Women's Urinary Tract Infections: Why So Common?

Women's Urinary Tract Infections: Why So Common?

The sudden urgency. The painful burning while emptying the bladder. And heaven forbid intercourse! This is the emotional roller coaster of the female Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – the most frequent women’s medical complaint after flu. Urinary tract infections are also called bladder infections or “cystitis”.

An estimated 60% of all women worldwide (11% in the U.S. alone), as compared with only 2% of men know what urinary tract infections feel like. Once a UTI attacks, more than one-third of its victims are likely to experience another within a year, some later, and for a certain percentage it becomes chronic due to factors discussed below under “Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections”.

To compound this discomfort for women, urinary tract infections are usually followed by horribly itchy vaginal yeast infections caused by Antibiotics given for UTI’s.

This is because of ineffective or incomplete treatment the first time around, or assuming that the UTI itself was the cause of this misery.

Urinary Tract Infections are often not just Urinary Tract Infections!

Treating a urinary tract infection as its own root cause without seeking possible underlying reasons is a medical error. The “no questions asked” policy about a woman’s lifestyle eliminates clues as to how she got the infection and increases the chances of repeat UTI’s.

This leads to over-prescribing Antibiotics which may or may not work on the specific bacteria of a urinary tract infection, or may have been unnecessary at all! Many women don’t know enough about UTI’s to volunteer more information. So we’ve divided the reasons for UTI’s into two categories:

First-Source UTI – First urinary tract infection from a single source.

Symptomatic UTI – Recurring urinary tract infection from an ongoing source or additional health condition.

1. Common Reasons for First-Source Urinary Tract Infections:

• “Honeymoon UTI” – First time and frequent intercourse during honeymoon; very active sex life; or sex after long times without. The male organ rubs against the bladder walls and can be highly irritating to tissues, inviting bacteria.

• Diaphragm used for birth control – The rim of the diaphragm can scrape the bladder neck, once again allowing bacteria.

• The sexually transmitted disease “Chlamydia”.

• Allergy to a lubricant, spermicide, or feminine body spray.

• Bacteria from soaking in hot tubs or bubble baths.

• Fecal waste with E. coli bacteria travels into the urethra or vagina.

If not treated properly, this first-source UTI can turn into future symptomatic UTI’s.

2. Common Reasons for Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections:

• Lowered immune system from chemotherapy or systemic disease like HIV/AIDS, Lupus, Diabetes.

• Continual use of the spermicidal ingredient nonoxynol-9 in sponges and diaphragm gel is famous for causing UTI’s.

• Not urinating or washing well before and after sex. Both should be done each time.

• Previous incorrect Antibiotic treatment, or unfinished Antibiotics because the woman felt better. Either causes bacteria to become resistant and resilient. See our interesting case study: “Sandra’s Story: The Frustrating Cycle of UTI’s, Yeast Infections and Antibiotics”.

• High intestinal yeast content, generally an overgrowth of the “bad” bacteria, candida albicans. This yeast overgrowth could have started from the death of good stomach bacteria during Antibiotic dosage. Because the good intestinal bacteria are gone, the woman is not protected from recurring UTI’s.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections:

1. Avoid Bacteria in the Urinary Tract and Vaginal Area:

• When urinating, be sure to thoroughly finish. Sometimes in a hurry, women tend to clench some back.

• Never “hold in” for a long time.

• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements, not toward the vagina. E. coli from feces can easily enter.

• Wear comfortable-fitting 100% cotton underwear. Avoid snug nylons or silks, tights and panty hose whenever possible - they build heat and moisture which invites bacteria. This goes for tight jeans too!

[Edit ADD: also important to wear natural fabrics for all clothing, as excessive sweat and allergies may invite bacterial growth.]

[EDIT ADD: NO THONGS they create a bridge for bacteria to travel to the Va-JJ no BIG pants either creates a hothouse environment for bacteria to fester.]

• If sexually active:

o Before and after intercourse, urinate and wash well.

o Avoid birth control spermicides with “non-oxynol 9” in some diaphragm jellies, condoms and sponges – it irritates the bladder.

[EDIT ADD: Partner must have clean hands if touching nether regions, and have contact with Va-JJ after having contact w/ possible bacteria. You must think about this carefully here. Even a trip to the bathroom or any other possible contact is risky. Bacteria can also be introduced directly via intercourse.]

2. Build Immunities with Daily Nutrition and Supplements

Full link [minus edits]:

http://www.vaxa.com/womens-health-uti-common.cfm



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Here’s another good snippet:

“Urinary tract infection (UTI) usually occurs when bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the two kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder itself, and urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to the urethral opening).

The special connection of the ureters at the bladder help prevent urine from backing up into the kidneys, and the flow of urine through the urethra helps to eliminate bacteria. Men, women, and children develop UTIs.

Twenty percent of women in the United States develop a UTI and 20% of those have a recurrence. Urinary tract infections in children are more common in those under the age of 2.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes about 80% of UTIs in adults. These bacteria are normally present in the colon and may enter the urethral opening from the skin around the anus and genitals. Women may be more susceptible to UTI because their urethral opening is near the source of bacteria (e.g., anus, vagina) and their urethra is shorter, providing bacteria easier access to the bladder. Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5 to 15% of cases), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. Men and women infected with chlamydia trachomatis or mycoplasma hominis can transmit the bacteria to their partner during sexual intercourse, causing UTI.

