Cystitis

Key takeaways

• In otherwise healthy non-pregnant women, a typical symptom pattern often indicates bacterial cystitis, but testing is useful in higher-risk or recurrent cases.
• Vaginal discharge, genital sores, pelvic pain or STI exposure point toward other or additional causes.
• Fever, flank pain, vomiting or marked illness suggests kidney infection rather than uncomplicated bladder infection.

The listings below do not confirm a bacterial cause; pregnancy, kidney function, allergy and culture history affect antibiotic selection.

When urine testing helps

Dipstick and culture are more important during pregnancy, in men, children, recurrent infection, treatment failure or unusual symptoms. Blood in urine can occur with infection but should be reassessed if it persists. Interstitial cystitis and bladder irritants can cause similar symptoms without bacteria.

Treatment and prevention

Short-course antibiotics are selected according to local guidance and individual risks. Symptom improvement does not justify saving leftover tablets. Recurrent episodes warrant confirmation and review of triggers, anatomy and menopausal changes; prevention may include behavioural measures or clinician-directed prophylaxis.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for fever with back or flank pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, inability to pass urine, pregnancy with urinary symptoms or rapidly worsening illness.