Do you often suffer from a bladder infection? With these 4 solutions you may be more resistant to this annoying ailment.
Many bladder infections are acute. The mucous membrane of the bladder is then inflamed, because bacteria have entered the bladder and have multiplied quickly. In a chronic bladder infection there are no bacteria present, but the bladder is constantly inflamed due to damage. This is not very common. Women with a bladder infection almost always suffer from a recurrent acute bladder infection. By keeping your bladder 'working', you ensure that bacteria do not have time to grow.
Do not hold your urine for too long and empty your bladder well. If the bladder is too full or urine remains in it, the mucous membrane becomes irritated and bacteria take their chance. Furthermore, drink one and a half to two liters of water a day, so that you flush your bladder, as it were.
Sometimes a bladder infection develops for another reason. Bladder stones, a bladder prolapse, diabetes and certain medicines can increase the risk of inflammation.
Among other things, the substances methenamine mandelate and cyclophosphamide in medicines can cause cystitis. Consult with your doctor if you are taking medication.
In most cases, a bladder infection is caused by bacteria that normally live in the gut. Due to certain actions, those bacteria can get between your labia and into your urethra, and thus end up in your bladder.
Try to urinate within 15 minutes of having sex. When wiping, it is important that you wipe the toilet paper or washcloth from front to back. In addition, wear clean underwear made of breathable material.
Various studies have shown that cranberries can help prevent or heal more quickly a bladder infection. These berries contain proanthocyanidin (PAC), a substance that leaves a kind of protective layer on the bladder wall, so that bacteria cannot attach to the bladder. And bacteria that had already attached themselves are soaked off.
It doesn't matter what shape you cranberries you can eat them, drink them as a juice or take capsules. Small side note:the results of the studies vary widely, because the amount of PACs per cranberry harvest is different. Some cranberries are packed with the substance, while others contain fewer PACs. It is still unclear how many PACs are needed to actually provide protection.
Bladder infections normally go away on their own. If you have a fever or a lot of pain, it is wise to visit your doctor. Usually you will get a cure of antibiotics .
Image Getty Images, Text:Mara Ruijter
