A UTI can develop anywhere in the urinary system, including thekidneys, ureter, bladder, or urethra.
Possible causesof bladder infection include certain types of bacteria, sexual intercourse, andcatheter use.
See a healthcare provider if you experience repeat (recurrent) bladder infections.
hsyncoban / Getty Images
Recurrent infection causes include kidney or bladder stones, bladder diverticula, overactive bladder, and antibiotic resistance.
hsyncoban / Getty Images
What Is Cystitis?
The medical term for a bladder infection iscystitis.
Bacteria
A common cause of bladder infections is bacteria found in the bowel.
Usually, the bladder has systems in place to prevent infections.
The urine flows through the urinary tract and flushes out harmful bacteria before it reaches the bladder.
However, bacteria from the stool can enter the urinary system and lead to a bladder infection.
The most common cause of a bacterial bladder infection isEscherichia coli(E coli).
Sexual Intercourse
Being sexually active may increase the risk of bladder infections.
Medications
Certain medications can cause irritation and inflammation in the bladder.
Whenchemotherapy drugspass through the bladder, they can cause cystitis.Radiation therapyto the lower abdomen may also lead to cystitis.
While this bang out of cystitis is not an infection, the symptoms are similar.
Irritating Products
Certain products used on or near the urinary tract may cause bladder irritation.
Bladder infections may become severe when left untreated.
They can also lead to serious complications.
Pain after antibiotics could mean that you still have an infection.
How Can You Get a Bladder Infection to Go Away?
The recommended treatment for most bladder infections is a round of antibiotics.
Early treatment may also reduce the risk of complications such as kidney infection.
Further workup to determine the underlying causes is especially important when a person has repeat infections.
A bladder infection with complications may require antibiotics for seven to 14 days.
To ease discomfort, rest and drink plenty of water.
Common causes of bladder infections include bacteria, sexual intercourse, and catheter use.
Certain medications and hygiene products may cause bladder irritation and pain.
The recommended treatment for most bladder infections is antibiotics.
Take the prescription exactly as your healthcare provider recommends.
Call your provider if you continue to experience symptoms after treatment.
August 15, 2022.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of bladder infection in adults.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of bladder infection in adults.
Zare M, Vehreschild MJGT, Wagenlehner F.Management of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections.BJU Int.
2022;129(6):668-678. doi:10.1111/bju.15630
MedlinePlus.Interstitial cystitis.
April 1, 2023.