The symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis (often called Chronic Pelvic Pain) are varying degrees of bladder discomfort and an aggravated urge to urinate.
However, whilst the lining of the bladder is inflamed and very sensitive and is often accompanied by abdominal pain, testing reveals no urinary infection.
Men are less commonly afflicted than women and sometimes experience what they think is prostate pain when it is actually affecting the bladder.
Women suffering with interstitial cystitis are also more likely to complain of a wide range of other symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, chest pain, joint ache, heart pounding, backache, abdominal cramps, nausea or other pelvic discomfort which tends to suggest that the cystitis itself is a symptom of an infection elsewhere in the body.
Unfortunately, most doctors only routinely test the urine for bacterial infections. As the sample must be cultured differently for a fungal infection, it often goes undiagnosed. Because the actual cause of the urine problem is uncertain, antibiotics may be given as a precaution.
Whilst this treatment can ease the pain and reduce the frequency of the urge to void, it also exacerbates the yeast problems elsewhere, usually resulting in an outbreak of vaginal thrush and a worsening of the niggly extraneous symptoms mentioned previously.
It also means that the next time the woman has sexual relations, the Candida in the vagina can be transferred to the bladder via the urethra and the vicious circle is started once again.
One natural short-term remedy for the symptoms of interstitial cystitis is the regular consumption of a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in a pint of water to relieve the effects of the acidity on the bladder wall. (You should check with your doctor to ensure that this course of action is suitable for you). Any abdominal pain can be alleviated with a hot water bottle and a couple of generic painkillers.
To control the condition long-term, taking probiotics to increase the good bacteria in the gut and enable them to battle the Candida organisms more effectively plus regular use of milk thistle complex containing Boldo can be very effective.
Milk Thistle is a member of the sunflower family and, for centuries, it has been recognised as a liver tonic. The active ingredient in its seeds is Silymarin. This is an antioxidant and it removes any free radicals, which are toxic chemicals that cause cell damage.
Since an overgrowth of Candida can adversely affect the liver, Silymarin's ability to strengthen the liver by stimulating the manufacture of new liver cells, and increasing the production of bile is invaluable.
The dried leaves of the South American herb, Peumus Boldo are used in the treatment of urinary tract disorders. (The essential oil should never be taken internally as it is highly toxic and Boldo should be avoided if pregnancy is suspected!)
You should always consult a registered homeopath before embarking on any course of treatment.
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