CYSTITIS /Urinary Tract Infection
From too much sex or from too little!!?
They call it the ‘honeymoon cystitis’ for obvious reasons. It also manifests itself repeatedly in
In India most of the few UTI cases are reportedly from intercourse i.e. vaginal secretions rather than anal contamination. This is interesting since the women in India have totally different hygienic methods. They eat with their right hand and clean themselves with their left hand (and a bit of water).
So what is this burning dis-ease that inflicts some 8 million men and women a year?
Cystitis occurs when the natural balance if the urethra is disturbed. Bacteria from fecal contamination or vaginal secretion enter the urethra opening and end up in the bladder. Women are more prone due to the close proximity of the anus, vagina and urethra; the urethra is also a bit on the short side.
In men bacteria can reach the bladder also through the urethra from infected prostrate glands. (And also sexually transmitted)
In most cases the infection is as a result of E-coli bacteria which has ended up on the urethra opening where it multiplies (called uretritis) then it travels to the bladder (cystitis)
And if left untreated can infect the kidney (pyelonephritis).
The symptoms:
- Urgent desire to empty bladder
- Frequent urination, even after emptying
- Urine has a strong odour, may be cloudy or a dark color
- There may be blood in the urine
- Razor blade burning feeling is experienced
- In children there may also be lower back pain
Who are more prone?
- People with kidneys stones
- Urethra obstruction and bruising
- Enlarged prostrate gland
- Can also be an estrogen deficiency which creates vaginal changes and may invite infection
- Catheters
- Diaphragms
- Condoms with spermicidal foam
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Frequent antibiotic use
Antibiotics
Certainly have their place and can be helpful but they tend to destroy the natural flora of the vagina and as well as the protective bacteria that lines the bladder. And beside antibiotics are not really necessary for this treatment.
What are the necessary steps for the treatment of cystitis?
1. the removal of the E-coli from the bladder
2. and restore the correct the ph of the urine
3. to flush out the bacteria
Urine is made of salts, fluid and waste. It is free from bacteria, virus and fungi. It has a ph value of 6.0 a slightly acid environment which prevents the attraction of unwanted bacteria. (E-coli).
Traditional cure
Cranberry juice is well known for curing cystitis. Cranberry produces hippuric acid which acidifies the urine to inhibit bacteria growth. It also prevents the E-coli from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Drinking cranberry even if it is one liter a day is not enough hippuric acid for treatment.
Rapid, effective prevention and cure
D-mannose is a natural concentrated glyco-nutrient sugar found in cranberries and blueberries, peaches and apples.
It attracts the E-coli away from the bladder lining and carries it out of the system via the then restored urine ( ph corrected ).
It has excellent and immediate results.
It is also preventative. Taking a few doses before sexual intercourse will prevent that ‘honeymoon’ discomfort.
Considerations
- Drink heaps of water to aid flushing out of the system.
- Do not hold the urine in even if it is in the middle of the night
- Avoid iron and zinc supplements
- Avoid citrus fruits which will alkalize the urine
- Use pads and not tampons
- Never use soap it changes the ph of the vagina
- Wipe from front to back
- Wash yourself after sex
Of course many women will insist that they follow the usual cleansing protocol and still they suffer from cystitis. As we know dis-ease manifests itself physically and so it may be worth while to look into the ‘pissed off’ feelings suppressed. It’s about fear of letting go and or holding onto old beliefs.
A good affirmation from L Hay….’I comfortably and easily release the old and welcome the new’ The emerging 21st century woman is perhaps in the process of looking at herself in relation to her family and her role as a woman.
