The infection occurring in any part of the urinary system is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). This article will cover the types, symptoms, causes, risk factors & best homeopathic remedies for UTI.
There are two parts of the urinary tract known as the upper urinary tract and the lower urinary tract. Now the upper urinary tract consists of a pair of kidney and a pair of the ureter.
The bladder and the urethra constitute the lower urinary tract. The urethra is situated close to the anus (the outlet through which stool is passed). It is a hollow tube-like structure running from the bladder to the outside of the body.
It carries the urine formed in the bladder and releases it to the body outside through the urethral opening.
Because the opening of the urethra and the opening of the anus are closely situated, there are high chances that some germs, microbes from the intestine may reach the bladder traveling from the anus to the urethral opening.
Sometimes these microbes can travel up to the kidneys, and they lodge they can cause infection along the path of the urinary tract, which is known as UTI (Urinary tract infection).
There are different medical terms used for disease occurring at various places along the urinary tract.
For example, urethritis (infection of the urethra), cystitis ( infection of the urinary bladder), pyelonephritis ( infection of the kidneys). The involvement of ureters in the condition is usually not common.
E.coli ( Escherichia coli ) bacteria is the most common agent responsible for urinary tract infections in most cases. Few other microorganisms like Chlamydia bacteria and Mycoplasma bacteria are responsible for the rest of the issues.
One thing to note is that Chlamydia and Mycoplasma can not cause infection in the bladder and but only in the urethra.
Types Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Depending upon which part of the urinary tract is infected, there are three classifications or types of urinary tract infection.
A.Urethritis:
The infection is occurring in the hollow tube. Its function is to drain the urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
B.Cystitis:
When the bacterias move up to the bladder from the urethra and cause infection in the urinary bladder, it is named cystitis.
C.Pyelonephritis:
Infection in the kidneys. When the condition travels all the way urinary tract from the urethra to the kidneys, primarily due to the obstruction in the flow of urine due to any cause such as kidney stones, it is known as pyelonephritis.
Causes Of The UTI
The microbes or bacteria that enter the urinary tract are the major causes of this disease.
Bacterias-
Some bacterias naturally live in the intestine and contribute to the proper functioning of the intestine. These are also present in the stools.
When due to any cause, they reach the urethra, which leads to the infection in the urinary tract.
The most common bacteria that cause UTI is E.coli (Escherichia coli). Other commonly found bacterias responsible for UTI are Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.
Infection from other parts of the body-
Sometimes the infection can travel from other organs of the body, travels through the blood, and reach the kidneys and the bladder, then cause an infection there.
Sexual Intercourse-
Having multiple or new partners for sexual intercourse increases the chance of getting infected by bacterias and microbes, which can cause urinary tract infection.
Catheterization-
Urinary catheters are also one of the risk factors for urinary tract infection. The catheter is a small tube that is used to drain urine in hospitalized patients.
Symptoms Of The UTI
Pain and burning while passing urine-
You will feel a burning sensation when you pass urine. It will make you uncomfortable. It is the earliest symptom. Then burning will be followed by pain.
Frequent urge to urinate-
You will feel that you have to pass urine at a shorter interval. Sometimes within few minutes of passing urine, you will feel the urge to urinate again. This is a characteristic symptom. In severe cases, people pass urine after 2 minutes also.
Feeling of incomplete voiding of urine-
The most irritating feeling is that you will feel that your bladder is not completely emptied. And some amount of urine is retained.
Presence of blood or pus in the urine-
Sometimes there will be blood or pus present in the urinous fluid.
Pain the lower part of the abdomen-
You may have pain in the lower abdomen, back, and waist.
Fever-
Fever can also occur primarily in patients who are catheterized at hospitals; they will have this symptom.
Highly offensive and yellow urine.
The urine will be highly offensive. A strong, pungent smell is present in urine. Your family members will also tell you that your urine has become very offensive.
Pain during coition.
The act of coition becomes very painful. And it increases your suffering each time you had sexual intercourse.
Nausea, vomiting, body aches.
You may occasionally feel nausea and vomiting due to Infection present in the body. This will make you weak as your digestion will be disturbed.
Risk Factors For The UTI
Use of contraceptive devices-
Some of the means of contraception, for example, spermicide condoms, cervical caps, can increase the risk of getting a UTI.
Heavy doses of antibiotics-
Using heavy doses of antibiotics for an extended period may harm the good natural bacterias present in the urinary bladder and bowels, which leads to a higher risk.
Female gender-
The Urinary tract infection is more commonly found in females than in males. The reason behind this is the shorter length of the urethra in women as compared to men.
Therefore the bacteria easily travel from the anus to the urethra in large numbers as thus cause infection in women. Nearly 50 percent of women suffer from urinary tract infections at some point in their lives. And about 30 percent of women may have recurrent infections.
