Treating acute cystitis

Research has shown that antibiotics are a fast and effective treatment for uncomplicated cystitis. The pain and burning usually get better within 1 to 3 days and then go away completely a short time later. But sometimes antibiotics aren't needed at all: If the symptoms are bearable and no complications are expected, you don’t have to take them.

The length of treatment with antibiotics depends on the specific drug: it usually lasts 1, 3, 5 or 7 days, or longer in rare cases. 1 to 3 days of treatment is usually enough to relieve the symptoms in most women. Taking antibiotics for longer doesn't improve symptom relief. But it is more likely to cause side effects such as vaginal yeast infections (thrush), stomach and bowel problems, and skin rashes.

You can talk to your doctor about which antibiotics can be used in your case. The choice will depend on whether you have any other medical conditions or a higher risk of complications. Some bacteria have become resistant to certain antibiotics and no longer respond to them. The choice of antibiotics will also depend on how common those resistant bacteria are. Whichever medication you choose, it is important to take it as described in the package insert, and not to stop the treatment early.

If you have acute cystitis, painkillers like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can reduce the burning pain when peeing. If that already helps to improve mild or moderate symptoms, you don't need to take antibiotics.

Many women drink a lot of water or tea to try to flush the bacteria out of their bladder. Home remedies like applying heat (e.g. with a hot water bottle, electric blanket or warm bath) are also used to relieve pain and relax. But there's not enough reliable research to say how effective these home remedies are.

Sometimes cranberry products are recommended for the prevention of cystitis: Women who take them are somewhat less likely to develop uncomplicated cystitis. But there’s a lack of good research on whether these and other herbal products can also help in the treatment of cystitis.