Meera had just returned from her honeymoon. She was unpacking the luggage.
“Meera, do all those things later. Go and freshen up, sweetheart,” said Arjun, nudging her towards the bathroom. “You have had a 5-hour flight, dear. It’s important to take care of your health, too. Cleaning, unpacking things can wait. I will also help. First, you need to eat or drink something. When was the last time you had water?” asked Arjun, mocking an angry tone.
“Ya… I am going to the bathroom,” said Meera, finally succumbing to the words of her husband.
Inside the washroom, as she started to pass urine, a sudden burning sensation began from her urethra, which spread as an ache throughout her abdomen. Meera panicked. That was her first time in her life she was experiencing such a weird sensation. She sat there lost in thought for some time. “Oh God! If my mom were near me, I could have told her. Whom will I tell this to now? I am embarrassed to say to Arjun. The honeymoon phase is not over yet. A newly wed bride is supposed to be happy and cheerful, not sick and in bed. Maybe it’s because of all those travels. When was the last time I drank water? Maybe just a sip of water on the flight? What could I have done? It was my first day in flight, and I was afraid to use the lavatory on the flight. So, I did not drink water. And after coming home, I was so busy unpacking that I didn’t even care to pass urine.” A thousand thoughts passed through Meera’s mind within seconds.
“Meera, Hurry up…. I have cooked your favorite breakfast…” screamed Arjun from outside. It made Meera jump.
“Maybe it will pass by itself. I will not ruin the romantic moment now.” Meera ignored her burning sensation and took a bath.
The whole day, the burning sensation prevailed. But Meera was busy doing her customary rituals and greetings as a newlywed. As evening arrived, Arjun pulled Meera aside, “Sit for some time with me too. Let the rituals wait,” and hugged her tightly.
“But Meera, you are having a fever. Why did you not tell me?” asked Arjun, panicked by the heat from Meera’s body.
“Hey, it’s nothing Arjun…I will be alright. I just need some rest.” Said Meera casually.
“No. You are coming with me right now to the hospital.” Insisted a stern Arjun.
The Doctor’s room was filled with the scent of tulsi.
“Hi…May I know what made you come here?” asked Dr. Sruthi, making the couple sit on the sofa next to her. She enquired about everything in detail.
After that, she did an examination of Meera. Once Meera was comfortable, Dr. Sruthi started explaining to Meera.
“I think you are suffering from honeymoon UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). We call it Honeymoon Cystitis.”
“Doctor, is it something serious?” asked a concerned Meera.
“It is the UTI that is common among newlyweds. In Ayurveda, we call this by the name mutrakricchra. It is a painful condition. It can be caused due to the aggravation of vata and pitta doshas. The sudden frequency of sexual activity, dehydration, lack of rest, and holding urine too long can disturb the natural balance. The body, overwhelmed by this novel condition, simply asks for gentleness. It is asking you to take, rest, Meera.”
“So. what do we need to do now, doctor?” asked a concerned Arjun.
“ I will prescribe Meera some medications. Take fluids throughout the day. It can be in the form of water boiled with a pinch of ushira or coriander seeds. You should also take one teaspoon of Indukantham ghritham at bedtime to soothe the inflamed mutravaha srotas and to promote immunity to fight against the prevailing infection. You should also drink 1 litre of water boiled with 10 grams of Gokshura. Guduchi and Shatavari decoction are also good for cooling and repairing. You should follow a light diet, and try to avoid spicy foods and sour curds that inflame Pitta. And most importantly, take rest. Avoid sexual intercourse for a few days.” Said Dr. Sruthi.
“ Is there anything else that we need to follow in general for preventing such infections in the future ?” asked Arjun, holding Meera’s hands.
“Good question, Arjun.” Said Dr. Sruthi. “Yes, there are certain things that you have to keep in mind. You should hydrate well before and after intercourse. Urinate soon after intercourse to clear bacteria. Avoid synthetic undergarments. You should always go for breathable cotton. You should also practice gentle genital hygiene. You should never use harsh soaps or vaginal washes, which can disrupt the pH level of that area. In day-to-day life, include Gokshura, Ushira, Guduchi, and Coconut water in the diet. Maintain emotional calm. Stress can disturb immunity and dosha balance. Healing isn’t just physical. You’re adjusting to a new life. Your body, mind, and soul should also get adjusted to a new rhythm of love. It will take time. You need patience for that.”
The couple returned home with a smile on their faces.
“Why didn’t you tell me if you were having this much discomfort?” asked Arjun, handing over a cup of Gokshura water to Meera.
“I did not want to destroy our moments, Arjun. I thought you would be disturbed if you found this out. I was also embarrassed,” Said Meera.
“Marriage is not about being physical, Meera. We need to be together mentally, too. Nothing is important to me than your health. As the doctor said, we will be patient. We will understand each other more. After all, love isn’t always about passion; it is about being with each other in silence too,” said Arjun.
