Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

260 • HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPDISORDERCYSTITISThis term is used generally to describe increased frequencyof urination with pain, but cystitis proper is inflammation of thebladder due to infection from the bowel. It may be accompaniedby fever and a burning sensation when urinating. Cystitis mainlyaffects women; the female urethra is short and easily invaded bygerms. The condition may be exacerbated by stress, antibiotics,contraceptives, poor diet, food allergy, poor personal hygiene,tights or underwear, and sexual intercourse.SELF-HELP Increase the alkalinity of the urine by drinking 10 fl oz(300 ml) of cold water every 20 minutes. Avoid tea, coffee, andalcohol. Cystitis may be aggravated by some foods, such asasparagus, beets, citrus fruits, strawberries, milk, ice cream, spicyfoods, and junk foods. Never suppress the urge to urinate,and be scrupulous about personal hygiene. Avoid using tampons,douches, and perfumed bath products. Use lubrication during sexualintercourse. Urinate after intercourse.CAUTION If there is pain in the kidneys or blood in the urine, or if anattack lasts for more than 48 hours, see a doctor.VAGINAL THRUSHThrush is caused by a fungus, Candida albicans. Symptoms includeitchiness or soreness of the vagina and vulva, discharge, andfrequent urination. Acidifying, infection-fighting bacteria thatoccur naturally in the vagina can be destroyed by antibiotics,contraceptives, vaginal deodorants, and medicated douches.Thrush is aggravated by stress, overwork, hormonal imbalance,pregnancy, and wearing tight clothes.SELF-HELP Avoid all potential irritants. Scrub underwear with unsalteddetergent before washing it. Use lubrication and condoms duringsexual intercourse. Allow air to reach the vagina as often aspossible. Avoid sugar and yeast. Follow antibiotics with an acidophilicsupplement (such as live yogurt). Douche the vagina three timesa day with 5 oz (150 g) natural live yogurt diluted in 1½ quarts(liters) of boiled, cooled water or a weak solution of fresh lemonjuice or vinegar (1 tbsp) and water (10 fl oz/300 ml). Acidifyingpreparations are available over the counter.CAUTION If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.VAGINISMUSThis is an unusual condition in which the muscles surroundingthe entrance of the vagina go into spasm. This makes sexualintercourse, medical examination of the vagina, or the useof tampons painful or even impossible. The spasms may beaccompanied by arching of the back and straightening and drawingtogether of the legs. Vaginismus usually occurs in women who areanxious about penetration of the vagina as a result of a previousmedical condition or examination, trauma such as sexual abuse,or psychological factors such as fear or guilt associated withsexual intercourse.SELF-HELP Practice relaxation techniques (see page 217), meditation,or yoga before any vaginal invasion.CAUTION If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for referral toa gynaecologist or a psychosexual therapist.SPECIFIC AILMENTCystitis with cutting,burning painsCystitis with irritabilityCystitis with a feelingof resentmentThrush with itching in thevulva that is worse beforemenstruationThrush with dischargethat is worse aftersexual intercourseThrush with itchingin the rectumExtreme sensitivity of thevagina and the vulvaVaginismus after medicalexaminationVaginismus secondaryto griefPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Burning, cutting pains in the lower abdomen• Constant urge to urinate and a sensation asthough the bladder cannot be emptied properly• Only small amounts of urine are passed• Aching in the small of the back• Only small amounts of urine are passeddespite frequent urging• Chilliness• Sensation as though a drop of urine isconstantly trickling through the urethra• Possible association with surgery to theurinary tract or other vaginal invasion, includingsexual intercourse• Itching of the vagina and vulva that is worseafter urination and before menstruation• Possible vaginal warts• Possible chronic headacheor increased appetite• Itching of the vagina and vulva• White, offensive-smelling discharge that isworse after sexual intercourse• Soreness and burning in the vagina• Possible ulceration of the labia• Itching in the rectum and around the anus• Offensive-smelling, yellow or whitevaginal discharge• Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse• Alternating constipation and diarrhea• Flatulence• Oversensitivity of the vagina and vulva• Increased sexual desire despite symptoms• Possible retention of urine• Constipation that is accompanied by colickyabdominal pains• Extreme sensitivity of the vagina and vulva• Possible irritation of the bladder• Vaginismus is spasmodic and erratic• Itching of the vulva that extends into the vagina• Possible association with a lump in the throat