Cystitis Treatment

Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder — the lower part of the urinary tract. The most common culprit is E. coli, a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines. When these bacteria enter the urethra, they can travel up to the bladder and cause infection.

In women, the urethra is only 3-4 centimetres long and sits close to the vagina and anus. This is why women are far more prone to cystitis than men.

Symptoms typically appear quickly and are easy to recognise.

🔥 Common symptoms — Burning or stinging pain when urinating / frequent urge to urinate but passing only small amounts / feeling like you can't fully empty your bladder / dull ache or pressure in the lower abdomen above the pubic bone / cloudy urine or urine with a stronger smell than usual

⚠️ Symptoms that require immediate medical attention — High fever with chills / pain in the back, sides, or flanks (may indicate the infection has spread to the kidneys) / blood in urine / nausea and vomiting

Several factors increase the risk.

🚿 Wiping the wrong way — Wiping back to front after using the toilet can transfer bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Always wipe front to back.

💑 Sexual activity — Intercourse can push bacteria towards the urethra, which is why cystitis is sometimes called "Honeymoon Cystitis."

💧 Not drinking enough water / holding urine too long — Holding urine gives bacteria more time to multiply in the bladder. Low fluid intake makes urine more concentrated and irritating.

🧴 Fragranced products near the intimate area — Scented soaps or sprays can irritate the urethra.

🩺 Physical factors — Pregnancy, menopause (declining oestrogen thins urethral lining), diabetes, and weakened immune systems all increase risk.

Ciprofloxacin is a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against E. coli and other common UTI-causing bacteria. It works by inhibiting the DNA gyrase enzyme, preventing bacteria from replicating.

At Intimo Life, we offer three Ciprofloxacin options:

• Cifloxin — Ciprofloxacin specifically for urinary tract infections
• B-Ciprofloxacin — Broad-spectrum antibiotic
• Cobay-500 — High-efficacy antibacterial

Typical dosage — Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for 3-7 days, depending on symptom severity.

Key restriction — Do not take with milk, dairy products, antacids containing aluminium/magnesium, or iron supplements, as these significantly reduce absorption. Allow at least 2 hours between them.

Other precautions — Drink plenty of water throughout the course / avoid excessive sun exposure as the medication may increase sun sensitivity / complete the full course even if symptoms improve — stopping early risks antibiotic resistance / not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Possible side effects — Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness. These are usually mild. If you experience unusual tendon or joint pain, stop the medication and consult a doctor immediately.

These two conditions are related but distinct.

Cystitis is an infection of the urinary tract, while abnormal vaginal discharge (Bacterial Vaginosis) results from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. However, both can occur simultaneously — when vaginal balance is disrupted, bacteria can more easily enter the urethra.

If you experience both painful urination and unusual discharge at the same time, consult a pharmacist to determine whether both conditions need treatment.

Simple habit changes can significantly reduce your risk.

💧 Drink enough water — At least 6-8 glasses per day to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

🚽 Don't hold your urine — Go whenever you feel the urge. Don't hold for more than 3-4 hours.

🧻 Wipe front to back — Every time after using the toilet, to prevent bacteria from the anus reaching the urethra.

💑 Urinate after sex — This helps flush out any bacteria that may have been pushed towards the urethra during intercourse.

🧼 Avoid fragranced soaps — Use plain water or mild, unscented soap for the intimate area.

👗 Wear cotton underwear — Better breathability reduces bacterial build-up.

Some women experience cystitis repeatedly, particularly those who are sexually active, use certain contraceptive methods like diaphragms, or are post-menopausal.

If you get cystitis more than 3 times per year, see a doctor for further investigation. They may prescribe low-dose continuous antibiotics for prevention, or a single dose of antibiotics to take after sex if that's the trigger.

Cranberry products may offer some preventive benefit, but they cannot replace antibiotics for treating an active infection.

Yes, though it's much less common than in women. Men over 50 are at higher risk, often due to an enlarged prostate that prevents the bladder from fully emptying, allowing bacteria to accumulate.

In men, cystitis may indicate an underlying issue that needs further investigation. Medical consultation is recommended if symptoms occur.

While most cystitis cases respond well to antibiotics, see a doctor if you experience:
🚨 High fever, chills, or back/flank pain (may indicate kidney infection) / blood in urine / symptoms not improving after 3 days of antibiotics / recurrences more than 3 times per year / currently pregnant / male with UTI symptoms
These could indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys or that there's an underlying condition requiring further investigation.