Cystitis & Thrush

Cystitis is a bladder infection that makes you feel as if you want to urinate frequently.  Each time you do, however, you feel an excruciating burning sensation.  You may also get mild fever symptoms such as headaches, a pain in the abdomen, and a high temperature.

Cystitis is caused by bacteria, but over-enthusiastic love-making can also cause the urethra to become inflamed, which results in these acutely uncomfortable symptoms. Most women experience cystitis at one time or another, but for some it is a constantly recurring complaint that can have a devastating impact on their lives and relationships.

Thrush is a yeast infection (Candida albicans) caused by imbalance of the organisms in the vagina or gut.  The symptoms are a thick, yellowy, “cottage cheese” discharge and soreness or itching of the genitals.  The vulva can become painfully swollen and red.  But many women have thrush without suffering any symptoms at all, though their partner may be affected.  You may develop thrush when you are rundown after an illness, particularly if you have taken antibiotics which kill off the natural bacteria in the gut, allowing the candida to take over.  The hormonal changes of the menopause and pregnancy may also trigger vaginal thrush.

THE ORTHODOX APPROACH

Cystitis

Your physician will take a urine sample to check for infection, which can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.  But patients who suffer constantly recurring symptoms without an infection may be advised to seek alternative treatment.

Thrush

Thrush is conventionally treated with vaginal creams and pessaries, and more recently with tablets.  Canesten is available as a cream and a pessary its active ingredient is clotrimazole.

THE HALE APPROACH

Mile urinary tract infections such as frequency of passing urine, stinging or irritation such as burning can be self-treated or treated through a complementary practitioner.  Any persistence of the discomfort, severe pain or any suggestion of kidney involvement should be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately.  Kidney infections can move very rapidly to destroy the delicate tissues and antibiotics are sometimes required. Complementary therapies can be used in conjunction to protect against the side-effects of antibiotics. Persistent urinary tract infections need to be assessed by a urologist.

The use of drugs by the orthodox world has led to resistant strains of the generally unobtrusive yeasts that cause thrush.  Complementary therapies promoting the body’s immune system rather than directly attacking the yeast are definitely preferable and only the severest of thrush, unresponsive to complementary treatment, should be brought to the attention of a physician.

For very quick relief, the naturopathic, homeopathic, or acupuncture approach can act rapidly to alleviate the symptoms.  In the medium term homeopathy, acupuncture, nutritional advice, and/or colonic hydrotherapy should be used to create an environment in which cystitis and thrush are unlikely to recur.

Please note the Tips given later in this section.

NATUROPATHY

One of the most successful herbal treatments for vaginal thrush is tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and old Aborigine remedy.  This has always been known as powerful natural antibiotic.  According to one naturopath, during World War II the Australian government exempted leaf cutters from national service so that they could carry on producing tea tree, which was issued to the army as a general disinfectant.  Taken in water (under the guidance of your practitioner) and supplemented with the weekly use of tampons soaked in the solution, tea tree has a strong antifungal and antibacterial action.  It is available as a lotion, soap, toothpaste, and in many other forms for external use as antiseptic.

Golden seal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is also used in homeopathic and naturopathic treatments for thrush.  Old Romany treatments are particularly successful in treating cystitis.  Add a heaped teaspoon of wild cranberry leaves to two cups of water, boil it down to one cup, then drink it.  More about naturopathy...

COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY

“Vaginal thrush may be a symptom of candida overgrowth in the bowel”, according one therapist, who recommends colonic irrigation to help cleanout the colon where the candida organism can live.  “We don’t force the body in any way”, she says.  “It is very gentle therapy that encourages the bowel to contract and flush out the waste matter accumulated there”.  An implant of acidophilus at the end of each treatment supplements the normal digestive bacteria in the bowel. 

Recurrent cystitis may also be linked to an overgrowth of candida and can be helped by colonic hydrotherapy.  More about colonic...

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathic remedies are very effective for the treatment of both the immediate acute symptoms of cystitis and the underlying problems that cause recurring attacks.  It is important to treat the fundamental cause of the problem; reliance on antibiotics can create a vicious circle when the object is to reduce and prevent further repeated attacks.  Antibiotics used regularly to control outbreaks of cystitis, for instance, can result in an overgrowth of candida in the system, since the antibiotic kills the “good” bacteria in the gut as well as the infection.

Acute attacks can be treated with Staphysagria, Cantharis or Causticum.

Homeopathic treatment starts with a general assessment of the individual’s health and includes advice on what food and drink to avoid.  The homeopath will try and find out why you are suffering recurring attacks – whether the problem is anatomical (a short urethra), hormonal or psychological, and will prescribe an appropriate constitutional remedy to build up your body’s resistance in the future. More about homeopathy...

ACUPUNCTURE

In Chinese medicine both cystitis and thrush are commonly diagnosed as a damp heat syndrome.  All the lower abdominal organs are prone to damp heat – the heat is the painful, burning urine that is a feature of cystitis and in the inflammation of the genital area that often accompanies thrush.  Acupuncture treatment concentrates on the urine and spleen channels and herbal medicine may also be given.  Acute symptoms of cystitis and thrush may subside after one treatment, although more will probably be needed, particularly if the condition has been recurring over a long period. More about acupuncture...

NUTRITION

According to nutritionists, diet plays an important part in eradicating the root cause of thrush and recurrent cystitis that is linked to candida overgrowth in the bowel.  “If Candida albicans has become established it can grow roots (mycelia) that penetrate the intestinal wall and cause a condition known as “leaky gut”.  Partly digested food can then pass through the gut wall and produce an allergic reaction”. She advises cutting out sugar, which feeds the candida, although you can carry on eating fruit, provided there is no adverse reaction.

Treatment is dependent on the type of candida present, where in the body it is located and the severity of the case.  A combination of acidophilus, bifidus, laprylic acid, and plant oil complexes is used.  This process may take from three to six months, depending on the case.  More about nutrition...

SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTS

Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage strengthens the genitor-urinary system and helps calm inflammation.

TIPS

Do not take long baths or use soap around the genitals.

Cystitis

Drinking cranberry juice, barley water, or a solution of baking soda helps relieve symptoms, as does drinking plenty of water.  Alcohol and caffeine are aggravants. Citricidal, a grapefruit see extract, is an effective natural antibiotic to help cope with an attack.

Thrush

The application of plain live yogurt soothes inflamed genitals.  Always wear cotton underwear and pants made of natural fibres.  Avoid nylons and very close-fitting pants.