Welcome to the PharmacyDirectGB Cystitis Service
Our Service includes an online doctor consultation and private prescription service, followed by Trimethoprim medication, if suitable, to treat the infection.
Cystitis Introduction
Cystitis means ‘inflammation of the bladder’. It causes:
- an urgent and frequent need to urinate
- pain or stinging when passing urine
Cystitis is usually the result of an infection in the bladder, but it can also be caused by irritation or damage. Cystitis caused by a bladder infection is sometimes known as ‘bacterial cystitis’.
Untreated bladder infections can cause kidney infections.
Cystitis in females
Cystitis is more common in women because women have a short urethra (the tube that passes from the bladder out of the body), and its opening is located very close to the anus. This makes it easy for bacteria from the anus to reach the bladder and cause an infection.
Almost all women will have cystitis at least once in their lifetime. Around one in five women who have had cystitis will get it again (recurrent cystitis). Cystitis can occur at any age, but it is more common in:
- pregnant women
- sexually active women
- post-menopausal women (after the menopause)
Cystitis in males
Cystitis is less common in men, but potentially more serious. This is because it could be caused by:
- an underlying bladder or prostate infection, such as prostatitis
- an obstruction in the urinary tract, such as a tumour, or an enlarged prostate (the gland located between the penis and the bladder)
Male cystitis is not usually serious if treated quickly, but it can be very painful. Sexually active gay men are more likely to get cystitis than other males.
Cystitis Treatment
Our online doctor will assess your suitability for the main medication which is Trimethoprim.
Mild cystitis usually clears up within 4-9 days. It can be treated at home by drinking plenty of water (around 1.2 litres or 6-8 glasses every day) and taking painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.