Can cystitis and thrush be linked?
If you suffer from both recurring thrush and cystitis, or find that when you develop one, the other follows soon after, you’ll know how frustrating it can be.
Find out what the link isStress is a daily occurrence for many of us nowadays, but could it be linked to recurrent cystitis infections? Although it isn’t a commonly accepted cause, here I explore some ways in which everyday stress could be taking its toll, and potentially contributing to your symptoms. I then go on to explore a range of home and herbal remedies that can help get your symptoms under control – help is on hand!
Suffering from recurrent cystitis can be frustrating, especially if you don’t understand what the root of the cause is. As with many conditions, understanding the cause is often a useful first step in managing the symptoms – otherwise, how would you know where to start?
Typically, cystitis is caused by an infection and in which case, bacteria is thought to be at the root of the cause. Although stress may still have a part to play if recurrent bacterial infections are your problem (as I’ll go on to discuss), in most cases, sorting your diet and lifestyle habits (drinking more water for one!) and with the help of some herbs and antibiotics in more severe cases, you’ll have the infection cleared up in no time.
However, when there is no infection present, for example in the case of interstitial cystitis, the root of the cause isn’t so well understood. But, is it possible that stress could be having an impact? In today’s blog I explore just that, and delve a little deeper into the possible connections between stress and cystitis.
The connection between stress and cystitis isn’t something commonly recognised by the medical community, although research is ongoing and, for naturopaths, the connection is a little clearer. There are a number of possible mechanisms at play when it comes to stress and cystitis:
In times of stress you’re more likely to make poorer choices when it comes to your diet. Water is less likely to be top of mind and you might forget to hit your 1.5l daily quota if you’re rushing around frantically! Plus, you’re also much more likely to guzzle drinks higher in sugar, caffeine and alcohol and opt for convenience foods to keep you going if you’re feeling under pressure. These ingredients are all pro-inflammatory and you’ll only risk becoming dehydrated and fuelling any niggling infections.
In times of stress your immune functions can suffer making you more susceptible to bugs. We need your immune system to be in tip top condition to help detect any bad bacteria that could potentially take hold and cause an infection.
In times of stress your sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, which can have direct effects on your digestive system and urinary tract. In times of stress you need your bowel and bladder to be empty to allow you to be in the best physical condition possible (for running away or fighting which is what your body assumes we need to be preparing for in times of stress of course). This means you’ll most likely find you need the toilet more often, plus more urgently and, if chronic stress is a problem, then this can be problematic longer-term and cause ongoing irritation.
As well as the more physical effects of stress, could there also be a chemical influence? In short, yes. In times of stress we release a number of ‘stress’ hormones including corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and research has suggested that this could play a part in symptoms of interstitial cystitis and having an overactive bladder1.
As well as the physical and chemical influence of stress, it seems that your sensitivity to pain can also increase during times of stress. This means that you may be much more aware of different niggles, and feel more sensitive to pain and discomfort2.
Now that we’ve explored some of the possible links between stress and cystitis, it’s time to outline some ways in which you can help yourself! With some of my tips, you can help to get those symptoms under control:
Dealing with stress is often easier said than done, but often a multidisciplinary approach can be useful. Some advice from me is as follows:
If you’re all stressed out then it’s likely that your immune functions could be suffering as a result. Recurrent head colds and cold sores are more readily accepted as signs of people being ‘run down,’ but we now know that cystitis may be an indicator to look out for too! Support yourself during high risk times with some Echinaforce.
If recurrent infections are a problem for you then a good dose of Uva-ursi should help get you back on track. Take this up to 5 times daily whilst keeping your intake of water up and decreasing you intake of inflammatory foods and drinks. Cranberry complex and Golden Rod Tea are also good options to help support your urinary tract longer term. Best of luck!
1. Lai H, Gardner V, Vetter J and Andriole GL. Correlation between psychological stress levels and the severity of overactive bladder symptoms. BMC Urol, 2015, 15(14),
2. Ahmad AH and Zakaria R. Pain in times of stress. Malays J Med Sci, 2015, 22, (52-61)
Looking for a solution to relieve symptoms of cystitis?
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If you suffer from both recurring thrush and cystitis, or find that when you develop one, the other follows soon after, you’ll know how frustrating it can be.
Find out what the link isEmma our women's health advisor recommends Uva-ursi complex to help ease symptoms of cystitis and cranberry to maintain bladder health.
Learn moreCystitis is sometimes known as ‘honeymoon cystitis’. Why? Well, during sex, bacteria can spread from the perineum to the urethral opening. The risk of developing cystitis is therefore increased depending on the frequency you have intercourse (sorry honeymooners!).
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