Your Changing Bladder
During and after menopause when the amount of estrogen declines, any
estrogen-sensitive tissue will begin to thin. These thinning tissues can
be found in the vagina and also in the urethra and bladder. When tissues
become thin they become more susceptible to irritation and infection.
Which is why some women complain of chronic bladder infections after menopause.
Is it a Bladder Infection?
Suspect a bladder infection if the following symptoms are present, keep in
mind that if it is painful to urinate, the infection has established itself and
you should seek the care of a primary care provider, like a
naturopathic
or
medical doctor.
- Pressure in your bladder or the need to urinate even if you don't have to
or are unable to.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom that may or may not produce any urine.
- Burning, painful feeling when urinating.
Preventing a Bladder Infection
Prevention is always the best route so here are some simple strategies for
preventing bladder infections:
- After sexual intercourse, urinate within the hour.
- Minimize moisture retention by wearing underwear with a cotton insert or
wear a cotton, washable panty liner.
- Pants that are too tight can cause heat and moisture, both ideal breeding
grounds for bacteria.
- Avoid douches, hot tubs and pools that use chlorine that can kill
beneficial bacteria.
- Avoid using perfumed products such as scented or coloured toilet paper,
deodorizers or sanitary napkins.
- Bacteria prefer an acidic environment so maintain a pH that is more
alkalinized by drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry
capsules.
- Avoid tampons or a diaphragm or any spermicidal products.
- Take probiotics!
- Vitamin C can help your body fight infection but make sure your dose is
high enough, between 1500 and 3000 mg per day.
- Uva ursi in teas, tinctures, capsules and extracts has been found to help
fight infections. When taking this product however, it is important to
ensure your urine is alkaline, so avoid animal products, citrus fruits and
tomatoes.
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