Cystitis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes inflammation of the bladder. You can get cystitis when bacteria gets into your bladder through your urethra, which is the tube connecting to the bladder that carries urine out of your body. It's a common type of UTI, particularly in women, and although it can be painful, is usually not a cause for serious concern.

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Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days. However, some people experience episodes of cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment. There's also a chance that cystitis could lead to a more serious kidney infection in some cases, so it's important to seek professional advice if your symptoms don't improve.