Cystitis literally means inflammation of the bladder. However,
it is often used to describe a variety of symptoms, including pain
and burning when passing urine, needing to pass urine frequently
and urine infections.
These symptoms are usually more common in females due to the
shorter urethra (tube) which carries urine from the bladder. Women
are more prone to cystitis at certain times e.g. during
pregnancy.
As the symptoms may indicate an infection, including a possible
sexually transmitted infection, it is important to see your doctor,
practice nurse or local Sandyford Clinic so that your urine
can be tested and appropriate antibiotics given if an infection is
present.