Bladder Health *

cystitis icon

Conditions involving inflammation of the bladder, often associated with urinary symptoms1.

 

* Various types of cystitis such as recurrent UTIs, Interstitial cystitis, radiation-induced cystitis and chemical-induced cystitis

The condition and its symptoms

What is cystitis

Cystitis is a common condition affecting the bladder. It can affect anyone, but it’s much more frequent in women. In many cases, inflammation of the bladder is due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), most often caused by bacteria, but also due to a whole host of other things. Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, and some are more commonly reported2.

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Pain when urinating (dysuria)2

Lower abdominal discomfort icon

Lower abdominal pain2

urgent need to urinate icon

Frequent or urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder feels empty2

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Blood in urine (haematuria)2

Different forms of Cystitis

There are different types of cystitis, including recurring infectious cystitis, interstitial cystitis, radiation and chemical-induced cystitis, amongst others3.

Recurring infectious cystitis/recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs)

This is the most common type of cystitis. It commonly occurs when bacteria, most often E. coli, enters the bladder via the urethra. It may be considered recurrent when infections occur repeatedly over a specified amount of time2.

Close-up of a person lying down wearing protective absorbent underwear, representing the management of incontinence or bladder weakness

Interstitial cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)

Inflammation of the bladder without bacterial infection. The cause isn’t fully understood yet, as it likely involves a complex combination of factors4.

Woman sitting curled up on the bed with head on knees, representing isolation and emotional distress

Radiation-induced cystitis

This is bladder inflammation due to pelvic radiation therapy that causes damage to the bladder mucosa5.

Overhead close-up of a woman lying on a bed in white underwear with her hand on her abdomen, representing intimate health, hygiene, and body awareness

Chemical-induced cystitis

This is bladder inflammation caused by various chemical agents. Some examples include chemotherapeutic drugs, use of anaesthetic drugs like ketamine or environmental factors like soaps6.

Who is affected by cystitis

Cystitis is a very common condition2.

 

Women are more likely to develop rUTIs, partly due to a shorter urethra compared to males. This can allow bacteria to reach the bladder more easily in cases of infection2.

 

rUTIs have some common risk factors, things that may increase the chances of developing it1.

 

Interstitial cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) affects an unknown amount of people as it is diagnosed through exclusion and therefore it is often identified late or misdiagnosed4.

 

Radiation-induced cystitis affects those who may be going through radiation therapy in the pelvic area as a treatment5.

 

Chemical-induced cystitis is quite diverse and therefore can affect a wide range of people6.

Common risk factors include2:

Sexual activity

New sexual partners

A history of urinary tract infections

Hormonal changes after menopause

Cystitis associated with

Although these types of cystitis have different causes, they all involve damage to the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer, which is why patients experience similar symptoms.7

Damage to the GAG layer of the bladder.

Experts agree that the GAG layer, the protective lining of the bladder, is important for preventing chronic inflammation to the bladder. When this layer gets damaged, it can lead to persistent inflammation in the bladder wall as well as related nerve pain, resulting in the symptoms7.

Data about cystitis

Cystitis by the numbers

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Approximately half of females in the UK will experience at least 1 UTI in their lifetime10.

In a year, there were over 330,000 patient episodes of urinary related problems (including IC/BPS) in the UK8.

In 2015

In 2024, admissions related to UTIs resulted in 1.2 million NHS bed-days (days patients used a bed)9.

Diagnosing the disease

Professional medical evaluation is essential for diagnosing cystitis.

Diagnosis of cystitis involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which may include but not limited to:

  • collection of a detailed symptom history and review of predisposing factors;
  • Physical examination, which may include assessment of the suprapubic or pelvic region when appropriate;
  • laboratory analyses (*urinalysis, urine culture) and, when appropriate, imaging studies;

 

*Laboratory tests may include urinalysis to identify markers of infection, with urine culture used to detect bacteria when indicated2.

Doctor speaking to a female patient during a medical consultation

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At IBSA, we approach uro-gynecological conditions with the sensitivity and expertise they deserve. Our solutions are grounded in rigorous research, designed for patient comfort, and supported by comprehensive education.

 

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References

  • 1 / Cleveland Clinic. Bladder Inflammation (Cystitis). [Updated 2025 May 26]. In: Cleveland Clinic Health Library [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic; 2025–. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21203-bladder-inflammation-cystitis [nlm.nih.gov] [Accessed on 5 March 2026]
  • 2 / Li R, Leslie SW. Cystitis. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [Accessed on 5 March 2026]
  • 3 / IC Network. Types of Cystitis. [Internet]. IC Network; 2025–. Available from: https://www.icnetwork.org/types-of-cystitis/ [Accessed on 5 March 2026]
  • 4 / Lim Y, Leslie SW, O'Rourke S. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. [Updated 2024 Oct 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [Accessed on 5 March 2026]
  • 5 / Smit, S., Heyns, C. Management of radiation cystitis. Nat Rev Urol 7, 206–214 (2010).
  • 6 / Petca RC, Popescu RI, Toma C, Dumitrascu MC, Petca A, Sandru F, Chibelean CB. Chemical hemorrhagic cystitis: Diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls (Review). [Published 2021 Apr 14]. In: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine [Internet]. Spandidos Publications; 2021–. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10056
  • 7 / Lazzeri M,et al. Ther Adv Urol. 2016;8(2):91–99.
  • 8 / Bladder Health UK. Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome. [Internet]. Bladder Health UK; 2025–. Available from: https://www.bladderhealthuk.org/page/index/285 [bladderhealthuk.org]. [Accessed on 5 March 2026]
  • 9 / UK Health Security Agency. Understanding the burden of UTI hospitalisations in England. [Published 2025 Jul 15]. In: GOV.UK [Internet]. London: UK Government; 2025–. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-the-burden-of-uti-hospitalisations-in-england/understanding-the-burden-of-uti-hospitalisations-in-england [Accessed on 20 March 2026]
  • 10 / The Urology Foundation. Facts & Figures: Urinary Tract Infections. [Internet]. London: The Urology Foundation; 2026–. Available from: https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/impact-achievements/facts-and-figures/ [Accessed on 20 March 2026]

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