Urinary tract infections, or cystitis, are fairly common infections in women, occurring less frequently in men. This is primarily due to the fact that a woman’s urethra is much closer to the bladder, allowing bacteria a better opportunity to invade and cause a problem. The most common bacteria causing cystitis is E. coli, a normal inhabitant of the colon.

Symptoms of cystitis include urgency or feeling the need to urinate more often, frequency or urinating more often, discomfort or burning around the time of urination, less urine than normal, strong smelling or cloudy urine and pain or tenderness over the bladder area or lower back. Any one of these symptoms alone may indicate an infection.

Some women who experience recurring urinary tract infections are familiar with the early signs and can treat themselves at home. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours with little or no improvement, it is important to see your physician as soon as possible. Urinary tract infections can travel up to the kidneys and cause serious problems. If low back pain or fever develops, or if you are pregnant, see your physician immediately.

Prevention

Hygiene

  • Wash the perineal area with water after each bowel movement. Wipe from front to back to avoid moving bacteria from the anus to the urethral area (also the vagina).
  • Wear cotton underwear.
  • Shower instead of taking a bath. Avoid scented and/or deodorant soaps. Shower after swimming.
  • Use mild laundry detergent. Rinse underwear several times (soap may be irritating) or boil underwear in plain water.
  • Rinse the perineal area before sexual activity and urinate afterwards to flush bacteria from the urethra.
  • Avoid using soaps directly on the perineal area as they may irritate the tissue and change the pH of the area.

Diet

  • Eliminate food sensitivities in the diet. These may contribute to pH changes in the urine that encourage bacterial growth, and weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Common allergens include dairy, corn, wheat, eggs, and citrus.
  • Other dietary irritants to avoid include sweets, caffeine, and alcohol.

Lifestyle

  • Drink plenty of fluids, a minimum of 8 glasses per day.
  • Urinate often. One study showed that women with recurrent bladder infections often have enlarged bladders from retaining urine.
  • Take extra care before and during your period. Some women are more susceptible to infections shortly before the beginning of the period and blood encourages the growth of some bacteria.
  • Avoid tampons. Tampons tend to dry and irritate mucosal tissue and also contain dioxins and other chemicals. Try organic menstrual pads instead.
  • The birth control pill may contribute to cystitis by altering normal hormonal balance, and weakening the vaginal, urethral, and bladder tissue.
  • Spermicidal jellies may cause irritation and increase the likelihood of cystitis.
  • Condoms may decrease frequency of urinary tract infections as some women may react to a partner’s sperm or the pH of the sperm.

At-Home Treatment

Rest

  • Rest as much as possible. You are fighting an infection and rest will help this process.

Fluids

  • Drink plenty of water: one cup every 20 minutes for the first three hours, then one cup every hour.
  • Drink cranberry juice without sugar added. Cranberry juice acidifies the urine, reducing the ability of E. coli bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall.

Diet/Lifestyle

  • Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, sweets, and spicy foods. Other foods to avoid include citrus and tomatoes that turn the urine more alkaline.
  • Avoid tobacco intake. Nicotine is a bladder irritant.

Herbs/Supplements

  • Vitamin C can optimize the action of the immune system to fight an infection.
  • Herbs to consider using as a tea include Uva ursi (Bearberry) (but not concomitant with Cranberry), Althea (Marshmallow root), and Buchu (Barosma). Note: these herbs are not safe during pregnancy.

If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, consult your physician.