Urinary tract infection in women Information | Mount Sinai

UTI

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of UTIs include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• The need to urinate more often than usual
• A feeling of urgency during urination
• Blood or pus in the urine
• Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
• Chills or fever (fever may be the only symptom in infants and children)
• Strong smelling urine
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Nausea, vomiting, and malaise

What Causes It?

Risk factors include:

• A new sex partner or multiple partners
• More frequent or intense intercourse
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Escherichia coli (E coli)
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• Use of irritating products, such as harsh skin cleansers
• Use of irritating contraceptives, such as diaphragms and spermicides
• Use of birth control pills
• Heavy use of antibiotics
• A blockage in the urinary tract (benign masses or tumors)
• A history of UTIs, especially if infections are less than 6 months apart
• Incontinence

What to Expect at Your Provider’s Office

Your health care provider will feel your abdomen and kidneys for changes and use laboratory tests, such as a urine culture, to find out if you have a UTI. If the usual treatments do not work, your provider will explore the possibility that you have some other condition. Other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), can cause symptoms that mimic a UTI.

Treatment Options

Drug Therapies

Doctors may presecribe antibiotics or other drugs to treat UTIs. The course for most antibiotics is 7 to 10 days, though shorter courses of treatment are also available.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Some complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies may be helpful for UTIs, but they may not be right for every person. Natural medicines and supplements may interact with prescription medications. Work with a knowledgeable health care provider, and always tell all of your providers about the herbs and supplements you are taking.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

• Drink a lot of fluids, such as herbal teas and water. Avoid sweetened fruit juices and other sweetened drinks.
• Cranberries and blueberries contain substances that inhibit the binding of bacteria to bladder tissue. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice regularly helps lower the risk of UTIs. People who are allergic to aspirin should not consume large quantities of cranberry juice. Cranberry juice may interact with certain medications.
• Try to eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your provider may want to test for food sensitivities. If you are susceptible to UTIs, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills may help prevent recurrence.
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
• Eat more high-fiber foods, including beans, oats, root vegetables (such as potatoes and yams), and psyllium seed.
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and especially sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (if no allergy to soy is present), or beans for protein.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
• Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

• A multivitamin daily. Containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
• Vitamin C. As an antioxidant and for immune support.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil. To help reduce inflammation and promote general health. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources. Fish oil supplements can increase the effects of certain blood-thinning medications.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus). For maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. There is strong scientific evidence to support the use of probiotics for urological conditions. Refrigerate probiotic supplements for best results. People with severely weakened immune systems should speak wiht their doctors before taking probiotics.
• Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi). For antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. Grapefruit may interact with a wide variety of medications. Speak with your doctor.

Natural hormone replacement therapy may help prevent UTIs. Ask your provider about this treatment.

Herbs

Herbs may help strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your provider before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. (5 grams) herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted. Many herbs interact with medications, and may make certain conditions worse, so tell your doctor about any herbal therapies you are using or considering using. The following herbs may be useful for short term treatment of a urinary tract infection.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis). For antioxidant, anticancer and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
• Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa). For anticancer, immune and antibacterial or antifungal activity. Cat’s claw can interact with many different medications. Speak to your provider. DO NOT take cat’s claw if you have leukemia or autoimmune disease.
• Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). For anticancer and immune effects. High doses of reishi may have a blood-thinning effect. Speak to your doctor if you are on blood-thinning medications or medications for high blood pressure.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). For detoxification support. People who have a history of hormone-related cancer should use caution before taking milk thistle as it may have estrogen-like properties. Milk thistle may interact with a wide variety of medications. Speak with your doctor.
• Uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) standardized extract. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Uva-ursi may interact with lithium. There is a possibility that a compound in uva-ursi can have a thinning effect on the retina. DO NOT use daily as long-term therapy.
• Buchu (Barosma betulina). For antibacterial effects. Buchu can interact with lithium and with blood thinning medications. Some health experts advise against using buchu when there is inflammation of the urinary tract or kidney infection. Others disagree. Speak with your doctor.