Pregnancy-
If a pregnant woman is suffering from a urinary tract infection, it could be a cause of concern for both the mother and the baby.
Due to the changes in women at the time of pregnancy, there are more chances of bacterias reaching the kidneys.
Diabetes-
If you have diabetes or any history of diabetes, you could be prone to urinary tract infections.
As diabetes lowers the immune powers of the body, making it weak to fight infections. It can also destroy the tiny vessels in the kidneys, directly exposing the kidney to microbes.
Kidney stones-
People who have kidney stones are at higher risk because their kidneys are already inflamed and cannot work correctly. In this situation, the risk is increased.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-
Some diseases, such as Benign prostate enlargement, also known as BPH, in which the flow of urine are hindered and can not fully empty your bladder.
It will affect the whole urinary tract and increase the chances of developing urinary tract infections.
Use of harsh Cleansers:
Using irritating cleaning products which are constituted by harsh chemicals in the genital organs.
Bad personal hygiene-
Having poor personal hygiene habits may also develop the risk of getting infected.
Diagnosis Of The UTI
Analysis of the urine sample-
If you think that you have developed a urinary tract infection, then consult your doctor.
He will advise you on a urine test in which you will have to provide a sample of your urine for laboratory investigation for the presence of bacterias, other microbes.
Also, it will determine the presence of blood cells or pus cells in your urine. For this, the urine sample should be a “clean-catch,” which means the urine sample taken from a midstream while passing urine.
Imaging of the urinary tract-
If you have severe UTI symptoms or have Chronic or recurring UTIs, you assess information about the urinary organs. Your doctor may advise you of a CT or MRI.
Cystoscopy-
The doctor may perform a physical test using a ling thin tube with a lens to see inside your bladder and urethra. This tube will be inserted through your urethra and reach up to the bladder.
Management Of The UTI
You can reduce the suffering with lifestyle management. You will have to follow these instructions.
Drink plenty of water-
You should drink water 3-4 liters daily when you have a urinary tract infection. Water will dilute the urine and also helps to flush the bacterias out of your urinary tract. It will also ease the burning sensation while passing urine.
Avoid spicy foods and irritating drinks-
Avoid food that contains a lot of spices and pepper because this will only increase your suffering. Also, avoid strong drinks such as alcohol, caffeine, and citrus juices. It will be irritable the bladder and increase the urge to urinate frequently.
Heating pads-
You can use heating bags to your abdomen to provide some temporary relief in pain and discomfort occurring in the lower abdomen.
Maintain good hygiene-
Try to keep the genital area clean and regularly the undergarments with soap and dry them in the sun.
Cranberry juice-
Some people drink cranberry juice because it can lower the chances of being infected by a UTI.
Treat the underlying cause-
If you have any underlying disease such as kidney stones, start its treatment; the symptoms will automatically subside.
Homeopathic Remedies For The UTI
Homeopathy is wonderfully capable of treating your urinary tract infection. It will reduce the chances of recurrence.
So, let’s start discussing the most effective Homoeopathic remedies for UTI.
1.CANTHARIS: for constant desire to urinate
Symptoms:
In the list of the most effective remedies to treat a UTI, Cantharis tops the list.
If you have an intolerable urging to urinate at short intervals, then this remedy is for you. You may have noticed blood in your urine.
There are violent burning pains in the lower abdomen, accompanied by a painful urging to pass urine.
The urine flows DROP BY DROP as it will burn the urethra. This will make you restless. Any amount of coition will worsen the suffering.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use cantharis in 200ch potency thrice daily for a month.
2.APIS MELLIFICA: For Burning And Scanty Urine
Symptoms:
Apis is an excellent healing agent for treating urinary tract infections.
The features are soreness and a severe burning sensation while passing urine.
The urge to urinate is frequent and involuntary, which sometimes means the urine may flow independently.
You will feel stinging pains while urinating. A characteristic symptom is that the last drops of urine burn and smarts.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Apis Mellifica in 30ch potency thrice daily till improvement occurs. Or you may use this medicine in 200ch potency once daily till improvement occurs.
3.EUQISETUM: For Frequent Urging Which Is Not Relieved By Urinating
Symptoms:
Equisetum is a well-known Homoeopathic remedy for urinary troubles.
You may feel a dull pain in the lower abdomen and a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder as if some urine is retained.
The frequent urging is not relieved by urination. Severe pain at the close of urination is a very prominent symptom of this remedy.
Urine flows drop by drop, making it very difficult to perform day-to-day activities. There is cutting pain in the urethra.
It is also an excellent remedy to treat urinary tract infections occurring in children and pregnant ladies.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Equisetum in Q potency ( mother tincture ) 10 drops in half a cup of water thrice daily till improvement occurs. You can use Equisetum in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs.
