Cystitis

Cystitis is the term for inflammation of the bladder, although it is usually used to refer to urinary tract infections which affect the bladder. It’s a common UTI, mostly among women, and is characterised by a burning sensation when passing urine, needing to go to the toilet more frequently, pain in the lower stomach and feeling generally sick and unwell. 

Cystitis can be caused by a number of things including sex, not fully emptying the bladder, wiping from back to front after urinating or using heavily perfumed soaps on your genitals. Mild cystitis can be treated by home remedies or over the counter medications, while more severe infections will be prescribed antibiotics. Prevention methods include emptying your bladder after sex, avoiding the use of perfumed soaps on the genitals and drinking plenty of water.