Cranberry, bladder tea, vitamins: What helps with cystitis?

Olivia Leimpeters-Leth

22/11/2022

Translation: machine translated

Women in particular often suffer from bladder infections. Antibiotics are often the inevitable consequence. But can you also resort to home remedies in mild cases? A urology specialist explains.

Wet bikini and cold feet: What triggers cystitis?

However, grandma's recommendations cannot be completely dismissed, says the specialist. The cold provides ideal conditions for bacteria to spread in the bladder: "The cold causes our blood vessels to constrict and the cold is conducted from the feet towards the abdomen. In addition, the cold lowers our immune system, which makes it easier for the infection to take hold."

Urinary tract infections are indeed considered a women's problem. The fact that they suffer from it more often is due to their anatomy: a woman's urethra is 14 centimetres shorter than a man's, and the urinary outlet and anus are also closer together. Bacteria from the intestinal tract therefore have an altogether shorter path to the bladder.

When having sex, bacteria get into the bladder.

In general, the following applies: The use of condoms is recommended.

The general rule is: "Drinking enough before sex and going to the toilet afterwards helps to flush out E-coli bacteria directly before they can settle in the bladder and urethra," says the expert.

What can be an additional risk factor for women is hormonal contraception. The reason: the weakened intestinal and vaginal flora, in which bacteria can spread more easily. Around 60 per cent of Dr Lazar's young female patients come to the practice because of a bladder infection caused by hormonal contraception. "Nobody looks at the contraceptive method. Women are often left there alone with their pain and turned away by doctors."

Painkillers instead of antibiotics?

Lazar, a urologist, is sceptical about this: many painkillers are broken down via the kidneys, which is why this form of treatment should be used with caution. "My experience is that painkillers are not enough to get rid of an infection. They do a good job of combating the symptoms, but I think it is unlikely that they will eliminate the germs in the long term."

Antibiotics for urinary tract infections: as often as necessary, as rarely as possible

The fact is: there is no way around an antibiotic after a certain point in the urinary tract infection. These alarm signals are: Blood in the urine, flank pain and fever. "If you don't go to the doctor, you risk kidney pelvic inflammation and, in the worst case, urosepsis with kidney failure," warns the urologist.

Bladder tea: What are the benefits of the product from the pharmacy?

The classic bladder remedy is probably bladder tea, which is available in every pharmacy. It contains many herbs that inhibit bacterial growth, the urologist explains. "We know that goldenrod works directly against the E coli germ, as does berry berry."

But because the berry leaves in particular can cause liver damage if taken long-term, bladder tea should not be taken for more than five weeks a year. "Bladder tea is a therapeutic remedy and should not be used preventively or in the long term," says the specialist. It is also very unlikely that a urinary tract infection will disappear with bladder tea alone. But: "It is certainly an additional slap in the face."

The expert therefore advises: if you drink water before sex anyway to avoid a bladder infection, you can take a little D-mannose with it. This increases the chance of successfully flushing out all bacteria afterwards.

A sugar-free diet for urinary tract infections?

Without a pre-existing condition, however, there is no need to fear this, says Dr Lazar. "If you snack here and there as a healthy person, it has no effect at all on any urinary tract infections."

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In general, however, a doctor's consultation is essential, says the expert. "There are so many factors to consider: Are there risk factors? What is the patient's previous medical history? How is contraception used? I therefore advise that even the use of herbal remedies be accompanied by a doctor."

And a pro-tip from Dr Lazar when the bladder pinches again? "Freshly squeezed, high doses of raw garlic juice. It kills E-coli bacteria quite reliably."

Olivia Leimpeters-Leth

Autorin von customize mediahouse

oliver.fischer@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm a sucker for flowery turns of phrase and allegorical language. Clever metaphors are my Kryptonite – even if, sometimes, it's better to just get to the point. Everything I write is edited by my cat, which I reckon is more «pet humanisation» than metaphor. When I'm not at my desk, I enjoy going hiking, taking part in fireside jamming sessions, dragging my exhausted body out to do some sport and hitting the occasional party. more

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