Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)

women’s health acupunctureChinese medicine
Written By Tess Kelly

What is a UTI, and who gets them?

Half of us with vulvas and a fifth of us with penis’s experience, or shall I say - suffer, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in their lifetime 1. Frequently considered infections of the bladder UTIs are infections of any part of the urinary system, including the urethra and  Kidneys.

Symptoms according to the area of UTI

Urethra (Urethritis)

  • burning sensation when urinating

  • discharge

Bladder (cystitis)

  • frequent and urgent urination with a reduced amount of urine

  • blood in the urine

  • pelvic pressure

  • lower abdominal discomfort

  • strong-smelling urine

  • or cloudy urine

Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis)

  • back pain or side (flank) pain

  • high fever

  • shaking and chills 

  • nausea

  • vomiting 2

Causes 

UTI typically occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defences sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.

  • Infection of the bladder (cystitis)

    Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), causes most UTIs. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible.
    Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop it. Vulvas owners are at a higher risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.

  • Infection of the urethra (urethritis)

    This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because the urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis 3.

Mainstream treatment of UTIs

The treatment for UTIs is a course of antibiotics. It is important to note that frequent use of antibiotics (to treat a UTI) has increased antibiotic-resistant organisms and bacteria, which are now gaining the upper hand. Antibiotics may be necessary and are very important if symptoms progress to the Kidneys. Still, it's great to have other tools for acute cases. 

The Chinese Medicine Viewpoint

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, UTIs is considered Lin zheng- painful urination and is most commonly due to an external damp-heat pathogen that invades the lower jiao or Bladder channel and local collaterals (Maclean et al., 2018). Damp-heat is a complex idea to convey in English but visualise turbid fluids and inflammation blocked in the urethra.

In Chinese Medicine damp-heat can also be generated internally through overconsumption of rich, greasy or spicy foods and alcohol that exacerbate or leave the body more susceptible to infection (Maclean et al., 2018). 

Emotional shock, trauma, prolonged relationship misery, sexual tension, persistent anxiety and worry or intense anger, repressed emotion, frustration or resentment can also lead to UTIs (Maclean et al., 2018).

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine has formulas that may improve or reduce the severity of symptoms and can assist in reducing anxiety and heightened emotions that can trigger chronic or recurrent UTIs. It sounds strange, but in the beautiful world of TCM, this makes sense. 

Research shows that Chinese Herbal Medicine has a higher effectiveness rate for acute UTI and reduced recurrent UTI rates than antibiotics and has fewer side effects 4. 

Could it be something else?

There can be many other reasons for constantly feeling like you have to pee, including; diabetes, interstitial cystitis (IC), pregnancy, prostate issue, ovarian cysts, and other conditions. Make sure you check with your primary health practitioner if you're concerned or if symptoms persist.


Tips

  • DO call your GP if symptoms persist or worsen. Do not ignore these symptoms, as infection can progress to the Kidneys

  • DO wear cotton undies or go commando

  • DO drink plenty of water to flush out the urinary system and make it more difficult for bacteria to multiply

  • DO get a good probiotic, or eat probiotic rich foods - sauerkraut, kimchi, keffer etc.

  • DO consume diuretics such as cranberry (pure, not the surgery drink), asparagus, watermelon, corn silk and adzuki bean soup

  • DO empty your bladder after intercourse and practise good sex hygiene

  • DO clean toys, fingers etc. during intercourse as this can be where bacteria is transferred into the vagina or onto the penis

  • DO wipe from front to back to avoid spreading germs from the anus to the urethra.

  • AVOID coffee, alcohol and stimulants during the acute phase 

  • AVOID spicy, greasy foods. They can irritate the lining of the urinary tract, increasing discomfort and pain.

  • AVOID eating excessive amounts of cold-natured or raw foods, at odd hours, late at night, while rushing, or in times of stress as this weakens the digestive system.

  • AVOID sex during an active case if possible

  • AVOID synthetic undies

  • AVOID the use of deodorants, lube, fragrance wipes, douches etc., during an active case.

Tess Kelly
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