While it is true that men can also suffer from cystitis, the urethra is much shorter in women than in men, which results in women being affected by cystitis much more often. In fact, one in ten women have a bladder infection at least once a year. Of the women affected, every second woman falls ill a second time within a year.1
An uncomplicated bladder infection does not always have to be treated immediately with antibiotics, but can often heal with the support of home remedies. As antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasing problem, antibiotics should be avoided if not necessary and other remedies should be used. We’ll show you some helpful tips and home remedies for bladder infections.
Home remedies for cystitis – Characteristics of cystitis
The most common symptoms of cystitis include a strong, frequent and sudden urge to urinate. There is also a stinging sensation or a burning sensation when urinating. Severe and cramp-like pain can occur, even when the bladder is empty. The urine is often cloudy and in some cases there may also be blood in the urine.2
Complicated vs. uncomplicated cystitis
If you are at a higher risk of complications, for example due to kidney disease, a weakened immune system, illnesses such as diabetes or changes in the urinary tract, this is known as a complicated bladder infection. In this case, there may be a greater risk of the inflammation traveling to the kidneys and causing pyelonephritis. If you are suffering from complicated cystitis, you should always be seen by a doctor and treated with antibiotics and other medication if necessary.
If only the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) are affected and you do not have any risk factors for a more severe course, the inflammation is described as uncomplicated cystitis. This often does not require treatment with antibiotics, but can sometimes heal with the help of home remedies.3 If you experience the symptoms of a bladder infection, you should always consult a doctor. Only a doctor can determine whether it is a complicated or uncomplicated bladder infection.
Causes and risk factors
Bacteria that enter the bladder via the urethra are usually the cause of cystitis. These can, for example, be “carried over” from the anal region, enter the urethra during sexual intercourse, spread due to disturbed vaginal flora or vaginal inflammation or ascend the urethra due to the influence of hormones during pregnancy. Some contraceptives, such as the diaphragm, can also favor the occurrence of cystitis.4 Other factors and illnesses, such as hypothermia, a bladder catheter, diabetes mellitus or multiple sclerosis, can also increase the risk of bladder inflammation.5
Home remedies for cystitis
Medication, such as antibiotics or painkillers, are mainly used in cases of complicated or chronic cystitis. We will now tell you which measures and home remedies you can use for mild and uncomplicated cystitis.
Drink a lot
A fluid intake of at least 1.5 to 2 litres per day can both help to prevent the development of cystitis and, in the event of an existing inflammation, help to flush the bacteria out of the bladder and body as quickly as possible.6
Empty your bladder regularly
Regular emptying of the bladder also helps to flush bacteria out of the body as quickly as possible. Emptying the bladder immediately after sexual intercourse can also help to prevent inflammation and prevent inflammation from becoming chronic.7
Bladder and kidney teas
A tea made from certain herbs and/or medicinal plants can help to soothe the bladder, support the urinary tract and encourage the bacteria to be flushed out more quickly. Herbal teas with supportive herbal ingredients include bearberry leaf tea, nettle tea, birch leaf tea and juniper tea.8 Hauhechel root, orthosiphon leaves and goldenrod can also help and can be prepared as a tea. Goldenrod, for example, has an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic and diuretic effect.9
Cranberry juice
Many women swear by cranberry juice for the treatment and prevention of cystitis. The fruit contains a lot of vitamin C, which can help to stimulate urination. There is also evidence that the tannins contained in cranberries can help to protect the inner walls of the bladder and urinary tract from bacteria.10
Celery juice
Celery has both a diuretic and antibacterial effect and can be a good support for cystitis in the form of juice.11
Mannose
Mannose is a sugar that can help bind bacteria in the bladder. The bound bacteria can be excreted more quickly.12
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements can have a supportive effect as they acidify the urine and thus inhibit the growth of many bacteria.13
Avoid coffee and alcohol
As coffee and alcohol can further irritate the inflamed bladder, you should avoid them during bladder inflammation.14
If you suffer from bladder infections more frequently, it can help to apply the measures regularly to prevent the inflammation from becoming chronic.
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Sources
- https://gesund.bund.de/blasenentzuendung-harnwegsinfektion
- https://www.netdoktor.de/krankheiten/harnwegsinfektion/blasenentzuendung/
- https://gesund.bund.de/blasenentzuendung-harnwegsinfektion#verlauf
- :~:text=Various%20risk%20factors%20k%C3%B6nnen%20the%20development,far ere%20risk%20f%C3%BCr%20a%20cystitis.
- https://gesund.bund.de/blasenentzuendung-harnwegsinfektion#risikofaktoren
- https://www.kbv.de/media/sp/Patienteninformation_Blasenentzuendung.pdf
- https://www.kbv.de/media/sp/Patienteninformation_Blasenentzuendung.pdf
- https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/news/artikel/2018/01/01/cystinol-echtes-goldrutenkraut-bei-blasenentzuendungen
- https://www.netdoktor.de/krankheiten/harnwegsinfektion/blasenentzuendung-hausmittel/
- https://www.thefemalecompany.com/magazin/cranberries-bei-blasenentzuendung-das-steckt-dahinter/
- https://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.hausmittel-blasenentzuendung-selbst-behandeln.cd8bb7a8-553b-40e6-96ed-7c2087c3981a.html#:~:text=celeriac,meal%20a%20pair%20of%20celeriac%20seeds%20nibbles
- https://www.kbv.de/media/sp/Patienteninformation_Blasenentzuendung.pdf
- https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2006/daz-50-2006/uid-16972
- https://www.netdoktor.de/krankheiten/harnwegsinfektion/blasenentzuendung-hausmittel/