Bladder infection after sex

Submitted by SarahLi on July 14, 2014 - 2:34pm
Body: 

Hi Everyone!

I have a cystocele and possibly a rectocele. I can feel the bulge of my cystocele, but it's still inside my body. I haven't been checked by a doctor.

I've recently begun having sex again after not having sex for about a year. My partner and I are both std free and bathe frequently.

I've had the symptoms of a bladder infection for the past couple of weeks. I've tried the homeopathic remedy Equisetum 6x along with D-Mannose. The symptoms temporarily subside, but return within a day or two. I should add that I stop the Equisetum and D-Mannose as soon as the symptoms lessen. Maybe I should continue taking them for a few days afterwords? I'm 59 and have been post menopausal for 2 years and I've never been prone to bladder infections.

I'm still reading the book and have not started the exercises yet, but I've been trying to stay in the posture most of my waking hours, whenever possible.

Can a cystocele and/or a rectocele contribute to a bladder infection?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Forum:

sevilla555

July 14, 2014 - 8:22pm

Hi Sarah,

I don't really know if cystocele/rectocele actually ''çontribute'' to getting bladder infections as such. I too have a cystocele. What I DO know is that oftentimes, when one is menopausal/post-menopausal, the change in a woman's hormones can often mimic the symptoms of a bladder infection. I say this because when I would go to get checked-out for what I THOUGHT was a bladder infection, the sample would come back negative even after being cultured. Even BEFORE I became menopausal and before my prolapse, I used to be prone to bladder infections and would usually end up on the antibiotic Cipro wich I hate. The last few times I had symptoms of what I thought to be a bladder infection turned out to be hormonal imbalances due to menopause and I occasionally use an intra-vaginal hormone cream which does help called Premarin.

Did you give a urine specimen to be analyzed?

Hope you feel better.

sevilla

Aging gracefully

July 14, 2014 - 9:18pm

When I was younger, and had intermittent sex, I would always end up with a yeast infection.
I have heard of sex causing bacteria to get into the urethra also, but I am wondering if you are completely emptying your bladder. Having a small amount of urine left in the bladder can sometimes be the biggest culprit to bladder infections.
Christine talks about using a dab of honey twice a day for the post menopausal vagina, because it can help build the good bacteria and create moistness. Just something to consider.

SarahLi

July 14, 2014 - 11:06pm

Hi Sevilla,

Thank you! I haven't been to the doctor yet. I'm not prone to getting bladder infections, but this sure feels like one. I didn't know a hormonal imbalance could mimic the symptoms of a bladder infection- that's very helpful to know. I had a consultation with my homeopathic doctor today and will take the homeopathic remedies he recommended and will let you know how it goes.

All the best,
Sarah

SarahLi

July 14, 2014 - 11:15pm

Dear Aging gracefully,

That's a good point- I may not always completely empty my bladder. I think that will be easier once I get the hang of the posture, although I'm much more aware now after watching 'First Aid for Prolapse'. I love the dab of honey in the vagina advice! I'm going to try it. Thank you!

All the best,
Sarah

disfiguredwoman

July 15, 2014 - 6:27am

I believe Cystocele can be a contributor to repeated UTIs. My docs kept putting me on CIPRO or NITROFURANTOIN but the infections always came back. What started to lessen my chances of getting UTIs was drinking concentrated cranberry juice daily ( UNdiluted, No sugar) and urinating on all fours so I can empty my bladder more successfully. I drink at least 2 glasses of the concentrated cranberry juice daily ( more if diluted or a cocktail) and use a bedside commode so I can Posture myself to urinate much better. That also lessens the chance urine will leak down my leg once I get off the toilet (or commode) seat. I am finding out sleeping on my belly helps with bedtime leakage since it keeps the pressure of my cystocele off the bladder.

Surviving60

July 15, 2014 - 1:29pm

I understand what you're saying here, DW, but your last sentence could be a little confusing to a newbie. The cystocele bulge IS the bladder, which is bulging into the vagina through the front vaginal wall. - Surviving

Aussie Soul Sister

July 15, 2014 - 8:49pm

Hi SarahLi,
My advice and I know it is not very romantic,
is to always empty bladder after intercourse.
That is why UTIs were termed the woman honeymooner's most common issue...
Best wishes,
Aussie Soul Sister

Surviving60

July 16, 2014 - 4:59am

I agree with Soul Sis, especially if it seems the problem started after resuming sex. Also, do you splint at all? If so - take extra care with clean hands and not contaminating the vagina with anything picked up from the anal area. - Surviving

kiki

July 27, 2014 - 4:19pm

I recently discovered D-Mannose--was so lucky that when i had an infection whilst traveling, a local pharmacy suggested it. it has been saviour! however I too found that the infection came back quite soon after stopping. upon returning home i found a company here who had a much more in depth protocol--every 2 - 3 hours for several days, then carry on but with less as prevention. if you google Waterfall D-Mannose Johnny Appleseed you get their recommendations which I have found very useful.
I'm carrying on regularl once a day, more often with sex,, and my irritable bladder symptoms are pretty much gone. they were linked to sugar, but now i realize they were probably low level bacteria hanging around after an infection i had a year ago….