Bacterial UTIs and Interstitial Cystitis Bacterial UTIs Bacterial infections are the most common type of infection occurring in the bladder in women of reproductive age. It is often the result of a bruised urethra during intercourse, although the exact mechanism is not entirely clear. Symptoms of cystitis include a frequent, urgent desire to urinate, and pain above the pelvic bone and often in the lower back. Urine may be cloudy and contain visible blood. What is most significant is that many women have recurrent bouts of cystitis and no underlying cause, including sexual intercourse, can be found.
Recurrent cystitis is found in nuns.
Interstitial Cystitis Cystitis is caused by an infectious organism. This distinguishes cystitis from another disease called interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is more common in women than men. Often a person who has it can tell you the exact moment the symptoms began. It is often characterized by severe superpubic pain which is relieved by urinating.