Urinary infections | treating cystitis and preventing bladder infections

Did you know that urinary infections are very common and affect most women at least once in their lifetime, and that menopause is often a time when UTIs become even more frequent?  Up to one in five women will have repeated urinary infections, they can happen at any time but are most likely in women who are sexually active, pregnant or post menopausal.  UTIs are always uncomfortable and often debilitating with symptoms including:

A need to frequently pass urine, an inability to hold urine and needing to go urgently, burning, stinging or pain and sometimes cloudy, smelly urine possibly stained with blood.

So not only are frequent urinary infections uncomfortable, painful and annoying, they often need repeated treatment with antibiotics.  And we know that taking too many antibiotics isn't a good idea, especially for our gut health and general wellbeing.

On my blog, I am keen to open up more conversations about things that are considered 'embarrassing' my hope is that by talking more honestly and openly we can find solutions, support each other and make our lives easier and healthier!

My blog post about urinary infections is to give you some background on why they become more common in menopause, to share lifestyle tips that can help in preventing bladder infections as well as introduce you to a fabulous new herbal supplement called Uralix (no longer on sale) that is hugely successful at prevention of UTI's in the first place!
​
This is a sponsored blog post.
This product is no longer on sale - however my article might still contain useful information about recurrent UTIs.

Uralix is very successful at preventing bladder infections

Why are UTIs so frequent in menopause?

Anatomical changes after childbirth
Firstly, women who have delivered one or more babies will have anatomical changes to their body which can contribute to frequent bladder infections.  The neck of the bladder is attached to the anterior wall of the vagina and the dilation of labour and delivery and the passage of the baby through the birth canal stretches the tissues to the point where damage is caused resulting in possible bladder prolapse and urinary incontinence.  This can be common in up to 90% of women!  And a prolapsed bladder makes it very easy for the bacteria to enter through the urethra and settle in the bladder lining.

Bacterial resistance and antibiotic overuse
Sadly the massive use of antibiotics in farming and human healthcare and the resultant fact that antibiotics can now be found in our food and water supply means that bacteria has mutated and developed defences against antibiotics.  This means that more and more infections are antibiotic resistant.  The WHO estimates that 50% of infections do not respond to the standard treatment.  So when we get a UTI very often the antibiotics that used to work, don't work any more!

Declining hormones and vaginal atrophy
And finally the decline in our hormones, at peri menopause and beyond, affects our vaginal tissue which becomes thin and easily irritated making it prone to infection.  For more information on vaginal atrophy look at the excellent book 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina' by Jane Lewis.  Our oestrogen declines and causes changes in the PH of the vagina which creates an environment where bad bacteria can thrive.

Uralix is a herbal complex for preventing bladder infections

A combined approach to reducing frequency of UTIs in menopause

A combined approach of lifestyle factors and supplementation can really help us reduce our frequency of severe urinary tract infections.  Frequent urine infections can reduce our quality of life and lead to complications like kidney damage and sepsis as well as depression and social isolation.  
​
“Women at menopause could benefit from antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, clinically researched plant extracts, like Boswellia, Turmeric, D-Mannose, Green Tea polyphenols and Pumpkin seed, that support our urinary tract and help avoid bladder symptoms and ongoing antibiotic courses. URALIX is a new UK manufactured vegetarian supplement which is a blend of this natural botanical products in combination, which has been specifically designed to improve urinary health.” 
Dr Gemma Newman MBBCH DRCOG DFSRH MRCGP

Check my Instagram Giveaway to win 2 x bottles of Uralix

Lifestyle factors for preventing UTIs

We have all heard of these before, but a reminder is always useful!

• Drink plenty of water, monitor the colour of your urine, the lighter the better.
• Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help with urinary incontinence.
• Empty your bladder regularly, especially after sex as this can reduce the amount of bacteria present.
• Wipe front to back!
• Avoid long baths, never douche and don't use soap and intimate hygiene products as these products remove the natural protection of vaginal secretions.

How can Uralix help bladder health and preventing bladder infections?

Uralix is a bioactive herbal supplement which is based on years of research and development and contains clinically proven natural antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory herbal extracts.  It was formulated specifically for the relief and prevention of urinary tract infections for both men and women.  It is natural, effective and preventative and maintains urinary health without the use of antibiotics.

Taking a daily dose of Uralix for bladder health can help with:

• Preventing bacteria from settling in the bladder.
• Support bladder function.
• Avoids the bladder symptoms caused by sexual activity.
• Maintaining a healthy urinary tract.

Win 2 x bottles of Uralix - Instagram Giveaway

My personal experience with UTIs is limited, despite having given birth to my two babies naturally and obviously being post-menopause now, I have been lucky and not had regular urinary infections.  I've never needed to take large doses of antibiotics and being on HRT helps maintain my oestrogen levels and avoid issues like vaginal atrophy.  However, I did struggle a couple of years ago when I needed to take Utrogestan vaginally and I then experienced cystitis and had to seek treatment. 

I am taking Uralix now to give my urinary tract health a boost and prevent any future problems.  The dosage is 4 capsules 3 x per day for the first 5 days and then 4 capsules daily for a minimum of six months.

I am delighted that Uralix have offered to giveaway 2 x bottles of Uralix (120 capsules in each and worth nearly £100) to one lucky follower of Fifty & Fab on Instagram!  This competition starts on Friday 17th September and will run for one week, I will pick a winner at random on Friday 24th September.  To enter you will need to be following me and Uralix on Instagram, tag a friend or friends and for an extra entry, share the giveaway on your stories!

Pop over to my @fifty_andfab on Instagram now to enter!

I hope this information is useful, I'd love to know if frequent UTIs affect you and if you plan to give Uralix a go!

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: this blog post is part of a paid collaboration with Uralix, however all views and opinions are my own.

---

Other blogs I link up with:

Is This Mutton
#WowOnWednesday 

​Mummabstylish
#Chic&Stylish

---

Pin it for later!