wpmom: I also had an ureterocele and had to undergo kidney and bladder-surgery as a child. Now there is scar tissue in the bladder wall, on which bacteria can cling easily. All the same I had intervalls of 4 years without the least bladder-problems. Please read the following, which I have found on the Interstitial-Cystitis-Association-site (address was mentioned by someone else above). I think these tips might bring some help even if somebody is not on b.c. pill. "Ever since I started using [generic name] (Desogen), an oral contraceptive, I have had decreased vaginal lubrication, urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, and my sexual desire has decreased significantly. What canyou suggest to remedy these problems?""Utilizing the birth control pill has been associated with an increased incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) by about two to one. Also, since there is a decrease in vaginal acidity, the incidence of vaginal yeast infections can also be increased. When someone has a low level vaginal infection, lubrication also tends to be decreasedsignificantly. Hormone levels which affect sexual desire may also be affected. In any event, when one has a flare in interstitial cystitis, a UTI, vaginal infection, sexual desire tends to be diminished. Recommendations to correct these problems might include a trip to the gynecologist to get a vaginal culture including a wet mount and microscope analysis to make sure that there is not a low grade bacterial infection (vaginosis) or ovegrowth of yeast (candidiasis). If either of these conditions is found, it needs to be treated, the bacterial vaginosis with a Flagyl-based cream or antibiotics and the vaginal yeast infection with an anti-fungal agent. Once this has been accomplished, then the vagina's ecosystem should be returned to normal. Normal vaginal conditions can be maintained by several means. One is douching with lactobacillus acidophilus (available at health food stores) or by placing lactobacillus acidophilus or boric acid capsules, or aloe vera/boric acid gel, in the vagina. Some women find that taking sitz baths with eight ounces hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes three times a week. The relativeshortness of the female urethra, about four inches, makes it easy for bacteria to travel into the bladder. Consequently, UTIs tend to increase in incidence when there are vaginal infections. Since we know that IC-affected bladders likely have a defective lining, the bacteria may adhere more readily than to the lining of a normal bladder. Things to do to prevent the urinary tract infections include: drinking 1 swallow of water every fiveminutes during the day to maintain a constant flow of urine from the kidneys, alkalizing the urine with antacid tablets, baking soda, or potassium citrate (Polycitra) or taking a cranberry pill with meals, in addition to treating any vaginal infection. One can check for the presence of infection by identifying white blood cells in the urine witha home dip stick test (a leukocyte esterase test). If white blood cells are present, previously prescribed antibioticscan be taken for 48 hours, followed up with an office visit to make sure that the infection has been eradicated.Various methods for treating recurrent UTIs are discussed in greater detail in Overcoming Bladder Disorders, which is available through ICA Resources. Kristene E. Whitmore"
