Common risk factors in the development of cystitis include female gender, sexual intercourse, diabetes, pregnancy, catheterization, fecal incontinence, old age, and immobility. Some foods are thought to have a role in increasing the risk of cystitis such as vitamin C, coffee or tea, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, citrus fruit, or spicy foods.

Common risk factors in the development of cystitis include:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}

• Female gender
  • Shorter urethra
  • Less distance between the urethra and anus
• History of urinary tract infections
• Recent sexual intercourse (introduction of bacteria in the urethra)
• Use of a diaphragm with spermicide
• Post menopausal status (low oestrogen so loss of protective vaginal flora)
• Homosexual men
• Genetic predisposition or family history
• Lack of circumcision
• Old age
• Immobility

• Any blockage of the bladder or urethra
• Diabetes Mellitus (hyperglycemia inhibits neutrophil migration and phagocytosis)
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Fecal incontinence
• Pregnancy
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Urinary retention
• HIV
• Toxoplasmosis

• Antimicrobial drugs
• Estrogen use
• Catheterization
• Procedures that involve the urinary tract

The following foods are thought to have a role in increasing the risk of cystitis:^[11]

• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruit
• Carbonated and alcoholic drinks
• Coffee or tea
• Vitamin C