Some yeast infection symptoms are similar to the symptoms associated with bladder problems. In many cases, the antibiotics that are prescribed for bladder infections actually trigger a yeast problem. If you are taking antibiotics for a yeast infection you should eat plain yogurt daily or take acidophilus capsules. This will help restore the proper PH balance in your body and will mitigate the chances of yeast infection occurring.

The same preventive methods that help ward of yeast infections can also be helpful in preventing bladder problems:

• Drink lots water every day. (If you have an active infection you should drink enough to pour out a good stream of urine every hour.)

• Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol and caffeine because both of these irritate the bladder.

• Try drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, which makes your urine more acidic and helps to prevent both urinary tract infections

• Avoid refined sugar because it aggravates yeast infections.

• Keep up your resistance by eating well, resting well, and finding ways to reduce the stress in your life.

Some people prefer an herbal approach to treating yeast infections and bladder problems. Before the discovery of sulfa drugs, the herb uva ursi (traditionally known as bearberry) was used as an antiseptic to treat urinary tract infections. Tea bags and extracts are now widely available.

The leaves' antiseptic effect results from the metabolic breaking down of the herb's glycosides into an antibacterial substance. The tea can be consumed three or four times a day. The taste is bitter and may cause nausea in children and those with sensitive stomachs. Pregnant women should avoid the herb entirely. Others should use it only for a few days at a time as it can be toxic with overuse.

Buchu leaves, from a South African shrub, have been used as a disinfectant diuretic for mild urinary tract inflammations. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoonful of buchu leaves. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. You can drink the tea two times a day.

Medical studies have found that the volatile oils in lovage contain a host of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic constituents that can soothe inflammation of the urinary tract. To make tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of minced dry lovage root. Steep for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink. The tea should not be consumed by people with kidney problems.

Parsley leaves and roots contain varying amounts of a volatile oil with diuretic properties. A parsley tea may be useful for mild bladder problems, to reduce the urinary tract inflammation, and to facilitate the passage of small kidney stones. Add 1 teaspoon of mixed leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Avoid the seeds and oil, which can be toxic in large doses. People with kidney disease should consult a doctor before using parsley to treat their bladder infections. For more info see on ingrown hair with yeast infection.

Both yeast infections and bladder irritation can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. If you have chronic symptoms you should talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your yeast infection and bladder irritation problems.