Interstitial cystitis doctor near me
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Cystitis treatment
Recommended health tests for Cystitis
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Cystitis
Cystitis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the bladder, often leads to discomfort and a pressing need to visit the bathroom frequently. Most commonly resulting from a bacterial infection, it affects millions globally, making it a prevalent concern among individuals, especially women. The quest for natural treatments is growing as many seek alternatives to conventional medications to manage their conditions with minimal side effects.
Causes
The primary cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection, particularly Escherichia coli (E.coli), which typically enters the bladder through the urethra. Women are at a higher risk due to their shorter urethra, which is closer to the anus, making bacterial invasion more likely. Besides bacterial infection, non-infectious causes include drug-induced cystitis, radiation cystitis, and interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome—a condition not caused by bacterial infection but associated with bladder pain and frequent, urgent urination.
Signs and symptoms
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate - A burning sensation or pain during urination - Low fever (in some cases) - Cloudy or strong-smelling urine - Blood in the urine (hematuria) - Pelvic discomfort - Frequent, small amounts of urine
Diagnosing Cystitis
To diagnose cystitis, healthcare professionals rely on a combination of medical history, symptoms, and laboratory tests. Urinalysis is commonly conducted to check for the presence of bacteria, blood, or pus in the urine. In some cases, urine culture might be done to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. If cystitis is recurring or complicated, further diagnostic tests such as cystoscopy or imaging tests might be recommended to examine the bladder and urinary tract.
Prevention and natural treatment
Prevention of cystitis involves measures such as practicing good personal hygiene, urinating after sexual intercourse, and avoiding the use of irritating products in the genital area. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial as it helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. For the treatment of cystitis, especially for those seeking natural alternatives, options include increasing fluid intake, applying heat to the lower abdomen to ease pain, and avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. In the realm of functional medicine, emphasis is often placed on boosting the immune system to fight off infections naturally. This can include the use of vitamin C supplements, probiotics to restore healthy bacterial balance in the gut and potentially reduce the risk of UTIs, and herbal remedies such as D-mannose and cranberry supplements, which have been studied for their potential to prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. Functional medicine also advocates for a holistic approach by examining underlying issues that could contribute to recurrent cystitis, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic stress, and addressing these through diet, lifestyle modifications, and natural supplementation. Adopting a comprehensive approach towards prevention and treatment, focusing on natural and functional methods, can be a gentle yet effective strategy for managing cystitis, ultimately enhancing one's quality of life.
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