Lupus cystitis is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It can cause symptoms such as increased urination, the sudden need to urinate, pain during urination, and lower abdominal pain.
Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect different parts of the body. In rare cases, it can affect the urinary system, which may lead to lupus cystitis.
Read on to learn more about lupus cystitis, including the causes and symptoms. This article also looks at how doctors diagnose lupus cystitis, the treatment options, and more.
The exact cause of lupus cystitis is unclear. However, researchers believe that it could happen due to proteins being deposited in the bladder, leading to inflammation and damage in the lining of the bladder.
Vs. cystitis
Lupus cystitis and cystitis are different conditions. Lupus cystitis likely happens due to inflammation of the bladder, and affects people with the autoimmune condition lupus.
Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that is typically caused by bacteria.
According to a 2025 report, doctors sometimes misdiagnose lupus cystitis as a UTI as they can present with similar symptoms.
Lupus cystitis can cause symptoms such as:
- urinary urgency, or a sudden need to urinate
- urinary frequency, or urinating more often
- dysuria, or pain or discomfort when urinating
- suprapubic pain, or pain in the lower abdomen
These symptoms are nonspecific, which means that they can also happen due to other conditions, such as a UTI.
Lupus cystitis can be difficult to diagnose, as it can resemble other conditions and may be misdiagnosed as a UTI.
If you have lupus and symptoms of either condition, it is important to make sure your doctor is aware of the lupus so that they can consider lupus cystitis as a possible diagnosis.
In some cases, lupus cystitis may happen before a lupus diagnosis.
To assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by performing a physical examination and asking questions about symptoms.
They may then order imaging tests such as cystoscopy. It is also usually necessary to perform a bladder biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors may recommend medications for the treatment of lupus cystitis.
Medications they may recommend include the corticosteroids prednisolone and methylprednisolone, as well as mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive medication.
Doctors will administer the medication intravenously.
Lupus cystitis may lead to complications such as bladder fibrosis. Bladder fibrosis refers to scarring of the bladder tissue. This can lead to decreased bladder capacity.
Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for helping reduce the likelihood of complications. Contact a doctor as soon as there are concerns about the symptoms of lupus cystitis.
Lupus cystitis is a rare complication that can occur in people with lupus.
It occurs in around 0.5% to 2% of lupus cases.
Lupus cystitis is a rare complication that can develop in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While the exact cause is unclear, it may develop due to proteins depositing in the bladder.
Symptoms of lupus cystitis can include increased urinary frequency or urgency, pain when urinating, and lower abdominal pain. As the symptoms can be similar to urinary tract infections (UTIs), the condition can be difficult to diagnose.
To assist in diagnosing lupus cystitis, a doctor may order imaging tests such as cystoscopy. Bladder biopsy may also be necessary.
Treatments for lupus cystitis may include intravenous corticosteroids, such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone, or the immunosuppressive medication mycophenolate mofetil.
Contact a doctor as soon as there are concerns about lupus cystitis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications such as bladder fibrosis and decreased bladder capacity.