Low Awareness of Cystitis Across Europe
A NEW international survey of over 3,000 adults across five European countries has revealed major gaps in public knowledge about cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTI), two of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. Despite their prevalence, affecting up to 60% of women in their lifetime, one in three respondents (35%) could not correctly identify cystitis as a bladder infection.
The survey, conducted across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, found that confusion was particularly high among younger adults: fewer than half (45%) of those aged 18–24 years correctly defined cystitis. Some respondents even mistook it for unrelated conditions such as skin irritation or food allergies.
Gender Gaps in UTI Awareness
The findings also revealed a persistent gender awareness gap. Only half of respondents (51%) knew that women are significantly more affected by UTIs than men, despite clear medical evidence to the contrary. Nearly 20% of men incorrectly believed that men are more likely to suffer from cystitis. Awareness was notably higher among women themselves, with 63% recognising their greater vulnerability.
Knowledge of prevention strategies was equally limited. While 71% understood that adequate hydration helps prevent infection, only 43% mentioned proper hygiene, and just 35% knew to urinate after sexual activity. Shockingly, 17% of respondents wrongly believed that taking antibiotics without medical advice could prevent UTIs, an error that contributes directly to antibiotic resistance.
Health advocates warn that this misinformation may disproportionately harm younger women. “Many teenagers today are sexually active without understanding the risks of bladder infections,” said Jane Meijlink, Chair of the International Painful Bladder Foundation. “Without education, we risk a new generation suffering recurrent infections and long-term bladder damage.”
Antibiotic Misuse Worsens Cystitis Care
The study highlights that antibiotic misuse remains widespread. Sixteen percent of respondents believed all UTIs require antibiotics, while nearly half underestimated the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant urinary pathogens.
Gernot Bonkat, Chair of the European Association of Urology (EAU) Infections Guidelines Panel, emphasised that awareness is vital for public health: “Urinary tract infections affect over 400 million people each year and lead to approximately 240,000 deaths globally. Education about symptoms, causes, and appropriate treatment is essential to reduce infections and slow the spread of resistance.”
The findings were released as part of Urology Week 2025, which focuses on improving awareness of urinary tract infections and the importance of responsible antibiotic use. Experts stress that better education in schools, online platforms, and healthcare settings could significantly reduce infection rates and protect antibiotic effectiveness for future generations.
Reference
European Association of Urology. Urgent awareness gap: 1 in 3 Europeans unfamiliar with cystitis, half unaware women are most at risk. 2025. Available at: https://uroweb.org/news/urgent-awareness-gap-1-in-3-europeans-unfamiliar-with-cystitis-half-unaware-women-are-most-at-risk. Last accessed: 08 October 2025.
