstitial cystitis, known as bladder pain syndrome, and those are treated differently.
The good news is that most cases of cystitis are mild and improve by themselves in a few days, or after a short course of antibiotics. For some people, cystitis is a common occurrence that needs regular treatment. If you experience strong or persistent symptoms, you should get medical help, because it can lead to a serious kidney infection if it isn’t treated.
The good news is that most cases of cystitis are mild and improve by themselves in a few days, or after a short course of antibiotics. For some people, cystitis is a common occurrence that needs regular treatment. If you experience strong or persistent symptoms, you should get medical help, because it can lead to a serious kidney infection if it isn’t treated.
Typical signs that you may have cystitis include:
- A burning or stinging sensation when urinating
- Needing to urinate more frequently and urgently than usual
- Urine that's cloudy or strong-smelling
- Pain in your lower stomach
- Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, aches, fever, chills and vomiting
Cystitis symptoms in adolescents can also include:
- Incontinence
- A high temperature
- Reduced appetite
- Weakness
- Irritability
Cystitis often occurs when bacteria from faeces gets into your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body, and multiplies. It's more common in women as they have a shorter urethra than men.
This can be due to:
- Sexual activity – practicing good hygiene and urinating afterwards can help reduce your risk
- Wiping your bottom from back to front after going to the toilet
- Using contraception containing spermicide
- The menopause
- Conditions such as kidney stones
- A urinary catheter, a medical tube inserted to help your bladder drain urine
Mild cases of cystitis often get better by themselves in a few days, or after a short treatment of antibiotics.
See one of our private GPs or consultants if:
- Your symptoms don't improve
- You get cystitis regularly
- You're pregnant
You should get urgent medical help if you have cystitis combined with severe symptoms such as blood in your urine, fever and chills, severe stomach or back pain, confusion and vomiting. These can be signs of a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated.
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CYSTITIS TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
The fast answers you need
Cystitis is a very common condition, so getting a diagnosis is usually straightforward. You should be able to see a specialist in as little as 24 hours, who’ll talk to you about your symptoms and your medical history before giving you a reliable diagnosis.
Depending on how severe your symptoms are, what kind of cystitis you have and how often you get it, they might recommend the following tests:
- Urine sample
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Cytoscopy
Where possible, these tests will be carried out in the same appointment in our comfortable private facilities. Your results will be reviewed and explained by our expert urogynaecologists, so you’ll get a clear idea about your condition, any treatment you need and how to manage or avoid cystitis in the future.
CYSTITIS TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Simple, effective solutions
We have decades of experience in women’s health, and cystitis is usually fairly easy to treat and manage. However every patient is different, and your specialist will recommend a treatment based on your personal condition and whether you've had it before. In many cases, this means taking a course of antibiotics and following some simple self-care advice such as:
- Taking painkillers
- Drinking plenty of water
- Holding a hot water bottle on your stomach or in between your thighs
- Avoiding sex
If you keep getting cystitis, we might suggest alternative antibiotics such as single-dose or low-dose options. A urogynaecologist or urologist may also investigate potential issues that are causing your cystitis to return. If you have interstitial cystitis, your consultant might recommend separate treatment options, such as medication and therapies.
Whatever your situation, you'll receive tailored care to relieve any symptoms and inconvenience you're experiencing, as quickly as possible.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Cystitis FAQ
Cystitis is usually caused by a bladder infection. However, there’s another type called interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic bladder inflammation that causes pressure and pain in your bladder, often without a clear cause. It's also known as painful bladder syndrome.
Interstitial cystitis is more common in women than men and can come and go. When it flares up, the impact on your everyday life can be significant.
You might need several tests to make sure your symptoms aren’t being caused by another condition. If you do get a confirmed diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, your specialist might recommend medicines, supportive treatments or surgery, although this is usually a last resort.
If you have persistent pelvic pain or you’re urinating more frequently and urgently and think you might have interstitial cystitis, we can help. Our specialist urogynaecologists will investigate your symptoms thoroughly, give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend a suitable treatment plan. We’ll help you get back to living life confidently as soon as possible.
Yes, you can. There are several different ways you can take care of yourself to avoid cystitis or stop it from returning:
- Going to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to, and emptying your bladder fully
- Staying well hydrated throughout the day
- Wiping your bottom from front to back after using the toilet
- Urinating as soon as possible after having sex
- Taking showers rather than baths
- Gently washing the skin around your genitals
- Avoiding alcohol, coffee or acidic drinks like fruit juice or soda that may irritate your bladder
Many people believe cranberry juice and other cranberry products are a good way to treat bladder infections like cystitis, and that they stop bacteria from sticking and multiplying. The evidence for this is limited.
Some small studies have shown promising results for cranberry if it’s taken with antibiotics, but you might need to take high doses indefinitely and it might only have a small impact on your symptoms. You should also avoid cranberry if you're taking the blood-thinning medication Warfarin, as it can lead to bleeding.
If you’re concerned about your cystitis, our specialists will recommend the most effective cystitis treatments and care so you can quickly get back to your regular routine.
Some small studies have shown promising results for cranberry if it’s taken with antibiotics, but you might need to take high doses indefinitely and it might only have a small impact on your symptoms. You should also avoid cranberry if you're taking the blood-thinning medication Warfarin, as it can lead to bleeding.
If you’re concerned about your cystitis, our specialists will recommend the most effective cystitis treatments and care so you can quickly get back to your regular routine.
Cystitis usually goes away by itself in a few days, or within a week if you’re prescribed antibiotics to help reduce the infection. If your symptoms persist or they get worse, contact a GP. We can confirm appointments within 24 hours to investigate your condition and get you treated quickly.
Yes. It’s more common in women, because women have a shorter urethra than men, but men can get it too.
If you’re a man, cystitis can be caused by bacteria getting into your urethra during sex. Other causes include being unable to empty your bladder fully, or if your urethra’s been damaged by conditions that affect your bladder, kidney or prostate.
Men have the same cystitis symptoms as women. If left untreated, it can spread to your prostate gland and potentially lead to you developing prostatitis, which causes pain around your genitals and anus, lower back and when going to the toilet. It can also lead to a kidney infection.
You should see a GP if you have symptoms of cystitis. Our urologists can see you promptly and provide tailored treatment and prevention advice, so you can improve your condition and minimise any future risk.
“Cystitis is usually mild and easy to treat, but if it gets more complex, expert care is key. With HCA UK, you can get fast access to a specialist to get the diagnosis and treatment you need. We’ll help you back to being comfortable and confident in your health.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.