What distinguishes complicated cystitis from simple cystitis?

Complicated cystitis is characterized by a urinary tract infection that occurs in the presence of factors that increase the risk of treatment failure, complications, or recurrence. Such complicating factors include anatomical abnormalities, urinary retention, or immunocompromised states.

Dysuria accompanied by suprapubic tenderness is indicative of uncomplicated cystitis; however, when these symptoms are present in the context of complicated cystitis, they can often be more severe or associated with other systemic symptoms, such as fever and chills, but those symptoms alone do not exclusively define complicated cystitis. Complicated cases may present with more significant clinical features or underlying conditions that necessitate a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

Other options might describe symptoms that can be associated with urinary tract issues but are not definitive indicators for differentiating between complicated and simple cystitis. For instance, painful sexual intercourse or constant urinary leakage may occur for various reasons, not exclusively due to the complexity of the cystitis, making them less reliable for distinguishing the two forms of the condition.