Do your bladder infections keep coming back? If you have repeat bladder infections that don’t respond to antibiotics, there may be a lot more going on than you think, so you need to consult with a specialist in vulvovaginal conditions. So just how can you treat recurrent bladder infections.
What exactly is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection is occurs when pathogenic bacteria from the vagina asends the urethra and gets into the bladder. It is characterized by the frequency and urgency to urinate, along with burning or pain with urination. Other symptoms include bladder spasms which cause low pelvis discomfort as well as a change in the odor and color of the urine.
Bladder infections are quite common, but if you experience more more than 4 infections in a year, it’s considered recurrent or chronic.
How are recurrent bladder infections treated?
The bacteria that cause bladder infections travel from the vagina. The greater the concentration of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina increases the propensity for bladder infections. Infection is likely to recur if the underlying issue relating to the imbalance in the vaginal microflora is not resolved. Effective treatment of bladder infections therefore depends on fixing the changes that have taken place in the bacterial milieu in the vagina. When the vaginal micro-flora is not balanced the bad bacteria grows out of control.
When treating the condition, the gynecologist will first carry out a vaginal fluid analysis test to identify if there is in fact an altered microflora pattern. If this is confirmed, a customized treatment protocol is established, to restore normality to the vaginal microflora. This falls within the expertise of Fowler GYN International (FGI). They have a CLIA certified laboratory for diagnosing altered vaginal micro-flora patterns. Board certified Dr. R. Stuart Fowler can be reached at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001. Because this condition is not common, clients come to their practice from all over the country for this speciality evaluation and treatment.