Cystitis Treatment

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic which is effective in the treatment of cystitis and prevention of chest and urine infections. It works by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Average consultation time just 3 minutes!

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is the most common urinary tract infection (UTI). Cystitis if left untreated can cause kidney damage and in some cases even kidney failure. Cystitis is quite common and affects both men and women. However it’s more common in woman. Studies have shown that 50% of women will be treated for a UTI during their lifetime, and a third of women will have at least one UTI by the age of 24.

How do you get cystitis?

In order for the urinary tract to become infected, the bacteria must first gain entry, then attach itself and multiply and this can occur in a number of ways.

1. Incomplete emptying of the bladder can lead to infection and this is common in pregnancy (pressure on the pelvis) and in men who have an enlarged prostate as this can cause a blockage.
2. Transferral of bacteria from the anus to the urethra is another method of infection and this is most likely in individuals that; are having sex, wipe incorrectly after using the toilet, use a tampon/diaphragm.
3. Irritation of the urethra, which is the small tube the carries the contents of the bladder out of the body. This can occur due to: chemical irritants (perfumed soap, bath products), sex, diabetes, bladder or kidney problems.

Cystitis symptoms

Typical symptoms of cystitis include: urinary frequency/urgency; pain/discomfort/ burning when passing urine; urine that is cloudy/contains blood/has a foul smell; lower abdominal ache; non-specific malaise (muscle ache, nausea, fatigue); urge incontinence.

Cystitis treatment

Through Doctor Matt, there are three treatment options available to help treat the infection and manage your symptoms: Trimethoprim, Nitrofurantoin and Cefalexin. Effective at treating most bacterial causes of cystitis. As soon as you recognise the cystitis symptoms as diagnosed by your doctor before, you should start the course of medication provided. If the cystitis you are suffering from is caused by a bacterial infection then your symptoms will improve within a couple of days, and you should complete the course to ensure the infection is treated. You should also drink lots of fluid.