Cystitis & TTC...any tips?

[Plinky]

Hello everyone (warning - this is a bit of a rant),

The bane of my existance has been (and seems it always will be) ... cystitis. I used to get it about 3 times a year, really bad. Then after speaking with the doctor and my mum about it, I changed my routine: I started thoroughly washing "down there" before and after DTD (also make DH wash before too), using hand sanitiser before, drinking a full glass of water after, go to the toilet immediately after, taking cranberry tablets every day, using those toilet wipe things, oh and I've just started drinking a Ural after each time too...just in case. I went a year without getting it, then I got it in May this year, the worst EVER, OMG thought I was going to die. And now I've got it again.

Am I the only one with this problem?? I'm so bloomin' angry cos I'm doing everything I can to stop it from happening. It puts me off DTD so much...it totally kills the romance or any spontaneity when I have to say "excuse me darling, while I go and wash myself and put hand sanitiser on, and while I'm at it you better have a shower too...then we can get down to business". Its not fair...I'd love not to have to worry about it...to just be able to rollover in bed and "seize the moment" instead of everything being so planned and sterile.

I went to the doc this morning, he prescribed me antibiotics again and told me to drink cranberry juice, as the tablets don't do anything apparently. So I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else gets this and if they have any tips they can share to help me not get it again? Please...I'll do anything!!

Thanks

PS: Also any tips on pain relief? I take Ural's atm...but really, they don't do much.

[Cricket]

Oh that's so lousy! And I'm afraid I can't offer much help, either, just a , and I REALLY hope you find something that will help you.
It sounds to me like maybe some more follow-up needs to be done for this - is it possible that the UTI has never cleared up fully, and lies "dormant" for a while, and then flares up again? And, is it possible that you are not completely emptying your bladder? Is there possibly a problem with the structure of the bladder that needs to be diagnosed? I have heard that some women have an issue with a pinched nerve that doesn't allow the bladder to fully empty, and that the chiropractor may be able to adjust your back to help relieve the problem.
I hope someone comes along with some great suggestions that help solve the problem for you! All the best!

[BekZ]

I second what Cricket says. But I will add some of my ideas. What soap do you use? It could be doing more harm than good. Too many chemicals down there can irriate.

I would demand your doctor refer you to a specialist. It is no good throwing antiboitics at the problem all the time. If you don't get anywhere with a doctor I would also recommend a good naturopath.

Good luck...you must be so frustrated

[JellyBean]

Hi Beanybub.
Sounds like you need to get onto a high dose quality probiotic ASAP. I'm assuming you have taken antibiotics in the past for this issue? If so, you need to be aware that, whilst antibiotics are effective at killing the bacteria which cause cystitis, they cannot discriminate between good and bad bacteria, and thus they effectively kill both. That good bacteria is absolutely essential for not only the health of your digestive tract, but also of your urinary tract system. That is why people who take antibiotics for cystitis often suffer from repeated bouts of cystitis- the antibiotics are treating the symptom, but not the cause of the problem. In fact, in the long term, antibiotics actually make you far more susceptible to cystitis (your doctor may tell you differently- but please hear what I have to say as I have been down this road before!!)
So, here's what I recommend; go to your nearest health food store and purchase a good probiotic ('Metagenics' is the brand that natural health practitioners use). You can take it in either powder or capsule form, and you will need to take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and last thing before bed- at least initially.
There is also a really great probiotic/vitamin supplement recommended here on belly belly- its called 'In-Liven', and it contains significant enzymes, vital amino acids and a broad spectrum of essential nutrients derived from 26 organic whole foods, as well as a full spectrum of lactobacillus (friendly) bacteria. It is also BRILLIANT supplement for couples to take when trying to conceive!!
Pure cranberry juice is good, but I also recommend a dash of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of water before you eat each day (after your probiotic!!). Whilst lemon seems acidic, inside the body it has an alkalising effect. That is, it neutralises acidity.
I highly recommend you reduce your intake of foods high in acidity- such as dairy, meat refined white carbohydrates, soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, sugar etc, and increase your intake of alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables (spinach & broccoli in particular), almonds, olive oil and herbal teas. You can google acid/alkaline foods to get a better idea of what foods you can eat to decrease acidity in your body.
Please take everything you read here as unprofessional advice- as I am a professional 'in training'. If you would like more advice on how to treat cystitis naturally, you should consult someone qualified in Natural Medicine such as a registered Naturopath.
Justin Keane is a moderator here on belly belly qualified in Chinese Herbal Medicine, and he may have some natural remedies he can recommend you.
For a list of Natural Therapists near you, contact ANTA (The Australian Natural Therapists Association).
Oh- and you may wish to read my post in the Conception General Discussion area titled 'Natural Conception Advice'- I have put heaps of info in there that your doctor may not tell you!!!
Best Wishes. I hope you can kiss goodbye to this nasty problem for good!!

X

[Plinky]

Thanks sooo much for your help, ladies.

I forgot to mention that my doctor also recommended I get an ultrasound of my bladder/kidneys since I have been getting it so often. So, I'll book that ASAP.

I like to think that I drink enough water...prolly about 5 big glasses a day. But I'm sure I could drink more...

Hmm...yes, I recently changed shower gel, I wonder if that might have something to do with it. I'm very careful not to wash 'down there' with any soaps or anything, but I guess when you're in the shower you can't help if a bit of soap gets in that area by accident.

Oh you poor thing, Nelly...I couldn't imagine getting thrush AND cystitis so often...gees!

Thanks for the advice, re probiotics, JellyBean. That makes total sense...I'll definitely try some. I often wondered that about antibiotics, cos I remember ever since taking antibiotics for it I can't seem to fight the infections as well as I used to without them, which makes me need more antibiotics... Hmm...all very interesting. Do health food shops sell "In Liven" too?

[Ahurani]

Cranberry tablets?

[belle75]

Hi BB,
Just wanted to suggest a pH 5.5 cleanser such as sebamed (I think J&J also do one), and Urinary Tract Balance (I think thats what it is called ) It is a probiotic made by essential nutrients. You can get it at your pharmacy or health food store. There is also a product called cystitis relief which is mainly cranberry extract. You will need high strength cranberry such as 10000iu daily. Try using femfresh wipes each time you go to the loo as well. HTH.

[nelly]

Not sure if it will help you but during my last pg and ttc this one I had constant alternating uti and thrush. I found swapping my undies from g-strings to granny undies and avoiding pantyhose and tight jeans also helped prevent it. Also cutting down on refined sugars and carbs helped to balance my system. Are you drinking lots and lots of water too? Ural helps to balance your urinary PH and flush out the bacteria so make sure you drink a big glass of water after you have your ural to help it work.

Pain relief I found a wheat pack helped and DH rubbing the small of my back at the same time.

DTD we were similar and had to become clean freaks so made a shower as part of our foreplay, but I was told not to wash your vagina with soap as it really affects the acid mantle balance and makes it easier for bacteria to spread. Finally, sorry if this is a bit personal, if you like to play different positions etc be really cautious of too much friction and use a personal lube.