Dealing With Cystitis During Menopause

One of the most common and embarrassing problems related to menopause is a bladder difficulty. Many women find that they have the frequent need to urinate. Sometimes they even find that they are unable to make it to the bathroom in time. Urination problems can cause larger scale difficulties like bladder infections or kidney problems. They have been known to be the cause of urinary tract infections, which can lead to other problems like yeast infections.  

These problems are fairly common during menopause.

The urethra and bladder are right next to the vagina. As the vaginal walls thin during the normal course of menopause, so will the tissues of the urethra and bladder. If anything becomes irritated or injured during this time, the tissues become more susceptible to serious infections, like cystitis. More than five percent of menopausal women report cystitis. There are several signs that you may be in the process of developing this serious condition. If you make frequent trips to the bathroom, you may already be in the early stages of the condition. If you have bladder pressure which makes you feel like you need to urinate when you don't, you may also be in the early stages of cystitis. Both of these things eventually lead to painful urination, which leads to a furthering of the condition. Early detection, though, is the key to avoiding more serious problems.  

If you notice any of the early symptoms, there are a number of things that you can do to keep cystitis from developing. First, try drinking as much unsweetened cranberry juice as you can hold. This can help balance your urine pH levels and keep bacteria at bay. Second, try making an herbal tea out of products like Uva Ursi. Third, you will want to include as much vitamin C in your diet as you possibly can. It will help strengthen your immune system to fight off any building infections. Taking some echinacea extract can help to do the same thing for your body. Adding a cup of vinegar to a hot bath once a day can also help you to fight cystitis. It can help to change the pH levels of your vagina, which can keep the infection from taking hold.  

To completely prevent conditions like cystitis, there are a number of measures you can take. First, always wipe from the front to the back. This can help you avoid spreading germs to the tender vaginal area. After you finish urinating, try to squeeze out any excess urine. After you have had sexual relations, use the bathroom immediately, even if you don't feel like you need to. It will help to clear the area.

Try eating yogurt on a frequent basis.

The bacteria yogurt contains can help to keep you healthy. If you still have periods, avoid tampons as often as you can, as they serve as an incubator for bacteria. Try not to use commercial soaps on your vaginal area. They can wash away the good bacteria that help to maintain a healthy balance in the region. Under no circumstances should you use a diaphragm. You should especially avoid use of a diaphragm with a spermicide. Avoid commercial douches as they will change the environment of your vagina, which can lead to infection. Moreover, try to avoid tight clothing and the use of underwear made from synthetic materials.  

 


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