Sexual intercourse triggers UTI in some women, for unknown reasons. Women who use a diaphragm develop infections more often, and condoms with spermicidal foam may cause the growth of E. coli in the vagina, which may enter the urethra.

Urinary catheterization (small tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine) can also cause UTI by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. The risk for developing a UTI increases when long-term catheterization is required.

IMPORTANT NOTE:****

**** In infants, bacteria from soiled diapers can enter the urethra and cause UTI. E. coli may also enter the urethral opening when young girls do not wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.**** “
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Possible treatments:

Naturopathic Treatment

The natural therapeutics outlined in this section may help patients get through an existing urinary tract infection (UTI) without antibiotics. Some doctors believe that antibiotics contribute to recurrent infections from increasingly resistant bacteria. Lifestyle precautions and supportive natural measures can help reduce recurrent urinary tract infections.

Alkalinize the Urine

Although some controversy remains concerning what pH level is most conducive to bacteria growth in the urinary tract, most evidence indicates that UTIs benefit from an alkaline pH. The easiest way to alkalinize the urine is with minerals, specifically potassium citrate and sodium citrate. All citrates encourage an alkaline shift; so patients already taking a calcium/magnesium supplement should switch to a calcium citrate/magnesium citrate preparation. Mineral supplements should not be taken before bedtime, as urine that remains in the bladder during sleep may irritate the tissue and promote an infection.

Disinfect the Urinary Tract

Some herbs have been clinically shown to have antiseptic properties. Drinking these herbs in beverage form throughout the day may be beneficial.

Drinking at least 16 ounces a day of cranberry or blueberry juice (not the sugar-sweetened variety) can have a preventative and therapeutic effect. These juices have Antibiotic properties that interfere with the ability of bacteria to adhere to the bladder or urethral tissue. Choose a juice sweetened with apple or grape juice.
Herbal Therapeutics

The following herbal remedies usually do not cause side effects when used regularly at the suggested doses. Rarely, an herb at the prescribed dose causes stomach upset or headache. This may reflect the purity of the preparation or added ingredients such as synthetic binders or fillers. For this reason, only high quality, standardized extract formulas are recommended.

If possible, consult with a natural health practitioner such as a holistic medical doctor or licensed naturopathic physician before beginning any alternative treatment plan. As with all medications, more is not better and overdosing can lead to serious illness and, in rare cases, death.

A naturopathic physician may prescribe that one of these herbal preparations be used 3 to 4 times per day during a urinary tract infection:

• Goldenseal root – This herb has a long and well-documented history as a powerful antimicrobial agent. Use as a tea made from 1 tsp of dried herb per cup of hot water; in capsule form (1000 mg); or as a tincture (1 to 2 teaspoons in warm water).

• Uva Ursi – Clinical research proves traditional use as an antiseptic with soothing and strengthening properties. Use as a tea made from 2 tsp of herb per cup of hot water; or as a tincture (1 to 2 teaspoons in warm water).

Other herbs to consider as tea:

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) has a long history of use in treatment of urinary infections.
• Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) has very soothing demulcent properties. Best used in "cold infusion." Soak herb in cold water several hours, then strain and drink.
• Buchu is a soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system.
• Corn silk (Zea Mays) is a soothing diuretic.
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an astringent and mild diuretic with tissue- healing properties.
• Usnea Lichen is very soothing and antiseptic.

Also be sure to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily.

Homeopathic Remedies

A trained homeopathic practitioner is required to diagnose and prescribe a deep acting, constitutional remedy. The following remedies may help to relieve some of the acute symptoms associated with urinary tract infections.

The standard dosage for acute symptom relief is 12c to 30c, 3 to 5 pellets, 3 or 4 times a day until symptoms resolve. If the chosen remedy is correct, symptoms should improve shortly after the first or second dose. Do not take any remedy longer than a day or two without consulting a homeopathic practitioner (naturopathic physician or medical doctor).

Warning: Most homeopathic remedies are delivered in a small pellet form that has a lactose Sugar base. Patients who are lactose intolerant should be advised that a homeopathic liquid may be a better choice.

• Cantharis – for intolerable urging with burning, "scalding" urination
• Apis mellifica – for stinging pain that is worse with heat
• Staphysagria – for a UTI that is the result of sexual intercourse
• Sarsasparilla – for pain that burns after urination has stopped

Physical Medicine

Castor oil packs can be applied for UTIs that have associated bladder cramping or pelvic discomfort. Apply castor oil directly to the skin and cover with a soft piece of flannel and heat (hot water bottle) for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The anti-inflammatory action of castor oil aids in pain relief.

Sitz baths can be helpful if there is swelling or burning of the urethral opening.

An infusion of golden seal is anti-microbial and soothing; the other herbs indicated will also be helpful.

From:

http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/uti/alternativetreatment.shtml