CYSTITIS:

CYSTITIS – Prevention and Natural Treatment

Women’s Health Series

Cystitis is inflammation of the lining of the urinary bladder as a result of infection, irritation or damage. The condition can affect both gender and all age groups but is more common in women. This is because women have a shorter urethra (the tube that goes from the bladder out of the body) and its opening is located nearer to the anus, which means that infection can occur more easily.

CAUSES OF CYSTITIS:

Bacterial infection is the most common cause of cystitis. Cystitis occurs when the normally sterile lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) is infected by bacteria and becomes irritated and inflamed. More than 85% of cases of cystitis are caused by Escherichia coli ("E. coli"), a bacterium found in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Some causes of Cystitis are:

•             Not emptying the bladder fully, due to pregnancy or other causes. This can cause bacteria to multiply, leaving bacteria in the bladder.

•             Bacteria being pushed into the urethra in women, this can happen when you insert a tampon or when you are having sex.

•             Spreading germs from your anus to your urethra when you go to the toilet in women, this can happen if you wipe from back to front rather than front to back.

•             Damage caused to the area when changing a catheter.

•             Other bladder or kidney problems and diabetes.

•             Physical damage or bruising due to vigorous or frequent sex and sometimes, using a diaphragm for contraception

•             Not emptying the bladder fully, due to pregnancy or other causes. This can cause bacteria to multiply, leaving bacteria in the bladder.

•             Bacteria being pushed into the urethra in women, this can happen when you insert a tampon or when you are having sex.

•             Spreading germs from your anus to your urethra when you go to the toilet in women, this can happen if you wipe from back to front rather than front to back.

•             Damage caused to the area when changing a catheter.

•             Other bladder or kidney problems and diabetes.

•             Physical damage or bruising due to vigorous or frequent sex and sometimes, using a diaphragm for contraception

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms can vary but generally include

•             Pressure in the lower pelvis

•             Painful urination (dysuria), burning or stinging sensations

•             Frequent or urgent need to urinate, only passing small amounts

•             Need to urinate at night

•             Urine which is dark, cloudy, strong smelling or contains traces of blood, and 

•             Pain directly above the pubic bone, or in the lower back or abdomen.

It is important to remember that these above symptoms may also be caused by conditions other than cystitis, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, Thrush (Candida), and many other diseases. An experienced Homeopath or natural medicine practitioner will be able to provide you with the right medication required.

HOMEOPATHIC HELP:

With the right homeopathic approach Cystitis can be overcome on a long term basis if not permanently. This seems to be in contrast to the usual medical approach to treat the infection using antibiotics or the pain through pain killers and then viewing the patient as cured.

PREVENTION:

Keeping the genital area clean, remembering to wipe from front to back, increasing the intake of fluids to allow frequent urination, urinating immediately after sexual intercourse and frequent urinating may reduce risk of cystitis in those who are prone to urinary tract infections.

DIET HELP:

Drinking cranberry juice, foods containing ascorbic acid (these contain weak acids and help by rendering the urine less acidic) prevents certain types of bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder and may lessen the chance of infection. As I usually advise, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables help the body to maintain its natural alkaline balance and also regularly eliminate toxins via frequent urination. Their gentle acids help kill unnecessary bacteria as well. And never forget to drink plenty of water. Yoga is a very powerful tool in ensuring that the urinary and other related organs work to their fullest to maintain good health and wellbeing.