Can Recurrent UTI Lead to Infertility in Women?

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infections (UTI), the most common type of infection in the body and one of the most serious health disorders influencing millions of people each year. UTIs are mostly caused by Escherichia coli, other viruses, parasites can also affect the condition. The systems involved in UTI are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, these are the organs that help the urine to pass out from the body. Generally, women are especially prone to UTIs, even though they have normal urinary tract anatomically and physiologically. A urinary tract infection is a microbial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. In this article we are going to share our thoughts on UTI and its Ayurvedic herbal remedies.

INTRODUCTION

Women are at more risk of getting diseased from UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections. A very common symptom is burning sensation during micturition. This is the prior most indication that something is getting wrong in her body. As per Ayurveda, burning sensation during micturition is indicated as aggravated Pitta dosha. The signs and symptoms of UTI are similar to Mutrakricha that indicates difficulty in urination. Typical features of this disease are frequent feeling of urination, pain with urination, and burning sensation. Typically, urinary tract infections are mostly treated with antibiotics, but as we know prolonged usage of antibiotics can lead to many side effects to cause severe health disorders like digestion issues, stomatitis, renal disorders, lung disorders and weak immune system.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF UTIs OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

UTI's are mainly caused by pitta imbalance in the body and causative factors for this are -

• Very hot food intake
• Spicy and sour food intake
• Excessive alcohol
• Suppression of urination
• Retaining urine for longer time
• Drinking less water

COMMON SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF UTIs OR URINARY TRACT INFECTION ARE

• Burning micturition
• hematuria / cloudy white urine
• Frequent feeling of urination
• Feeling of incomplete urination
• Fever

Recurrent UTIs can affect fertility in about 10-20% of women. It may get difficult to conceive due to-

• Associated pelvic inflammation which can cause an increase in temperature of the body and ultimately results in high temperature of the vaginal canal.
• Associated UTI may create irritation or behavioural changes and kind of mood changes that directly affect the relation between pairs.
• Due to these factors internal vaginal flora can be disturbed and imbalanced which makes it harder for the sperm to reach the uterus or they may die before reaching the uterus.
• These pelvic inflammations can lead to scarring in fallopian tubes or it can affect the ovulation process too.

DIAGNOSIS OF UTIs OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

• Blood tests
• Complete blood count
• Blood urine tests

MANAGEMENT OF UTIs OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

UTI can be managed by taking-

• Antibiotics
• NSAIDs
• Anti-histamines
• Anti-allergics

Allopathic medications have various side-effects, this is the only reason people nowadays are going for the safest method of treating various illnesses. Some common conditions can result in serious health complications due to these medications. Ayurveda has a careful watch on the condition of the patient and looking for appropriate medication. So is able to reduce the risk of any complication.

UTI can be managed by diet and lifestyle modifications and some herbal remedies show very much effective results in treatment of this disease. Some home remedies can also manage the condition very well at home like -

• Drink plenty of water
• Vitamin C rich fruits - Oranges, lemons, kiwi, grapes, cranberries.
• Garlic
• Clove oil
• Tea Tree oil
• Apple cider vinegar

In Ayurveda Uti can be treated with herbs that balance the vitiated doshas and manage the underlying cause. Ayurveda practitioners along with prescribing the herbal remedies, also recommend some lifestyle and diet modifications which are as follows -

• Consumption of plenty of fluids
• High intake of Vit. C rich fruits
• Avoid spicy foods
• Consume pink salt in food

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR UTIs BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal pharmaceutical company that prepares 100% pure products which give efficient results in treatment of concerned diseases. These products are highly efficacious and are free from chemicals, preservatives and fillers and are purely natural. These products are manufactured under the guidance of experienced doctors. Some of the herbal remedies for UTI that give efficient results

LIST OF MEDICATIONS WHICH IS USED IN UTIs CARE PACK

1. PUNARNAVA CAPSULES
2. GOKSHURADI GUGGUL
3. VARUNADI VATI
4. CHANDANADI VATI
5. RENO PLAN SYRUP

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. PUNARNAVA CAPSULES

This is a single herbal formulation consisting of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). By the use of this formulation the patient feels the reduction in swelling, pain, fever, discomfort and irritation in mood. It also helps to reduce the urinary system disorders, used for lowering the blood pressure and its symptoms by detoxification process. It inhibits the growth of microbes in urinary tracts and helps in the healthy flow of urine. This articulation shows great effects in female health disorders and provides strength to her body.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meal.

2. GOKSHURADI GUGGUL

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meal.

3. VARUNADI VATI

This is a poly herbal formulation mentioned in classical Ayurveda texts consisting of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), etc. this articulation is very helpful in urinary system disorders, is a great natural antibiotic, also helps in removing the toxins from the body. It can also reduce inflammation or congestion due to any infection or injury, also very helpful in relieving pain without causing loss of consciousness.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meal.

4. Chandanadi Vati

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meal.

5. Reno Plan Syrup

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with warm water after meal.

Conclusion

We have discussed the Ayurvedic treatment that is very beneficial in providing relief from renal disorders. These efficacious remedies provide a soothing and calming effect on the Urinary tract system and eliminate infections from the body. These are also very useful in GI disorders. UTIs are very common conditions and are treatable. Proper medication should be provided to treat the illness and stop the aggravation of symptoms that couples the other illness.

