The treatment depends on the cause of the infection. Antibiotics are given for a bacterial infection. A herpes simplex infection may be treated with an antiviral drug, such as acyclovir. Cystitis Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. Bladder infections are common in women, particularly during the reproductive years.
Some women develop bladder infections repeatedly.
Bacteria in the vagina may travel to the urethra and into the bladder. Women often develop bladder infections after engaging in sexual intercourse, probably because the urethra was bruised during sex. Bladder infections are less common in men and generally start with an infection in the urethra that moves into the prostate, then into the bladder. Alternatively, a bladder infection can be caused by a catheter or an instrument used during surgery. The most common cause of recurring bladder infections in men is a persistent bacterial infection of the prostate.