Edison, NJ (PRWEB / PRWEB) August 26, 2009 -- According to Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., featured urologist in the new Cystex "Know Your Bladder Better" video series and author of "A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract Problems in Women," (Copernicus Books, 2006), "Cranberries contain chemicals called proanthocyanidins (PACS) which prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the cells lining the urinary tract. This lowers the risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) because E. coli is responsible for 85% of UTIs."
However, while cranberries can aid in UTI prevention, Dr. Kavaler says that once you have this type of infection, cranberries in any form will do little to help treat it, and can actually exacerbate the painful urination that is one of the main symptoms associated with a UTI.
"The pain of a UTI is caused by irritation and inflammation of the urethra and urethral opening. Once you have a urinary tract infection, the same acid in the cranberry juice that acidifies the urine to help keep bacteria at bay can actually increase the irritation and cause more pain when urinating," she explains.
She advises that the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see your healthcare provider who will take a culture to confirm that you have a UTI and if so, will prescribe a course of antibiotics. In the meantime, however, while waiting to see your doctor, take the over-the-counter urinary pain relief medication Cystex to help calm the symptoms.
To help women better understand their bladder health, Dr. Kavaler is the featured expert of the new Cystex "Know Your Bladder Better" video series at www.cystex.com. An embeddable video player allows you to post the videos on a Web site, blog, etc. Women can also connect with Dr. Kavaler directly by visiting the interactive feature "Ask the Urologist."
Please note that the new "Ask the Urologist" and Q&A with Dr. Kavaler on the Cystex Web site (www.cystex.com) or other sites associated with the Cystex Web site is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a personal medical diagnosis or formal medical advice. If you have any health questions or concerns, we recommend that you seek medical advice from your physician.
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