Cystitis - recurrent

Definition

Recurrent cystitis is a bladder infection that occurs at least twice in 6 months, or three times in a year.

See also: Urinary tract infection

Alternative Names

Recurrent cystitis; Urinary tract infection - recurrent; UTI - recurrent

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Recurrent cystitis is most often caused by a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), the leading cause of all urinary tract infections. About 25 - 50% of all young, healthy women who have their first infection will develop a second one within 6 months. Although the risk for cystitis increases with age, the rate of recurrent infections is only about 10 - 20% for people older than 60.

Risk factors for recurrent infections include:

• Certain anatomical problems of the female pelvis
• Certain large kidney stones
• Diabetes
• Family history of recurrent infections
• First infection at a young age
• Sexual intercourse with multiple partners
• Stents used to treat urinary obstructions
• Use of spermicides

Persons who do not empty their bladder completely may also be at risk for developing repeated infections.

Symptoms

The symptoms of recurrent cystitis include:

• Bloody urine (rare)
• Dark, foul-smelling urine
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Painful or burning urination

Signs and tests

Recurrent cystitis is confirmed by tests that show the growth of bacteria in the urine.

Urinalysis also shows white blood cells, occasionally red blood cells, and the specific type of bacteria causing the infection (usually E. coli).

A urine culture can help your doctor determine the specific bacteria and which antibiotics will best treat the infection.

If you have a severe infection, fever, and back pain that lasts for more than a few days, your doctor may also order the following tests to rule out a kidney infection:

• Additional blood tests
• Kidney CT scan
• Kidney ultrasound

If a physical problem is believed to be cause of the infections, an intravenous pyelogram will also be done.