Management of Urinary Tract Infection with the help of Ayurveda

Now a days, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has become the second most common type of infection and it is one of the most serious health problems affecting millions of people each year. It involves the infection in the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Women are especially prone to UTIs. It is a microbial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract. Normally, urine is sterile and is free from microbes.

The main cause of Urinary Tract Infections in 90% of the uncomplicated cases in the infection due to bacteria Escherichia coli, which live in the bowel (colon) and around the anus. The infection spreads when bacteria get into the bladder and begin to grow.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION?

It is not necessary that urinary tract infection always causes infections but when they do, they may include the symptoms such as:

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Strong and persistent urge to urinate
• Cloudy appearance of urine
• Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.
• Fever

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION?

The urinary system is designed to keep out the microscopic invaders but sometimes these defenses fail. It occurs when the bacteria enter the urinary tract and start multiplying in the bladder.

The most common UTIs that occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra are:

1. Cystitis (Infection of the bladder)

This is one of the most common types of UTIs which is caused by bacteria Escherichia coli and commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Other bacteria are also responsible.

2. Urethritis (Infection of the Urethra)

It occurs when the bacteria present in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract spread from anus to urethra.

DIAGNOSIS

Certain tests and procedures that are used to diagnose Urinary Tract Infections include:

• A routine urine examination: Urine examination is done to look for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells and bacteria.
• Urine Culture Test: The laboratory analysis of urine can be followed by a urine culture. This test is done to analyze what bacteria are causing infection.

TREATMENT

In modern medicine, the prescription of antibiotics is the first line of treatment.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA?

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is defined as Mutrakriccha in Ayurveda. Urinary Tract Infection though is difficult to manage but Ayurvedic internal medicines can be a good option for its management. Although modern medical system has many modern drugs but there are cases where patients suffer from the lack of desired results.

MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

The line of Ayurvedic treatment is mainly based on Dosha Chikitsa. This disease involves the vitiation of mainly Pitta dosha along with the involvement of Vata dosha.

PLANET AYURVEDA OFFERS HERBAL REMEDIES WHICH INCLUDE

Herbal remedies of UTI by Planet Ayurveda are alkaline in nature, work on Mutravaha srotas and have Vatapittshamak properties. These herbal remedies have Tikta and Madhur rasa, so these act as both Pitta and Vata pacifying in nature. Therefore, these remedies work on the root cause, have Daha shamak (pacifies burning sensation) property, reduce inflammation, make urine alkaline by reducing pH, sooth the epithelium of urinary tract.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS INCLUDE

1. Punarnava Capsules
2. Mutrakrichantak Churna
3. Varunadi Vati

UTI Care Pack

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava Capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extract of the herb Boerhavia diffusa. It is considered among the group of anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs and well known for diuretic and swelling reducing properties. The herb has cold potency and is mainly Pitta pacifying in nature. Therefore, these capsules work effectively in reducing the inflammation of urinary system.

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Mutrakrichantak Churna

Planet Ayurveda's Mutrakrichantak Churna is a mixture of dried extracts of various herbs that remove inflammation and infection in a natural way without the use of antibiotics. This churna also relieves painful micturition and acts as an effective remedy for all chronic kidney disorders as well.

Ingredients of Mutrakrichantak Churna are:

Sr. No.	Botanical Name	Common Name	Parts	Quantity
1.	Crateva nurvala	Varun	Roots	30 gm
2.	Boerhavia diffusa	Punarnava	Roots	30 gm
3.	Tribulus terrestris	Gokshur	Whole	30 gm
4.	Chicorium intybus	Kaasni	Leaves	30 gm
5.	Phyllanthus niruri	Bhumi Amla	Whole	20 gm
6.	Albezzia lebbok	Shirish	Bark	20 gm
7.	Moringa oleifera	Shigru	Bark	20 gm
8.	Achyranthes aspera	Apamarg	Fruits/Seeds	10 gm

Dose: Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water or boil 1 teaspoonful of powder in 400 ml of water until it remains to 50-60 ml. Filter this preparation and then drink it. Take this mixture once in the morning 45 minutes after breakfast and 45 minutes in the evening after dinner. Make sure to prepare fresh every time.

3. Varunadi Vati

It is a classical Ayurvedic preparation useful in the treatment of all urinary tract disorders. Planet Ayurveda's Varunadi Vati is prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Crateva nurvala. This herb is commonly known as Varuna. It is a famous Ayurvedic diuretic herb which relieves urinary retention and also useful in renal calculi.

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE TO MANAGE AND PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION ARE

1. Water

Increase the intake of water as it helps to flush out the bacteria and other liquids such as fresh coconut water should be taken.

2. Buttermilk

Fresh buttermilk should be consumed twice or thrice a day as it helps in expelling the infection and treats inflammation.

Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 5, Shlok No. 33 & 34

Meaning: According to this shloka, takra (fat-less buttermilk) is light to digest, astringent, sour in taste. It improves digestion strength, balances Kapha and Vata dosha, useful in inflammatory conditions, ascites, hemorrhoids, malabsorption syndrome, urine infection, dysuria, anorexia.

3. Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice is very beneficial in burning urination as it is coolant in nature and it has diuretic property as well. It also prevents urinary tract infection.

Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 5, Shlok No. 42

Meaning: In this shloka, the qualities of sugarcane juice are explained. Juice of sugarcane is laxative, heavy to digest, unctuous, nutritive therefore improves weight, increases Kapha dosha and increases urine volume.

AVOID

• Intake of red chilies, junk foods, aerated drinks etc.
• Consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.