Cystitis & UTIs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra), and cystitis refers specifically to a bladder UTI.
Overview
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, most commonly due to a bacterial infection but sometimes from non-infectious causes such as irritation or interstitial cystitis. It’s especially common in women, with many experiencing it at least once, and some having repeated bouts.
Common Misunderstandings
People often assume cystitis is the same as any UTI, but while it’s a type of UTI, not all UTIs are cystitis. For many, it’s an occasional issue; for others, it’s a persistent and life-disrupting problem. Chronic cystitis can cause anxiety around travel, intimacy, and daily activities.
How is Cystitis Linked to Your Microbiome
- The bladder microbiome in healthy women contains beneficial bacteria that protect against bladder infections¹.
- Loss of protective Lactobacillus species and overgrowth of harmful bacteria can make cystitis more likely.
- Gut microbiome imbalances can increase the reservoir of UTI-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, that can travel to the bladder².
- In interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, research suggests changes in urinary microbiome composition compared to healthy controls³.
Symptoms
Frequent urge to Urinate
Pain or burning when urinating
Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure
Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
Sometimes blood in the urine
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Cytitis includes:
Vaginal Microbiome Test
The Vaginal Microbiome Test identifies imbalances and pathogens in the vaginal flora to explain symptoms and guide precise, personalised treatment and prevention.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based/pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut and vagina.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut and vagina without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Such as avoiding acidic, spicy, mouldy or sugary ingredients that might promote inflammation, irritate the bladder or promote growth of yeast.
Been diagnosed with Cystitis?
References
- Magruder M, et al. Nat Microbiol. 2019;4:19–25. doi:10.1038/s41564-019-0561-1.
- Nickel JC, et al. Sci Transl Med. 2020;12:eaaba0505. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aba0505.