Recurrent cystitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female urinary tract

Recurrent cystitis

Definition:

Recurrent cystitis consists of at least 2 infections of the bladder in 6 months, or 3 infections in 1 year, marked by painful or burning urination, urinary frequency and urgency, and (occasionally) blood in the urine. It is confirmed by demonstration of the growth of bacteria in the urine. See also urinary tract infection.

Alternative Names:
Cystitis - recurrent; Urinary tract infection - recurrent; UTI - recurrent
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

Risk factors for recurrent infections include sexual intercourse with multiple partners, use of spermicidal agents, genetic factors including a family history of recurrent infections, first infection at a young age, and certain anatomic abnormalities of the female pelvis. Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for the development of urinary tract infections and may contribute to their recurrence.