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Causes of cystitis

Bacteria are the most common cause of cystitis, and can be introduced into the bladder for many reasons:

• Incomplete emptying of the bladder – this encourages the growth of bacteria and can occur during pregnancy (due to pressure on the pelvis), or as a result of an enlarged prostate (in men), kidney or bladder stones, tumour etc.
• In women, the urethra is situated close to the anus, which often contains bacteria. This bacteria can be transferred to the urethra (and from there into the bladder) by inserting tampons, sexual intercourse, or wiping from back to front when visiting the toilet
• Menopause – hormonal changes mean that the bladder and urethra become thinned and more susceptible to infection
• Diabetes – the urine of diabetics can contain a lot of sugar, which encourages the growth of bacteria. The emptying of the bladder may also be affected by diabetes.

Cystitis can also be caused by damage or irritation to the urethra, e.g. as a result of:

• Sexual intercourse
• Changing a catheter (tube inserted into urethra to allow urine to flow into a drainage bag)
• Irritants such as tight clothing, or the use of highly perfumed products, such as soaps