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 isIf you suffer from hot flushes as well as frequent cystitis infections, you might wonder how the two are connected. Here we explore some common contributing factors including:
Throughout this blog I explore these themes in more detail and outline some tips to help manage them.
If you suffer at the hands of regular hot flushes, chances are this could be a side effect of the menopause. During the menopause fluctuating levels of hormones, namely the female sex hormone oestrogen, are responsible for giving rise to a number of symptoms including hot flushes. However, as well as some of the more well recognised symptoms we often associate with the menopause, other less common symptoms can also crop up, including the symptoms of cystitis.
Fluctuating levels of oestrogen can unfortunately affect both the structure and function of the organs within our urinary tract. Firstly, structural changes can give rise to prolapses and/or uro-genital atrophy which can affect the efficient emptying of our bladder. If emptying of the bladder becomes less efficient, stagnant urine is more likely to pool and can risk giving rise to infection.
Oestrogen is also responsible for maintaining the pH and acidity within the bladder and urinary tract, as well as keeping the mucus membranes that line our urinary tract sufficiently moist. Changes to pH levels and/or dryness can both make infections much more likely to set in, and this may be when the symptoms of cystitis or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can become more apparent.
One other possible contributing factor with both hot flushes and cystitis is dehydration. Dehydration can affect your body's ability to control its temperature and, unfortunately, this can also have something to do with what brings on those uncontrollable flushes.
In terms of cystitis, dehydration can make for more concentrated urine which is the perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria. Plus, if you're dehydrated, so are the cells that line your urinary tract. As these dry out, they can become more easily damaged and make infection more likely to set in.
Stress is another factor which could be contributing to both hot flushes and the symptoms of cystitis. A stressed nervous system can easily make flushes more frequent and, as backed by research, stress and anxiety are thought to be a direct trigger for feeling a little hot under the collar.2
Unfortunately, stress also has its links when it comes to cystitis, particularly in cases of interstitial cystitis. Unlike conventional bouts of cystitis, interstitial cystitis isn't thought to be infectious in nature, but instead, although not well understood, a number of underlying factors are potentially thought to contribute including constipation, inflammation and stress.
Learning to relax with the help of simple breathing techniques, talking therapies or using physical movements to your advantage could all mean you can work towards keeping a number of symptoms under control, from flushes to niggling symptoms of cystitis – regain some control once more!
So, why not try to limit your intake by switching to some tasty caffeine-free alternatives such as Bambu, or some herbal teas options such as Rooibos if you're open to trying some new tastes?
The vast majority of cases of cystitis are caused by an underlying infection, meaning that some bacteria have infected the lining of your urinary tract or bladder. As a result, your immune system has to spur into action in a bid to fight this infection and with it this can bring its own set of side effects. This can include feeling a little under the weather or feeling warmer than usual, as your body uses heat as one of its in-built defence mechanisms. Therefore, unsurprisingly, if you're already struggling with flushes this could contribute to a few extra attacks.
Please note if your symptoms of cystitis are accompanied by a fever you should always seek medical advice.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26421474
2.https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2005/12030/The_role_of_anxiety_and_hormonal_changes_in.6.aspx
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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 & Echinacea complex to help ease symptoms of cystitis and Cranberry Complex to maintain bladder health.
Learn more about CystitisCystitis 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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