Homeopathy

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for UTI based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person’s constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

• Apis mellifica. For stinging or burning pains that tend to worsen at night and from warmth. This remedy is appropriate for people who feel an intense urge to urinate, yet can only do so in drops.
• Aconitum. For early symptoms of UTI, particularly with extremely painful urination that is often described as a hot sensation.
• Berberis. For UTIs with burning or shooting pain during urination that may radiate to the pelvis or back. When not urinating, an aching sensation is present in the bladder that worsens with movement. Pain may also extend to legs and abdomen.
• Cantharis. This is the most common and considered the most effective homeopathic remedy for UTI. This remedy is most appropriate for people who are restless, experience a burning sensation and decreased urine flow (despite a strong desire to urinate), and have increased sexual desire despite symptoms.
• Mercurius. For burning urination and a strong urge to urinate. Symptoms worsen at night and tend to be accompanied by chills and sweating. Urine is dark and only small amounts pass. Burning sensation is often worse when the individual is not urinating.
• Nux vomica. For people who have a constant urge to urinate. Pain is described as needle like. The urge to have a bowel movement may accompany urinary urgency. Some people experience mild, temporary relief from urination and warm baths. Symptoms may begin following ingestion of alcohol, coffee, drugs, or overeating.
• Pulsatilla. For bladder inflammation that begins after an individual develops a sudden chill in hot weather. This remedy is most appropriate for people with an urgent desire to urinate who may be emotional, crave attention, and dribble urine after laughing, coughing, sneezing, or being surprised.
• Sarsaparilla. For women who experience severe pain at the end of urination and who, occasionally, feel compelled to stand to urinate.
• Staphysagria. For UTIs usually associated with sexual intercourse or following extreme embarrassment or humiliation, particularly from sexual abuse. This remedy is most appropriate for those who have an urgent desire to urinate and have the sensation that a single drop of urine is still present even following urination.

Following Up

Preventive measures you can follow:

• Urinate both before and after intercourse.
• Have your health care provider recheck the fit of your diaphragm if you use one.
• Avoid sex while you are being treated for a UTI.

Special Considerations

If you are pregnant, you are at higher risk of developing a UTI.

Supporting Research

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Arya LA, Northington GM, Asfaw T, Harvie H, Malykhina A. Evidence of bladder oversensitivity in the absence of an infection in premenopausal women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. BJU Int. 2012;110(2):247-251.

Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea — a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(2):79-99.

Chan WK, Lam DT, Law HK, et al. Ganoderma lucidum mycelium and spore extracts as natural adjuvants for immunotherapy. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11(6):1047-1057.

Chen SL, Wu M, Henderson JP, et al. Genomic diversity and fitness of E. coli strains recovered from the intestinal and urinary tracts of women with recurrent urinary tract infections. Sci Transl Med. 2013;5(184):184ra60.

Doron S, Gorbach SL. Probiotics: their role in the treatment and prevention of disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2006;4(2):261-275.

Dryden GW Jr, Deaciuc I, Arteel G, McClain CJ. Clinical implications of oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2005;7(4):308-316.

Epp A, Larochelle A, Lovatsis D, Walter JE, Easton W, Farrell SA. Recurrent urinary tract infection. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2010;32(11):1082-1101.

Gagyor I, Bleidorn J, Kochen MM, Schmiemann G, Wegscheider K, Hummers-Pradier E. Ibuprofen versus fosfomycin for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2015;351:h6544.

Griffin C. Probiotics in obstetrics and gynaecology. Aust N Z J Obstet and gynaecol. 2015;55(3):201-209.

Grover ML, Bracamonte JD, Kanodia AK, et al. Assessing adherence to evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated urinary tract infection. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82(2):181-185.

Guay DR. Cranberry and urinary tract infections. Drugs. 2009;69(7):775-807.

Heitzman ME, Neto CC, Winiarz E, Vaisberg AJ, Hammond GB. Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Uncaria (Rubiaceae). Phytochemistry. 2005;66(1):5-29.

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Marschall J, Carpenter CR, Fowler S, Trautner BW. Antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary tract infections after removal of urinary catheter: meta-analyis. BMJ. 2013;346:f3147.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014.

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Urinary Tract Infection (Homeopathy) – Health Information Library

Primary Remedies

Cantharis

Strong urging to urinate—with cutting pains that are felt before the urine passes, as well as during and after—may indicate a need for this remedy. Only several drops pass at a time, with a scalding sensation. The person may feel as if the bladder has not been emptied, still feeling a constant urge to urinate.