4.KREOSOTUM: For Violent Itching In Urethral Opening
Symptoms:
Kreosotum is a very well-known effective remedy for UTI treatment where there is intense itching in the urethral opening, which comes worse while passing urine.
The urine is highly offensive. It would help if you hurried when the desire comes to urinate; otherwise, it will flow in drops.
There is a constant burning sensation that makes day-to-day life worse. There is a constant desire for itching in the genital area.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use kreosotum in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs. In children, you can use kreosotum 30 twice daily till improvement occurs.
5.STAPHYSAGRIA: For UTI From Physical Relationship
Symptoms:
This remedy is beneficial in the UTIs caused by physical relationships. There is an ineffectual urge to pass urine in newly married ladies.
There is a constant feeling that the bladder is packed as if it did not empty. Urine pass-in drops.
You may feel a burning sensation in the urethra even while you are not urinating.
For the people who are suffering from “prostatic troubles.” Urging and pain may continue even after urinating.
Discomfort in urination that occurs after a kidney stone operation.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use staphysagria in 200ch thrice daily till improvement occurs.
6.SEPIA: For Chronic Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms:
Sepia is a very effective remedy for long-standing urinary tract infections. It is also helpful to treat blood in the urine.
The urinary bladder is mainly affected. Also, there is a pain in the lower abdomen and waist region.
There is a constant urge to urinate and burning while passing urine. The pains in the lower abdomen are better by applying hot bags to the affected area.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use sepia in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs. In children, you can use sepia in 30ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs.
7.SARSAPARILLA: For Severe Pain At Closing Of Urination
Symptoms:
Sarsaparilla is a well-known remedy for UTIs where a characteristic symptom is severe pain at the closing of passing urine.
Urine flows drop by drop. Pain in the lower abdomen. While passing the urine, the stream is weak.
Incomplete voiding of urine. It is helpful in people who suffer from kidney stones. There is pain and difficulty while urinating.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Berberis Vulgaris in 30ch potency thrice daily till improvement occurs. You can also use Berberis Vulgaris in Q potency (mother tincture) 10 drops in half a cup of lukewarm water thrice daily.
8.NUX VOMICA: For Frequent Urging To Pass Urine
Symptoms:
Nux vomica is a great healing agent for infection occurring in the urinary bladder.
There are pains in the lower abdomen. There is urgency and increased frequency for urination.
The quantity of urine is minimal. There is incomplete voiding of urine. While passing urine, there is an itching sensation. It is also helpful in UTIs occurring in people having alcoholic addictions.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Nux vomica in 1M potency once daily at bedtime till improvement occurs.
You may also use Nux Vomica in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs. In children, use Nux Vomica in 30ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs.
9.MERCURIUS: For Burning In The Urine With Strong Urge To Urinate
Symptoms:
Mercurius can treat the cases in which there is frequent urging. There is a slightly greenish discharge from the urethra.
A characteristic symptom is that there is severe burning at the beginning of urination. Urine is dark.
The quantity of your urine is small. There is also the presence of blood cells in the urine, which makes the urinous fluid red.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Mercurius in 1M potency once daily till improvement occurs.
You can use Mercurius in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs. You can use Mercurius in 30ch potency thrice daily till improvement occurs.
10.ACONITE: For Hot And Painful Urine
Symptoms:
You can use Aconite for the treatment of recent or acute urinary tract infections. The quantity is urine is minimal.
The urine is hot and painful. The lower abdomen is aching, and it causes physical and mental restlessness.
Burning in the urethra is present. You may notice blood in your urine. There is a feeling of anxiety always at the beginning of urination.
This remedy can be helpful for people suffering from prostatic problems.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Aconite in 1M potency once daily till improvement occurs. You can use Aconite in 200chh potency twice daily till improvement occurs.
In children, you can use this remedy in 30ch potency thrice daily till improvement occurs.
11.PULSATILLA: For Burning Urine With Increased Desire To Pass Urine
Symptoms:
Pulsatilla is an excellent remedy, well-known for its healing properties in Homoeopathy. It is helpful in the cases of urinary tract infection where there is spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen.
You may feel burning pain during and after urination. The urine may involuntarily pass while coughing.
It is helpful in women suffering from urinary tract infections who are sensitive and who have delicate personalities.
One can increase your suffering by having cool drinks, citrus juices.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Pulsatilla in 1M potency once daily till improvement occurs. You can use Pulsatilla in 200ch potency thrice daily till improvement occurs.
In children under 12 years of age, use Pulsatilla in 30ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs.
2 thoughts on “Homeopathic Remedies For UTI: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment”
Thank you. I knew my remedy from repertorising myself but wasn’t sure how to dose. Your article helped me so much. UTI relief very quickly. Thank you.
Thanks SO MUCH for putting dosing protocols… that helps so much when one is not a complete homeopathic pro… yet (lol)