What is cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, most often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract from the skin or bowel. It is a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women.

You may feel discomfort in your lower abdomen and a burning or stinging sensation when passing urine. Most mild cases improve within a few days, but antibiotics can help you recover faster and prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.

At MyPharmacy Services, our clinician can assess your symptoms in a short online consultation. If appropriate, we can prescribe an effective antibiotic such as nitrofurantoin, issued as a private electronic prescription.

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

Typical symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging pain when you pass urine

• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night

• Sudden urge to urinate

• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

• Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen

• Feeling tired or generally unwell

If you notice blood in your urine, or if you also develop fever, shivering, back pain, or vomiting, seek medical attention urgently — these may be signs of a more serious infection that has spread to your kidneys.

What causes cystitis?

Cystitis usually happens when bacteria (most often E. coli) travel from the bowel or genital area into the bladder. It is more common in women because their urethra is shorter.

Other risk factors include:

• Sexual activity

• Using a diaphragm for contraception

• Menopause (due to lower oestrogen levels)

• Diabetes or a weakened immune system

• Pregnancy

• Urinary catheters

Cystitis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but sex can sometimes trigger an infection.

How we treat cystitis

If you are suitable, our prescriber may offer nitrofurantoin 100 mg capsules (a licensed antibiotic for cystitis).

• Dose: 1 capsule twice daily for 3 days (total of 6 capsules).

• How it works: The medicine is filtered through your kidneys and passes into your bladder, killing the bacteria causing the infection.

• When to take: With or after food, and with plenty of water.

• You must complete the full 3-day course, even if you feel better before finishing.

You should begin to notice improvement within 1–2 days.

If your symptoms do not improve after 3 days, or if they worsen, contact your GP or our clinician for further advice.

At-home care alongside antibiotics

To help your recovery:

• Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria from your bladder.

• Take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.

• Avoid sexual activity until your symptoms have cleared.

• Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which may irritate the bladder.

• Do not hold in your urine; empty your bladder fully.

Who cannot take nitrofurantoin?

You should not take nitrofurantoin if you:

• Are pregnant (particularly near term) or breastfeeding (unless advised by a GP)

• Have severe kidney disease

• Have a history of liver problems or blood disorders

• Have G6PD deficiency or porphyria

• Are allergic to nitrofurantoin or any similar antibiotics

Our clinician will review your medical history before prescribing.

Possible side effects

Most people tolerate nitrofurantoin well.

Common: mild nausea, headache, loss of appetite, or dizziness.

Rare but serious: breathing difficulties, persistent cough, yellowing of skin or eyes, or tingling/numbness in hands or feet.

If you experience any serious symptoms, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

When to seek urgent help

See a doctor or call NHS 111 urgently if you develop:

• Fever, chills, or vomiting

• Pain in your sides or back (around your kidneys)

• Blood in your urine that does not clear after treatment

• Persistent or recurrent cystitis symptoms

Can you get cystitis treatment online?

Yes. Through MyPharmacy Services, you can complete a short medical questionnaire reviewed by a pharmacist prescriber. If appropriate, a private e-prescription will be issued via SignatureRx, and you can collect your medicine from any UK pharmacy.

How to prevent cystitis

To reduce your risk:

• Drink plenty of fluids daily

• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet

• Urinate soon after sex

• Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing

• Avoid scented soaps or bubble baths

• Empty your bladder fully and regularly

If cystitis keeps coming back

Recurrent cystitis (two or more infections in six months, or three in a year) should be discussed with your GP.

Further investigations may be needed to rule out an underlying cause.