Cystitis (Inflammation of the Bladder)

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is when your bladder is inflamed (swollen). Cystitis can be caused by radiation therapy to the pelvis or bladder. Some chemotherapies can also cause cystitis. "Hemorrhagic cystitis" is when you have cystitis and blood in your urine (pee).

Symptoms of cystitis are:

• Painful urination.
• The need to urinate more often.
• The need to urinate urgently (can't wait).
• Having a hard time starting to urinate.
• Blood in the urine.

How is cystitis treated?

Your care team will do some tests to find out what is causing your cystitis. If it is known to be your radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment, talk with your team about your options. Drinking more fluids can help. Your care team may order medicine to treat pain while urinating.

When should I contact my care team?

Call your care provider if you have any of the symptoms listed above. If you see bright red blood in your urine, call your care team right away.