Treatment:

Persons with recurrent cystitis are encouraged to drink large amounts of fluid to help increase urination and remove the bacteria from the body.

Antibiotics may be given if the infection is caused by bacteria. Your doctor may wait for the results from the urine culture. This usually takes 36 - 48 hours.

If infections persist despite no obvious cause, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.

Surgery is rarely necessary, unless a serious underlying problem is found. Kidney stones may need to be removed.

Expectations (prognosis):

If symptoms are mild, you should expect to have relief of symptoms within 2 - 3 days with the use of antibiotics or supportive care.

Complications:

Possible complications include infection of the kidney and bloodstream, resulting from spread of the bacteria from the bladder into the blood. The occurrence of these complications may be suggested by fevers, back pain, chills or symptoms lasting more than a few days.

If infection travels to the kidneys, they may be at risk for scarring, especially if antibiotic treatment is delayed.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your symptoms last more than 2 - 3 days, if they are particularly severe, or if you have fever, chills, or back and abdominal pain, which might suggest a more serious infection.