My Journey with Cushing’s disease
At 30 years old, I was fit, healthy and naturally a size 8–10. I knew my body well, which is why, when it started to
I remember a distinct moment of fear when I worked as a lawyer and I was consulting in a holding cell. I was taking statements, alone in a room with seven guys accused of hijacking. My apprehension had little to do with my clients, it was a much more familiar fear. I felt a stabbing pain in my stomach and a kicked-in-your-back sensation in my kidney area. After a month of intense stress I could almost feel the urine infection brewing in my bladder.
Most women can relate to the agony of experiencing a urinary tract infection (UTI). With over 400 million cases occurring each year, avoiding it is no easy task. Even more worrying is the increase of recurrent and antibiotics-resistant UTIs.
Research by the University of Michigan shows the lifetime prevalence of at least one symptomatic UTI in women has been estimated to be over 50%, with about 26% of women demonstrating a recurrence during six months of follow-up after treatment of the initial UTI.
Ominous sounding RUTIs (recurrent UTIs) are described in online forums as “ruining lives” and “a relentless cycle of agony”. Women participating in focus group discussions with the American Urological Association about recurrent urinary tract infections have expressed fear of antibiotic side effects and frustration with healthcare providers for not addressing their concerns.
Recurrent urinary tract infections often persist due to biofilm formation. Bacteria create protective structures, known as biofilms, which allow them to thrive and cause recurring infections. The development of these biofilms renders conventional antibiotics ineffective and weakens the immune response, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of UTIs. Exploring the root causes of these infections is crucial as we consider whether antibiotics still remain the sole best option for treatment in today’s evolving landscape of antibiotic resistance.
UTIs occur when bacteria invade the urinary tract, typically entering through the urethra. In women, the shorter length of the urethra makes it easier for bacteria to travel from the external genitalia to the bladder, increasing the susceptibility to UTIs. Additionally, the close proximity of the female urethra to the anus further amplifies this risk, as bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract can migrate to the urethra, leading to infections in the urinary system.
Understandably, antibiotics have long been the primary treatment for UTIs, effectively relieving symptoms and promoting recovery. Scarily, our usual approach to dealing with UTIs may not be as effective as before, as these infections are progressively acquiring resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria adapt and become less responsive or immune to the effects of antibiotics. This poses a significant challenge in the treatment of UTIs, as it limits the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapies. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the emergence of resistant strains.
As a result of rising antibiotic resistance, healthcare professionals are faced with the task of identifying alternative treatment options for UTIs. In the pursuit of finding better solutions, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to UTI prevention and treatment. This includes investigating the use of vaccines to bolster the body’s natural defences against UTI-causing bacteria. By stimulating the immune system, vaccines have the potential to reduce the risk of infection or minimise its severity. Non-antibiotic therapies are also being studied as promising alternatives, some even have clinical evidence supporting efficacy.
Urinary tract infections affect so many of us, and the effectiveness of conventional treatments is dwindling. As these infections grow more resistant to antibiotics, the battle becomes tougher. Stronger, more potent intravenous antibiotics are sometimes necessary to combat stubborn infections. But what if we could prevent UTI’s, or even treat the infection in its early stages without the use of antibiotics?
It has to be said that DIY treating a UTI is never a good idea, scarily enough it is an infection that can kill if left to spiral. So consulting with a medical professional is non-negotiable, but there are some things you can consider to help turn the tide if UTIs are ruining your life.
For many women d-mannose is nothing short of a miracle. D-mannose, also known as mannose, is a natural sugar present in specific fruits and vegetables like cranberries, cabbage, and tomatoes.
Emerging evidence from several small-scale studies indicates that D-mannose might have the potential to hinder the attachment of E. coli, the primary bacteria associated with the majority of urinary tract infections, to the urinary tract lining. However, further research is required to validate and substantiate these findings.
Women who have turned to D-mannose as part of their UTI management regimen have reported astonishing relief from their symptoms. They describe a transformative experience, with a notable reduction in urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort. The power of D-mannose lies in its potential to address the root cause of UTIs by hindering bacterial adherence and supporting their natural elimination from the urinary system.
Moreover, the beauty of D-mannose lies not only in its potential effectiveness but also in its remarkable safety profile. It is a naturally occurring substance, rapidly excreted in the urine, making it unlikely to cause significant side effects or disrupt blood sugar levels.
