View the Health Heart Book

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer
Connect with others who've been there. Share stories. Learn. Join Mayo Clinic's
online community.

Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you have signs or symptoms common to cystitis, make an appointment with your primary care provider. After an initial evaluation, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary tract disorders (urologist or nephrologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you've had, and for how long.
  • Make a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
  • Take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the information during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

For cystitis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
  • Are there any other possible causes?
  • Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What factors do you think may have contributed to my cystitis?
  • What treatment approach do you recommend?
  • If the first treatment doesn't work, what will you recommend next?
  • Am I at risk of complications from this condition?
  • What is the risk that this problem will recur?
  • What steps can I take to reduce my risk of a recurrence?
  • Should I see a specialist?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow for time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

  • What are your symptoms?
  • When did you first notice these symptoms?
  • Have you had these symptoms in the past?
  • Have you ever been treated for a bladder or kidney infection?
  • How severe is your discomfort?
  • Do your symptoms include an urgent need to urinate?
  • How frequently do you urinate?
  • Are your symptoms relieved by urinating?
  • Do your symptoms include low back pain?
  • Do your symptoms include fever?
  • Do your symptoms include vaginal discharge?
  • Have you noticed any blood in your urine?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • Do you use contraception? What kind?
  • If you use a contraceptive device, does it contain spermicide?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Have you previously been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
  • What treatments have you received for other medical conditions?
  • Have you ever used a catheter?
  • What medications are you currently taking, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements?
  • Do you have any medication allergies?
Tests and diagnosis Complications

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
  • Interstitial cystitis

    • Related Links
    Related Guides
    Children
    Parent
References
  1. Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-3/935265772/1524/147.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50025-X--cesec2_754. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  2. Infectious disease. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-3/935265772/1481/590.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50054-3--cesec94_3599. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  3. Hooton TM. Acute cystitis in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  4. Interstitial cystitis / Painful bladder syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  5. French L, et al. Urinary problems in women. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:53.
  6. Hooton TM, et al. Recurrent urinary tract infection in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  7. Ksycki MF, et al. Nosocomial urinary tract infection. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2009;89:475.
  8. Aliotta PJ, et al. Urinary tract infections. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-17/935347317/2088/688.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00030-7--s0250_14032. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  9. Natural history of bacteriuria and pyelonephritis. In: Brenner BM, et al. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50036-0--cesec36&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50036-0--cesec37&uniq=177168529&isbn=978-1-4160-3105-5&sid=935319858. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  10. Hemorrhagic cystitis. Chemocare.com. http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hemorrhagic_cystitis.asp. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  11. Shortliffe LMD. Infection and inflammation of the pediatric genitourinary tract. In: Wein AJ. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-16/935328560/1445/115.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50114-X--cesec78_6964. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  12. Urinary tract infections. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp050.cfm. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  13. Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. Jan. 10, 2010.
DS00285 March 6, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger