Bacterial cystitis in women

A woman presenting with symptoms suggestive of bacterial cystitis is a frequent occurrence in the general practice setting. One in three women develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) during their lifetime (compared to 1 in 20 men).

In this article we provide an outline of the aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment of bacterial cystitis in the primary care setting. We suggest measures that may assist before urological referral and work through a common clinical scenario.

Bacterial cystitis in unlikely if the urine is both nitrite and leuco-esterase negative. Empirical antibiotics are justified if symptoms are present with positive urinary dipstick, but microscopy, culture and sensitivity of urine is warranted to ensure appropriate empirical therapy and identification of the causative organism. Risk factors for UTI in women include sexual intercourse, use of contraceptive diaphragms and, in postmenopausal women, mechanical and/or physiologic factors that affect bladder emptying such as cystocoele or atrophic vaginitis. Discussion regarding risk factors and UTI prevention is important. Women with recurrent UTIs (defined as three or more episodes in 12 months or two or more episodes in 6 months) should be screened for an underlying urinary tract abnormality (ultrasound) and may benefit from prophylactic therapy. Patients with complex or recurrent UTIs, persistent haematuria, persistent asymptomatic bacteriuria, or urinary tract abnormalities on imaging may benefit from referral to a urologist.