Causes
Generally, cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection and the most common infectious agent is the bacterium E. coli, which is housed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cystitis is more common in women because of their shorter urethra, which favors the transfer of bacteria from the skin and genitals into the body.
The increased risk of cystitis in those who have a narrow urethra because of previous infections or obstructions in the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). In women, the pressure on the bladder during pregnancy, intercourse or use a diaphragm, increases the risk of cystitis.
Some men who have increased the size of the prostate (prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia, etc..) Have increased risk for cystitis.
