What is Cystitis?
The most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), which is characterised by the inflammation and pain of the bladder. Symptoms for this condition include a swollen bladder, pungent and dark urine, abdominal pain, and painful urination.
What causes Cystitis?
You can get cystitis when harmless bacteria that normally live in the bowel or skin finds a way into the urine through the urethra (tube from where the urine is excreted). This can happen due to:
- Having sex
- Inserting a tampon
- Wiping your bottom back to front
- Inserting a catheter
- Using a diaphragm for contraception
Cystitis is more common in women as their urethra is shorter and closer to their anus, so it easier for the bacteria to get into the bladder.