Urinary Tract Infections - Homeopathic Treatment of UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year. It is a common infection that usually occurs when bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), bladder, and the tube that carries urine from the bladder (urethra). Men, women, and children all can be prone to develop UTIs, but the condition is more common in women and young girls than in men and young boys. Children under the age of 2 are also more prone to develop UTI’s.

 Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

  • Pain or burning when urinating, since the bacteria and infected urine in the urethra cause the inflammation but are flushed out when "fresh" urine flows through the urethra on its way out of the bladder

  • The need to urinate more often than usual

  • A feeling of urgency when you urinate

  • Hematuria – that is blood in the urine

  • Chills or fever – this may be the only symptom in infants and children

  • Unusual smelling urine

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

  • Back pain

 Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

  • An escherichia coli bacterium causes about 80% of UTIs in adults. These bacteria are normally present in the colon and may enter the urethral opening from the skin around the anus and genitals. Women may be more prone to UTI because their urethral opening is near the source of bacteria (e.g., anus, vagina) and their urethra is shorter, providing bacteria easier access to the bladder.

  • Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. Men and women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis or Mycoplasma hominis can transmit the bacteria to their partner during sexual intercourse, causing UTI.

  • Irritation or injury to the vagina or urethra caused by sexual intercourse, douching, using a diaphragm, tampons or feminine deodorants.

  • Hormonal changes and repositioning of the urinary tract during pregnancy.

  • Thinning of the vagina and urethra after menopause. 

  • Urinary catheterization (i.e., insertion of a small tube into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine) can also cause UTI by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract especially when long-term catheterization is required.

  • In infants, bacteria from soiled diapers can enter the urethra and cause UTI. Bacteria may also penetrate the urethral opening when young girls do not wipe carefully from front to back after a bowel movement.

  • Bladder outlet obstructions like kidney stones, benign masses or tumors, Prolapse of the uterus or vagina or prostate enlargement.

  • Conditions that cause incomplete bladder emptying like in cases of spinal cord injury.

  • Defect of the urinary tract from birth like vasicoureteral reflux.

  • Suppressed immune system in conditions like Diabetes, AIDS, and chronic kidney diseases.

  • Being uncircumcised.

 Homeopathic Approach to UTIs

Homeopathic remedies are very helpful in treating bladder infections, in relieving discomfort and encouraging quick recovery. These remedies may help patients get through an existing or recurrent urinary tract infection without the use of antibiotics. Since urinary tract infection is a result of immune system weakness, which does not defend against foreign bacteria that enters the urinary tract and causes an infection to develop in the urinary tract, bladder & kidney. A homeopathic medicine will enhance resistance to infection by stimulating your immune system so that the illness can be resolved as rapidly and with as little discomfort as possible. Homeopathic medicines work on an entirely different principle; it doesn’t interfere with the natural immune response but works alongside it by enhancing one’s ability to fight an infection. Based on the classical approach of homeopathy a homeopathic practitioner looks at the person holistically, that is mind, body and emotion together and not just at the symptoms of the illness.

 Self Care Measures

Along with homeopathic treatment there are some measures that can be taken to keep the urinary tract healthy and prevent recurrent infection:

  • Drink plenty of fluids to flush bacteria out of your urinary system.

  • Do not hold urine once the urge to urinate has occurred.

  • After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to keep bowel bacteria at a distance.

  • Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so that air can keep the area dry. Avoid tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear, which trap moisture and can help bacteria grow.

  • Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches.

  • Rinse soap off well in the shower.

  • Urinate after sexual intercourse.

  • Adequate vitamin C or ascorbic acid in your diet makes your urine acidic, which discourages the growth of bacteria. Drinking cranberry juice may also produce the same effect.

Where Can I Learn More?

Contact the AMCH Clinic or Neepa Sevak if you are interested in scheduling an appointment. 

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About the author:

Neepa Sevak (DHMS, DHom, DIHom, DHM, CCH, RSHom (NA), HMA) is registered with the Arizona Homeopathic Board of Medical Examiners, and certified by the Council of Homeopathic certification. She is currently practicing Classical Homeopathy and is on the Board of International Affairs at the American Medical College of Homeopathy. Her mission is to “Promote Health through Homeopathy with a Holistic, Totalistic, and Individualistic approach”.

Phone: (480) 363 0758

Email: homeopathiccure@cox.net

Website: www.homeopathic-cure.com