Cystitis or urinary tract infections (UTI) affect women more often than men. In fact, every year about two million women suffer from a bladder infection. While your health care provider may suggest the use of antibiotics to manage the condition… There are many safe and effective natural remedies for cystitis that can help.
What is Cystitis?
Cystitis refers to irritation or bacterial infections to the bladder or to the urethra (where urine comes out). As a result, the infection can occur in a single episode or it can be chronic (recurrent episodes).
Who is Most at Risk?
Cystitis is common in sexually active women and menopausal women.
The risk for cystitis is elevated if a woman is:
- Sexually active
- Pregnant
- Uses a diaphragm with spermicide
- Menopause – loss of estrogen
- Menstruating
- Using personal hygiene products frequently
A bladder infection is a result of not efficiently evacuating the urine. Usually, If you have a good strong stream of urine, you will not get a bladder infection.
Symptoms of Cystitis:
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of cystitis include:
- Pain, burning or stinging while urinating
- Frequent urination
- A sense of urgency to pee
- Feeling like urinating even after passing urine
- Dark and/or cloudy urine with a smell
- Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Presence of blood
In some cases, the infection is accompanied by low-grade fever and a dull, nagging ache in the lower back and sides of the ribs.
In kids, the symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- A temperature of 101 or above
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Irritability and adamancy
- Poor appetite
- Inability to pass urine due to pain
- Abdominal pain
- Dark colored urine
Natural Remedies for Cystitis and Vaginal Infections
We’ve rounded up the best natural remedies for cystitis to bring relief for cystitis and vaginal infections.
