Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - Why does this keep happening?
Urinary tract infections are very uncomfortable and frequently present with lower abdominal pain, an urgency to urinate and pain on urination. Severe UTIs can present with blood in the urine pain and discomfort which can escalate with fever and body ache and may require antibiotic treatment with a view to decrease the risk of a complicated bacterial infection travelling to the kidneys and causing damage.
Infections are primarily caused by a bacteria called E. coli, which travels from the lower bowel to the bladder via the urethra. The urethra is shorter in women, which places them at increased risk.
Normally there are plentiful concentration of lactobacilli in the vagina which create a pH that is acidic, and this prevents colonisation of UTI-promoting bacteria. However, this changes in women undergoing low estrogen states i.e., luteal phase of menstrual cycle, PMS and menstruation or menopause; it is also lost in women who use antibiotics/develop resistance.
In menopause, estrogen decline causes thinning of vaginal tissue and susceptibility to infections. Other at-risk populations include diabetics, pregnant women, having a catheter and having spinal cord injuries. UTIs are common after intercourse as it can promote bacterial translocation to the bladder. Voiding the bladder (urinate) after sexual intercourse to clear bacteria is important in prevention.
Naturopathic treatment includes unique and evidence-based herbal, nutritional and probiotic therapy designed to support vaginal immunity, ward off adhesion by pathogens to the urethra and beneficially modify the vaginal ecosystem whilst avoiding disrupters such as some lubricants/spermicides, consumption of of antibiotic and hormone fed poultry and meat, etc. Fostering a healthy concentration of lactobacilli in the vagina is a strong defence, as it creates an acidic environment that is inhibitory to pathogens such as E. coli. In addition, the urinary pH may also be altered to reduce the viability of bacterial growth in the bladder.
Practitioner lifestyle hacks may include:
guided sexual hygiene practices and health in both partners
eliminating refined sugars in the diet
improving hydration status with a key selection of juices and teas aimed to soothe the urinary tract and increase urine volume - tying in with advice around reducing bladder irritants which can include caffeine an alcohol.
To learn more, book in with Nadia Shaw today!