Nux vomica

Irritable bladder with a constant need to urinate, passing only small amounts, suggests a need for this remedy. Burning or cramping pain may be felt in the bladder area, with an itching sensation in the urethra while the urine passes. The person may feel very irritable, impatient, and chilly. Symptoms may be relieved by hot baths or other forms of warmth.

Sarsaparilla

This remedy is often useful in cystitis and often helps when symptoms are unclear, or if other remedies have not been effective. Frequent urging is felt, with burning pain at the end of urination. Urine passes when the person is standing up, but only dribbling occurs while sitting. Flakes or sediment are sometimes seen in the urine. (Sarsaparilla is sometimes helpful when stones are forming or the kidneys are involved; however, these conditions need a doctor’s care. )

Other Remedies

Aconitum apellus

This remedy is often useful when a person feels anxious both before and during urination, with hot, scanty urine, and a burning or spasmodic feeling in the outlet of the bladder. It can also be helpful if retention of urine occurs after a person has been very cold and chilled, or after a shaking experience.

Apis mellifica

This remedy is indicated when the person frequently needs to urinate, but only small quantities are passed. Stinging and burning sensations are felt (especially with the last few drops) and the person may also experience soreness in the abdomen. Heat and touch make the symptoms worse, and cold applications, cool bathing, and open air bring relief. A lack of thirst is another indication that Apis may be needed.

Belladonna

This remedy may be beneficial if urging to urinate is frequent and intense, and the bladder feels very sensitive. A cramping or writhing sensation may be felt in the bladder area. Small amounts of highly-colored urine pass. (This remedy is sometimes helpful if a person passes small amounts of blood and no serious cause can be found on medical examination.)

Berberis vulgaris

Cystitis with twinges of cutting pain, or a burning feeling that extends to the urethra and its opening, may indicate a need for this remedy. The passage may also burn at times when no attempt at urination is being made. After emptying the bladder, the person feels as if some urine still remains inside. Urging and discomfort are often worse from walking.

Borax

This remedy can be helpful for cystitis with smarting pain in the urinary opening and aching in the bladder, with a feeling that the urine is retained. Children may cry or shriek, afraid to urinate because they know the pain is coming. Borax is often indicated for people who are sensitive to noise and inclined toward motion sickness.

Chimaphila umbellata

If a person has a troublesome urge to urinate but has to strain (or even stand up and lean forward) to make it pass, this remedy may be useful. A scalding sensation may be felt while the urine flows, with a feeling of straining afterward.

Clematis

This remedy may be indicated if a person has to urinate frequently with only a small amount being passed. A feeling of constriction is felt in the urinary passage, and the flow may be interrupted, or there may be dribbling afterward. A tingling sensation may occur, lasting long after urination is finished.

Equisetum

If cystitis is accompanied by dull but distressing pain and a feeling of fullness in the bladder, even after urinating, this remedy may be helpful. Urging and discomfort are more intense when the bladder has recently been emptied, improving over time as the bladder become more full.

Lycopodium

This remedy may be helpful if a person has to urinate frequently during the night and passes large amounts of urine. Or the person may feel a painful urge, but has to strain to make the urine flow. Pain may be felt in the back before the urine passes. (If fever is present, the urine has a reddish color, or discomfort is felt in the kidney region, the person should see a doctor.)

Sepia

This remedy may be helpful if a person has to urinate frequently, with sudden urging, a sense that urine will leak if urination is delayed, and small amounts of involuntary urine loss. The person may experience a bearing-down feeling in the bladder region, or pressure above the pubic bone. A person who needs this remedy often feels worn-out and irritable, with cold extremities, and a lax or sagging feeling in the pelvic area.

Staphysagria

This remedy is often indicated for cystitis that develops in a woman after sexual intercourse, especially if sexual activity is new to her, or if cystitis occurs after every occasion of having sex. Pressure may be felt in the bladder after urinating, as if it is still not empty. A sensation that a drop of urine is rolling through the urethra, or a constant burning feeling, are other indications. Staphysagria is also useful for cystitis that develops after illnesses with extended bed rest, or after the use of catheters.

Solidago compositum C injection 2 ml No. 100

Intramuscularly, 1 ampoule 1-3 times a week. The frequency and duration of the drug is determined by the attending physician. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.

Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, reparative, diuretic, antispasmodic, antiseptic drug. The action of the drug is based on the activation of the body’s defenses and the normalization of impaired functions due to substances of plant, mineral and animal origin, which are part of the drug.

Indications for individual components:

Solidago virgaurea – Kidney weakness (diuretic effect).

Berberis vulgaris – Dry skin eruptions, diseases of the liver and gallbladder; diseases of the kidneys and bladder, for example, nephritis, nephrolithiasis, cystitis.

Vesica urinaria suis – Cystitis, bladder tenesmus, prostate adenoma.

Pyelon suis – Hydronephrosis, chronic pyelitis, nephrolithiasis.

Ureter suis – Disorders of the excretory functions of the kidneys, nephrolithiasis, hydronephrosis, nephrosis.

Urethra suis – Chronic irritation of the urethra and urinary organs, narrowing of the urethra.

Terebinthina laricina – (focal) Nephritis, cystopyelitis, nephrolithiasis, hematuria.

Mercurius sublimatus corrosivus – Acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the kidneys and urinary tract.

Arsenicum album – Inflammation of varying severity in various organs and tissues; benign and malignant tumors.

Cuprum sulfuricum – Spasms of smooth and striated muscles, convulsions at night.

Bucco – Diseases of the urinary organs.

Hepar sulfuris – Inflammation and suppuration of mucous membranes; increased nervous sensitivity; prostate adenoma in combination with urination disorders.

Capsicum annuum – Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder and ureters.

Orthosiphon aristatus – Kidney and bladder stones, uric acid diathesis.

Equisetum hyemale – Diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

Pareira brava – Bladder disorders, inflammation of the urethra, prostate enlargement.

Cantharis – Acute inflammation of the mucous membranes and urinary organs.

Apisinum – Inflammation and diseases accompanied by accumulation of fluid in tissues and organs; allergies.

Baptisia tinctoria – Severe febrile infections; general blood poisoning; clouding of consciousness.

Natrium pyruvicum – Influencing factor in the citric acid cycle and redox systems.

Pyrogenium-Nosode – Severe febrile infectious diseases; susceptibility to septic conditions.

Sarsaparilla – Urinary irritations.

Bacterium coli – Nosode – Urinary tract infections, eg pyelitis, cystitis, urinary tanesmus (aggravated by damp weather).

Coxsackie-Virus A9-Nosode – Diseases of the urinary tract, eg cystopyelitis, inflammation of the bladder, urethritis, prostatitis), diseases of the epididymis.

Argentum nitricum – Psychosomatic diseases of the digestive tract; migraine; chronic catarrhs ​​of the mucous membranes, incontinence, nephritis.

Cystosan granules 20 g

Directions for use

In acute and subacute conditions, take 3-5 granules up to 6 times a day until symptoms change; further – 1 – 3 granules 2-3 times a day with breaks for 1-2 days a week.

Course application – 1-2 granules 1-2 times a day for a long time, with breaks for 1-2 days a week and 5-7 days after each month of admission.

It is well supplemented with Edemin for edema, Prostatin and Mammosan for chronic diseases of the urogenital area.

HOMEOPHYTOTHERAPY tinctures can serve as an addition to the drug: Birch, Cowberry, Budra, Heather, Gryzhnik, Spruce, St.

Description

CISTOSAN – complex homeopathic preparation

Therapeutic action: neuroregulatory, anti-inflammatory, neurovegetative.

Indications for the use of the components of the complex:

1. BELLADONNA – Belladonna C9 (Belladonna – Belladonna in breeding 10 – 18).

– Anti-inflammatory, anti-spastic, anti-allergic agent that regulates vasomotor disorders. It also regulates vegetative and volitional functions, incl. urination and urination.

– Promotes the regulation of cerebral vascular tone, relieves pain, spasms and inflammation.

– Action on the nervous system (including sensory endings of the facial nerve), lymphatic system, mucous membranes, synovial membranes, muscles, blood vessels, skin, tissue.

– Angina (relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, improves blood flow, relieves pain and spasms), bronchitis, pneumonia, boils, carbuncles, erysipelas, rheumatism, cystitis, nephritis, convulsions in children, chorea, epilepsy.

– Acute, sudden, violent course of the disease, worse from the slightest external irritation; headaches – throbbing, with flushes.