Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder normally caused by a bacterial infection or by irritation or damage. The symptoms of cystitis include:
- frequently feeling the urge to urinate urgently, but only being able to pass small amounts;
- discomfort when passing urine (often a stringing or burning sensation);
- discolouration of urine (a dark, cloudy, sometime with traces of blood and also a stronger than normal smell; and
- pain in the lower back, abdomen or above the pubic bone.
Although cystitis is often associated with vigorous sexual activity it can affect women (and men) of all ages, including children. Pregnant woman are more likely to suffer due to the pressure on the bladder and menopausal women may suffer due to the lack of oestrogen causing the lining of the urethra and the bladder to become thinner.
If you think you have cystitis you should go to your GP who will take a urine sample to identify the bacteria that is causing the infection in order to prescribe the right antibiotic to treat it. For cases of recurrent cystitis a doctor may refer you for tests such as an ultrasound scan, X-ray or a cytoscopy (a very small camera inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder).
Recurrent cystitis and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Recurrent cystitis can be a debilitating condition; as well as the physical discomfort it can ruin a couple’s sex life. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees recurrent cystitis as being caused by an excess of “heat” Qi (energy) in the body and acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments will aim to reduce this excess heat and increase the “fluid” qi to bring the body back into balance.
In supporting patients with recurrent cystitis Naava Carman has found that herbal medicine is particularly helpful in providing symptomatic relief for the itching, burning and pain associated with cystitis. Herbal medicine is also provided to be taken in between cystitis “attacks” to support the qi of the immune system and help rebalance the body. As with any medical treatment, the response of any individual to acupuncture and herbal medicine may be different to that of others and there is no research evidence to support the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating cystitis.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complementary therapy and the Fertility Support Company does not advocate it as an alternative to Western medicine. If you are in any doubt about your health or symptoms you are experiencing you should consult your doctor. The Fertility Support Company and its practitioners do not claim to “cure” cystitis or any other ailment.
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