Home Remedies for Frequent UTIs: How To Treat and Prevent Them From Coming Back
Urinary tract infections typically show up uninvited in the worst way: usually with unexpected pain and burning while emptying your bladder. This surprise visit is frustrating at best and intolerably painful at worst. While antibiotics are your best defense in ridding your body of a urinary tract infection, there are ways to treat or alleviate the symptoms of a bladder infection immediately, at home.
Do at-home remedies for UTIs really work?
The short answer: it depends. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (which typically show up in younger, premenopausal women) can benefit from some home remedies. In fact, 25–42 percent of these infections may heal on their own, according to a study published in 2017.
Complicated UTIs tend to emerge in pregnant or post-menopausal women as well as men. The criteria for urinary infections to be considered “complicated” is if you’ve had recurrent UTIs (more than 2 infections in 6 months or 3 or more in a year) have a medical condition that impacts immunity such as lupus or HIV, or previous bladder infections have been resistant to antibiotic treatment.
While home remedies may help to prevent the recurrence of complicated UTIs, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider and discuss submitting a urine culture test, or an advanced UTI test if you have experienced multiple UTIs in a year, as it most likely warrants antibiotic treatment.
Are you struggling with frequent urinary tract infections?
How to treat a UTI at home
1. DRINK MORE WATER – this seems simple and intuitive but many individuals who struggle with chronic UTIs avoid drinking water to avoid the painful urination. This is counter-intuitive as water flushes out the bladder and can help move the bacteria out. While the amount of water one should drink is dependent on the individual, aim for at least 8 full glasses a day.
2. CRANBERRY SUPPLEMENTS – The data on why it works is mixed – some studies say cranberries don’t allow the bacteria to cling to the bladder wall while other researchers believe that it acts as a “bladder irritant” and can help to flush the infection out faster. Regardless, the supplement should contain the key ingredient Proanthocyanidins, or PAC for short . More on PACS & how much her need. Bottom line, its a safety measure that can’t harm or exacerbate the symptoms of a UTI
3. DON’T HOLD IT – GO GO GO – no, we’re not sadists – we understand that urinating when dealing with a UTI is not what you’d call an enjoyable hobby. Frequently urinating will help flush the bacteria out and not allow it to multiply – this is where all that water you’re drinking will help you. It can shorten the life of the infection – as miserable as it may feel in the short run, it’s better in the long run.
4. TAKE PROBIOTICS, GARLIC, & VITAMIN C – but maybe not at the same time as to not give your taste buds a shock. Studies show that these 3 supplements can help battle bacteria and boost immunity – see the link section below to learn more about the science behind it.
5. MANAGE THE PAIN – while waiting on your test results, find relief in some OTC pain relievers such as Cystex or Azo, which are formulated for those dealing with pain from urinary tract infections. These pain relievers will conceal the pain of the associated with the infection, they do not treat the infection itself, so it’s important to still seek professional care for testing and an antibiotic.
6. TRY D-MANNOSE – Many individuals with recurrent UTIs report great success in prevention by taking this supplement daily. Available in either pill or powder (to be mixed with water), this type of sugar supplement might block certain bacteria adhering to the bladder or urinary tract which leads to the infection.
7. WOMEN: PEE AFTER SEX & WIPE FRONT TO BACK – A female’s urinary tract is much shorter than a man’s and is also closer to the vagina and anus. This close proximity can make the introduction of bacteria from sex and bowel movements into the urinary tract much easier. By urinating following intercourse, it’s thought to flush out bacteria that could lead to a UTI. And after urinating or passing a bowel movement, start wiping at the vulva (front) and ending at the end anus (back).
Although it isn’t always easy or convenient to go to the doctor’s office every time you experience a UTI, there are certain symptoms you should never ignore.
Trying the home remedies listed above will not exacerbate your UTI symptoms, but it’s important to listen and observe your body. If you continue to experience UTI symptoms, it is important to get a reliable test to ensure you are prescribed the appropriate medicate to eliminate the infection.
Many companies are now offering FAST telemedicine appointments for management and treatment of UTIs, check out the MyUTI physician locator. Remember to reach out to your doctor if you have had multiple UTIs in a year or if your symptoms persist over more than a few days.
SOURCES:
https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(16)30250-0/fulltext
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5522788/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19934866/urinary-tract-infections-what-not-to-do/
