Honeymoon Cystitis

I love Monday mornings in the women’s change room at my gym.  While we apply our makeup after class, we talk about pretty important issues, like Brazilian butt lifts, visiting the gyno, and eliminating cellulite. Just name it and I can bet we’re talking about it.  This morning, we probably should have been discussing the United States presidential election, but instead we were talking about irritating urinary tract infections (UTI’s) that get in the way of sex.  If you can relate and are fed up with visiting the doctor for antibiotics, maybe it’s time to investigate another approach that will have you rushing to the bedroom instead of the bathroom.

Are you familiar with the medical condition termed ‘Honeymoon Cystitis’?  If not, let me give you a brief introduction.  Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder and is usually caused by a bacterial infection.  Women are prone to cystitis after vaginal intercourse due to their anatomy.  Simply put, their urethra is much shorter than men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.  Back in the day, women commonly presented with cystitis following their honeymoon.  Up until that point, they were likely virgins who hadn’t had sex before.  This is how the term ‘Honeymoon Cystitis’ came to be – women were left searching for symptom relief following their honeymoon, while their husbands were sexually satisfied and off to work.  Today in 2012, many women are still battling cystitis after sexual intercourse, only now they are likely having sex before their wedding day.  With cystitis being one of the most widespread medical conditions that women are faced with, let’s just say that women of the 21^st century seem to always be on some kind of “honeymoon”.

Common Symptoms of Honeymoon Cystitis

• Burning and/or pain on urination
• Urgent and/or frequent urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Cloudy, bloody, and/or discoloured urine
• Foul smelling urine
• Pain and/or discomfort above the pubic bone

 If you present with any of the symptoms mentioned, here’s what I suggest.

1. Take a probiotic:  If you are currently taking or have been on antibiotics in the past, you have likely killed off important ‘good’ bacteria and caused an imbalance of flora in your system.  Many women aren’t aware that frequent antibiotic use can be making their problem worse, but it’s true.  Since the bacteria in the urogenital tract need to be balanced in order to ward off any invaders, an imbalance creates an ideal environment for ‘bad’ bacteria to thrive in.  You may also want to consider vaginal probiotics – although a bit messy, they’re very effective.  Don’t worry; your loose-fitting organic cotton underwear will be new again once you wash it.
2.  Have gentler sex:  Tell your partner he has to be more gentle with you for the time being – this means no more rough sex.  Also ensure proper lubrication, urinate after intercourse, and be careful not to transfer bacteria from your anus to your vagina.
3. Commit to a kidney detox:  This will help flush bacteria from your urinary tract and keep your urinary system healthy.  Chug as much water as you possibly can while taking cleansing herbs and avoid beverages such as coffee, tea, and pop.  These beverages are not bladder friendly.  Also, if you’re drinking cranberry juice to help flush your system, please read the ingredient list to ensure it is a natural source with absolutely no sugar.
4. Take the right supplements to support your immune system:  Most herbs that boost the immune system should not be taken for long periods of time, so get your hands on Moducare. This product is safe to take daily and contains plant sterols and sterolins which naturally boost your body’s own immunity.  It will also help you fight colds and the flu, which is especially important this time of year.
5. Eat more nutrient-dense foods and less sugar:  Stop feeding bacteria its favourite food – sugar!  It’s wise to significantly reduce your intake of carbohydrates because sugar is immune-suppressive.  It weakens your ability to fight invaders and encourages ‘bad’ bacteria to multiply.

Ruling out sexually transmitted diseases or other conditions is important, so communicate with your medical doctor openly about your symptoms and get proper testing if your symptoms persist. Regardless of what your physician may be telling you, believe me, it isn’t healthy to be on antibiotics numerous times per year.  Keep your immune system strong with restful sleep, a positive mental attitude, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the right supplements.  Cleansing your kidneys and boosting your immunity may take a few months, so be patient with your body.  I’d say it’s time you address the cause, not just the symptoms.  Do you agree?