Has your doctor been giving you antibiotics for a bladder infection, but it keeps coming back? A bladder infection can be annoying and painful, and if it keeps returning it may seem like it never really stops. If you are struggling with burning urination and constantly have the urge to urinate, it’s important to find out what is really going on.
What is the cause?
Bladder infections are characterized by an urgency and frequency to urinate, burning along the entire urinary stream and discomfort above the pelvic bone. They are caused by one of the bacteria strains from the vagina having gained access to the bladder. While it is possible that the bacteria may come from the anal area, in most instances it actually flows from the opening of the vagina. Here’s how it happens.
The opening of the urethra is very close to the vagina; in fact it’s just beneath the clitoris. As a result, the bacteria in the vagina can easily find its way into the vaginal opening known as the urethral meatus. The vestibule is constantly being bathed with vaginal secretions. If the secretions contain excess strains of bad bacteria and end up in the urethral opening, it can lead to a bladder infection, particiularly with intercourse.
When the vagina is in a healthy state the good bacteria dominate, but there are times when an overgrowth of bad bacteria occurs, and this can cause bladder infections to persist and reoccur often.
Most doctors treat the symptoms of a bladder infection, but not the underlying cause, which is usually an altered vaginal microflora pattern. As a result, the bladder infection returns after a short respite. In order to treat the infection effectively, it is necessary to restore balance to the vaginal ecosystem.
Are you experiencing recurrent bladder infections without a urologic cause?
Contact the experts in vaginal health at Fowler GYN International (FGI) Paradise Valley, AZ, for a consultation. They diagnose the problem with a VFA test. This shows the constituents and relative concentrations in the vagina. CLIA certified Fowler Gyn International Laboratory, runs the test. There is no other lab like this in the US. Women come from all over the country and 4 continents for evaluation and treatment.
You can reach Gynecology Board Certified Dr. R. Stuart Fowler at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.