Painful and frequent urination are two relatively common symptoms that often indicate an infection somewhere within your urinary tract. According to MayoClinic.com, painful and frequent urination may occur in conjunction with other urinary tract symptoms, including loss of bladder control, increased urinary urgency and unusual urine color. If you are considering using dietary supplements in treating your painful and frequent urination, meet with your doctor to review the risks and benefits associated with this natural treatment method.
Painful and Frequent Urination
There are numerous possible causes of painful or frequent urination, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, including urinary tract infections, vaginitis, vulvitis, interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, urinary retention and gonorrhea -- or chlamydia-induced urethritis. In most cases, your doctor will perform a physical examination and urinalysis to determine the underlying cause of your painful or frequent urination, although additional tests -- such as a urine culture or pelvic examination -- may be necessary.
Useful Supplements
Dietary supplements have been used for many years to help treat painful and frequent urination, although not all supplements that have been used for these purposes may be backed by valid scientific research evidence. Naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that vitamin C, vitamin A, bioflavonoids, bearberry, goldenseal, sandalwood, garlic, beta-carotene, zinc and choline may be among the most effective in treating painful and frequent urination.
Supplement in Focus
Bearberry, also known as uva ursi, may be one of the most helpful dietary supplements in treating your painful and frequent urination. Bearberry, notes Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that bearberry may be particularly helpful in treating irritation of your genitourinary tract -- one of the most common causes of painful and frequent urination. Bearberry is also a potent antibacterial agent and is commonly used in treating urinary tract infections. Ask your doctor if bearberry would be beneficial for your condition.
Considerations
Painful and frequent urination may be indicative of an underlying health problem that requires the attention and intervention of a qualified health care professional. If you suffer from these urinary tract symptoms, visit your doctor at your earliest possible convenience for a thorough checkup. Your doctor can counsel you on the side effects, procedures and limitations associated with dietary supplements. Some supplements contain powerful medicinal ingredients, and all supplements should be used with great caution.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Frequent Urination
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urination - Painful - Overview
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
