Cystitis risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maliha Shakil, M.D. [2], Usama Talib, BSc, MD [3]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Common risk factors in the development of cystitis include female gender, sexual intercourse, diabetes, pregnancy, catheterization, fecal incontinence, old age, and immobility. Some foods are thought to have a role in increasing the risk of cystitis such as vitamin C, coffee or tea, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, citrus fruit, or spicy foods.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

Common risk factors in the development of cystitis include:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}

General Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

• Female gender
  • Shorter urethra
  • Less distance between the urethra and anus
• History of urinary tract infections
• Recent sexual intercourse (introduction of bacteria in the urethra)
• Use of a diaphragm with spermicide
• Post menopausal status (low oestrogen so loss of protective vaginal flora)
• Homosexual men
• Genetic predisposition or family history
• Lack of circumcision
• Old age
• Immobility

Conditions[edit | edit source]

• Any blockage of the bladder or urethra
• Diabetes Mellitus (hyperglycemia inhibits neutrophil migration and phagocytosis)
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Fecal incontinence
• Pregnancy
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Urinary retention
• HIV
• Toxoplasmosis

Medications and Procedures[edit | edit source]

• Antimicrobial drugs
• Estrogen use
• Catheterization
• Procedures that involve the urinary tract

Foods Increasing Risk of Cystitis[edit | edit source]

The following foods are thought to have a role in increasing the risk of cystitis:^[11]

• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruit
• Carbonated and alcoholic drinks
• Coffee or tea
• Vitamin C

References[edit | edit source]

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