What to do if you are suffering from cystitis? Dr Michelle O'Driscoll shares her advice if you are suffering from a UTI. Cystitis occurs more commonly after sexual activity, and in pregnancy. Picture: Stock Michelle O'Driscoll HAVE you been there? Days of running in and out of the bathroom, feeling like you’re about to burst, only to pass a small amount of urine which stings? This is typical of a urinary tract infection, and if they’re something you’ve experienced in the past, you are not alone. For women, about 15% will be affected by a urinary tract infection (UTI) per year. Half of all women will experience it in their lifetime, and many then go on to have further attacks. It most commonly presents between the ages of 15 to 34.