I am amongst those who have experienced tremendous relief from UTIs by using d-mannose. The friend who recommended the powdery magic also shared that it may be better to use a heaped teaspoon with just a smidge of water. I’m not sure why, but taking the mannose this way four times a day helped me beat a particularly painful infection.
Other advice I learned from fellow sufferers was to take the absolute highest tolerable amount of vitamin C as it makes urine acidic enough to really bother the troublesome bacteria. I discovered the hard way that upping the dose of vitamin C beyond appropriate dosage causes some pretty unpleasant side effects.
Another great suggestion came from our local health store owner. When I told him how much I love d’mannose, he asked why I focus on treating the symptoms of UTIs when I could be treating the underlying cause. He shared some pretty impressive information about the benefits of improving the vaginal microbiome.
Research in the Turkish Journal of Urology suggests that probiotics could be a promising way to regulate the urinary microbiota and potentially prevent or treat specific urinary conditions. When it comes to preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), the journal Drugs reveals two strains of probiotics have shown great promise. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 (formerly known as Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14) have emerged as the top performers among the lactobacilli studied.
Interesting studies also show Lactobacillus crispatus probiotic given intravaginally is associated with a reduction in recurrent UTI. I have yet to attempt this direct root to relief, but many women swear by probiotic suppositories for UTIs and yeast infections.
Many other alternative remedies for UTIs have been explored in medical literature, two of the most noteworthy options are berberine and juniper. Berberine has demonstrated antibacterial effects (by inhibiting the adhesion of E. coli to the bladder epithelium), while juniper has shown potential antimicrobial activity. It is, however, crucial to exercise caution when considering these alternatives, as adverse effects may manifest at high doses that exceed the recommended therapeutic amount. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before incorporating any of these remedies into your UTI management routine.
A surprising UTI management option that popped up repeatedly in my research was addressing vitamin D levels. Recent research has consistently unveiled a strong connection between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and urinary tract infections, particularly among women of reproductive age. When exploring UTI management, it’s vital to recognize that underlying deficiencies can significantly contribute to recurring UTIs. A study conducted by Al-Kunooze University College, Iraq, uncovered a substantial presence of VDD in women experiencing recurrent UTIs, notably within specific age groups. This not only underscores the complexities of UTIs but also emphasises the importance of addressing potential deficiencies as part of a holistic approach to UTI management.
Unfortunately UTIs are on the rise and antibiotic resistance complicates mainstream treatment options. What we need is for women to be vocal about their symptoms and experiences. We need to share what works and what doesn’t. We need a community dedicated to unravelling the complexities of UTIs, fostering support, and collectively advancing towards effective solutions that transcend the limitations of conventional treatments.
Basil M, Chmagh AA, Hassan MS. The Predictive Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Urinary Tract Infection at Reproductive Age in Women. Open Access Maced J Med Sci [Internet]. 2022 Feb. 5 [cited 2023 Sep. 27];10(A):498-501. Available from: oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/8689
Falagas ME, Betsi GI, Tokas T, Athanasiou S. Probiotics for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a review of the evidence from microbiological and clinical studies. Drugs. 2006;66(9):1253-61. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200666090-00007. PMID: 16827601. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16827601/
Foxman, B. Recurring urinary tract infection: incidence and risk factors. Am J Public Health. 1990 Mar;80(3):331-3. doi: 10.2105/ajph.80.3.331. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2305919/
Scott, C. S. Victoria et. al. Fear and Frustration among Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Findings from Patient Focus Groups. The Journal of Urology. Official Journal of American Urological Association. doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000001843
Stapleton AE, Au-Yeung M, Hooton TM, Fredricks DN, Roberts PL, Czaja CA, Yarova-Yarovaya Y, Fiedler T, Cox M, Stamm WE. Randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of a Lactobacillus crispatus probiotic given intravaginally for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2011 May;52(10):1212-7. doi: 10.1093/cid/cir183. Epub 2011 Apr 14. PMID: 21498386; PMCID: PMC3079401. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21498386/
T. Akgül and T. Karakan. The role of probiotics in women with recurrent urinary tract infections. Turkish Journal of Urology. 2018 Sep; 44(5): 377–383. Published online 2018 Sep 1. doi: 10.5152/tud.2018.48742
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