The cycle of chronic urinary tract infections and emergency prescriptions for antibiotics

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You notice the start of pain and urgency. It’s the start of another urinary tract infection. Yu stop everything to make it to your doctor in time for a prescription for another round of antibiotics. Antibiotics usually works quickly for urinary tract infections. Symptoms goes away and everyone is happy. A few months pass and the infection comes back.
Antibiotics are a band-aid for the underlining issue which is leading to chronic UTI. At times they may be needed. Nonetheless, waiting for the next UTI to come along so you can make an emergency run to your prescribing physician should not be the long-term treatment plan.

Antibiotics do no discriminate. With each use they kill the bad guys and the good. This can disrupt the gut flora which weakens the immune system and may cause digestive symptoms.

I do not tell my clients not to take antibiotics. However, if the antibiotics truly treated the cause of infections, you would take them, and the infection would go away for good.

Natural health for urinary tract infections

In conventional medicine UTI’s are caused by bacteria. The treatment is therefore to kill the bacteria. This is a one size fits all treatment that is given to everyone. They individualize nothing.

In holistic health we are actually much less interesting in what type of bacteria my client has, then who my client is. Bacteria grow in environments that allow them to grow. A healthy urinary tract is not plagued by reoccurring infections because it won’t allow such bacteria to flourish.

There are many companies who sell herbs or other supplements for UTIs. The problem with this, is that just like taking antibiotics, these supplements treat the bacteria, not the person who keeps on getting the infections.

Quick review of common UTI supplements

Cranberry and D-mannose

D-mannose is a type of sugar found in cranberries. It makes the wall of the urinary tract slippery so bacteria have a hard time sticking to it. If someone is getting a lot infections, it’s not bad to use for prevention.

Probiotics

These help to change the microbiota so UTI’s are less likely to happen. This does help. There are many people who may eliminate or reduce the number of UTI’s they get by using probiotics. This shows a larger issue regarding dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut flora) which effects the urinary tract. Long term other supplements or dietary changes may be needed for longer lasting effects.

Herbal Medicine

Typically herbal formulas for UTIs contain some anti-microbial herbs, along with herbs that flush out the urinary system. These formulas are not bad, but they are often used to kill the infection. If you go out to the health food store for a urinary tract infection supplement, you will get something that is good for most people. However, there no way that such blends can be customized for each individual.

Go to the herbal medicine page more information on a holistic intake with an herbalist

Why see a naturopathic doctor for chronic urinary tract infections?

Naturopathy is based upon holistic health. This means, if someone comes to me for help with urinary tract infection, it’s not good enough to tell them what supplement may help. Anyone can get that with a quick internet search.

The first advantage you have by seeing a naturopathic doctor is that recommendations will be made based upon not just works for a UTI, but a selection of herbs, or other supplements specific for you.

Since chronic symptoms are a reflection of the whole body’s health, a naturopathic doctor will look at more that just urinary symptoms. Some considerations to look at with regards to causing urinary symptoms are diet, overall gut health, immune system and hormones (low estrogen can lead to dryness and make it more likely to get a UTI. Food allergy testing may also be helpful, along with reviewing the diet for anything which may irritate the bladder and urinary tract.