Patients

What is a Urinary Tract Infection/Cystitis?        

Cystitis is a common infection and is usually caused by bacteria getting into the bladder.With cystitis you may feel the need to go to the toilet more often, and you may feel pain when you pass urine.   

How can your GP help?

Most of the time, cystitis gets better within a couple of days. Your GP can help you by suggesting the best treatment to you. Your GP may also decide to send a  urine sample for further tests. 

How can I help myself?

1. Drink lots of fluids

2. Get plenty of rest

3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

4. Your GP or pharmacist can advise you on suitable pain relief

Five facts about antibiotics

1. Antibiotics are prescription drugs which can be used to treat serious infections.

2. About half of all suspected cystitis will get better without antibiotics.  

3. Antibiotics can have side effects such as; Vomiting, Diarrhea, Rash (allergic reaction)

4. The more antibiotics are used, the harder it becomes to treat infections.

5. Very few new antibiotics have been developed in the last 30 years. In short, we are running out of antibiotics!

When your GP does prescribe an antibiotic...

Make sure you finish the course as directed by your GP.

Never keep antibiotics for future useReturn leftover antibiotics to your pharmacy

Delaying antibiotic treatment

Your GP may have suggested waiting 48 hours (2 days) before you start your antibiotic treatment. 

Waiting 48 hours will allow your body to fight the infection itself. 

If you are unsure if this is the right option for you, contact your GP immediately.

The information in this website does NOT replace the advice given to you by your GP

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