15/08/2023
Recurrent Bacterial Cystitis
Bacterial Cystitis is a simple bladder infection caused by the entry and growth of bacteria inside the bladder, which then causes inflammation of the bladder wall. Bacterial Cystitis is the most common bacterial infection affecting humans. It is more common in women than men. However, men can also be affected by cystitis, presenting itself as prostatitis. Generally, and regardless of whether it is chronic or acute, cystitis happens when the E. coli bacteria migrate from the bowel into the bladder where it multiplies and causes an infection.
Of all the women who seek medical help for this condition each year, 5% of them suffer on a recurring basis. About 1 in 5 will get a re-infection, mostly due lifestyle factors. As women get older, the risk of chronic bladder infection increases.
Symptoms of a bladder infection include:
Feeling unwell
Urgent / frequent urination which is often with pain
Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area (such as vulvodynia)
Cloudy urine (sometimes with offensive odour)
In severe cases, blood present in the urine
Treatment & Prevention
General medical treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics which is prescribed by the GP. While I believe antibiotics are the first step to take, recurrent cystitis requires a constructive treatment plan.
In my practice treatments are focused around finding the root cause of the infection which has impaired the body’s natural healing mechanism, the immune system.
Other Causes And Risk Factors
The vaginal area’s natural acidity is supposed to prevent bacteria from multiplying. However, if the immune system is weakened, germs can thrive and enter the bladder area. Apart from a weak immune system, cystitis may also occur as a reaction to certain medications, body sprays, or tampons.
The risk factors of recurrent bladder infections include kidney stones, diabetes, abnormalities in the urinary tract, and urological surgeries.
Bladder Infections In Men
Bladder infections usually occur in women, but men can get them too. The obvious signs and symptoms in men are similar to that of women.
Male patients who are experiencing any of above symptoms, I highly recommend for them to visit their GP, for further investigation.
Predisposing Factors
Apart from a weakened immune system, cystitis may also occur as a reaction to certain medications, body sprays, tampons or life styles. It may also be due to a pre-existing condition such as diabetes or kidney stones, abnormalities in the urinary tract, urogynaecology dysfunctions and urological surgeries.
Tips For Avoiding Chronic Cystitis
There are a number of ways to reduce the severity of cystitis: Re-training your bladder to hold urine for longer, lifestyle changes which reduce stress levels such as by reading a book or meditation, Yoga or Pilates, wearing loose clothing and avoiding leggings or tights, doing low-impact exercises such as walking or stretching, making changes to what you eat by cutting out processed foods, increasing your fluid intake, keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum, and finally if you are a smoker, quit immediately.
Acupuncture Treatment
My clinic is internationally renowned for providing successful treatment for Recurrent Bacterial Cystitis, Bladder Pain Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and pelvic pain. At my clinic, hundreds of patients have received a combined plan of acupuncture treatment and nutritional advice, with highly successful outcomes. Patients are also guided to healthier lifestyles which help to achieve and retain good bladder health in the long term. We provide nutritional help through our qualified nutritionist.
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