Cystitis
Key facts
- Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder.
- It is usually caused by bacteria entering the bladder through the urethra.
- It is more common in females, but can also affect males and children.
- Symptoms of cystitis include a strong and frequent urge to pass urine (wee), pain or burning when passing urine and cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine.
- See a doctor if you have symptoms of cystitis for 3 days or longer.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. It is usually caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs can be classified as 'lower' or 'upper'. A lower UTI affects the urethra and the bladder. An upper UTI affects the kidneys and the ureters, as in pyelonephritis.
Cystitis is most common in adult females, but it can also affect adult males and children.
What are the symptoms of cystitis?
Symptoms of cystitis include:
- a strong, persistent urge to pass urine (wee)
- feeling pain or burning when urinating
- needing to pass urine often
- passing only small amounts of urine each time
- urine is strong-smelling, looks cloudy or contains blood
- pain above your pubic bone or in the lower abdomen (belly)
Signs that your child may have cystitis include:
- having a fever
- being irritable
- wetting themselves when they were previously toilet-trained
- reduced appetite
- nausea or vomiting
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes cystitis?
Cystitis is often caused by a bacterial infection. This is known as a urinary tract infection or UTI.
Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body). The bacteria involved is usually escherichia coli (e. coli), which may live in your bowel.
Cystitis can happen any time, but some behaviours increase your risk of developing cystitis, including:
- wiping from back to front after a bowel movement
- having frequent sexual intercourse (for females)
- taking certain medicines
- using certain products in bubble baths and spermicides
Health conditions that can increase your risk include:
- kidney stones
- diabetes
- prostate problems
- conditions that affect the urinary tract
- having a urinary catheter in place
- radiation therapy
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if you:
- have cystitis and your symptoms continue for longer than 3 days
- get symptoms of cystitis frequently
- have symptoms of cystitis and you are pregnant
- your child has symptoms of cystitis
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is cystitis diagnosed?
To diagnose cystitis, your doctor may ask for a urine sample, which they can send to a laboratory for testing. Urine laboratory testing can also help identify the best antibiotic for treatment.
You may be able to find UTI self-test kits at your pharmacy. While they can identify abnormal cells or bacteria in your urine, these tests do not give enough information about your urine to tell if you have a UTI or cystitis. It's best to see your doctor or pharmacist to diagnose a UTI and to discuss your treatment options.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is cystitis treated?
Treatment for cystitis may include a course of prescription antibiotics from your doctor. Some pharmacists can also provide treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
You should also rest and drink plenty of water.
As well as treatment prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist, here are some other things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:
- Take a urinary alkaliser — available over the counter from your pharmacist.
- Apply gentle heat to your abdomen or back — for example, by having a warm bath, lying in a warm bed or using a hot water bottle or wheat bag.
- Take pain-relief medicines — if you are in pain, paracetamol may help.
What are the complications of cystitis?
Without treatment, cystitis can lead to kidney infection. This can cause fever, back pain and vomiting.
Rarely, cystitis can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment.
Can cystitis be prevented?
You can't always prevent cystitis, but here are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Drink lots of water.
- Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need, and make sure to empty your bladder completely each time.
- Always wipe from front to back after passing urine or a bowel movement (for females).
- Wear cotton underpants (not nylon).
- Urinate straight after sex.
Resources and support
Visit the Jean Hailes for Women's Health website for more information.
To get more information about cystitis, speak to your doctor and pharmacist, or call Kidney Health Australia on 1800 454 363.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can use the link for your state or territory below to find local pharmacies and learn more:
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
The Victorian Sexual Health Network has translated fact sheets on UTIs, available in several languages.
NSW Emergency Care Institute has translated fact sheets on UTIs in women.
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: July 2025
