Cure a Urinary Tract Infection at Home
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment affecting more than 50% of women at some point in their life. So, understanding what they are, how they happen, and what you can do to treat their effects can make a big difference in managing your urinary health.
How can I treat a UTI at home?
When you’re currently feeling the discomfort of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and looking for some worthwhile approaches, there are a number of natural and available-at-home treatments you can consider trying.
It’s important to note that while none of these are guaranteed to cure your urinary tract infection, the risks are nominal for many people. The greatest factor to consider when trying one or more of these is that the infection worsens and you’ve delayed speaking to a physician. These treatments may be appropriate to try while you’re waiting to get an appointment.
Catching the symptoms early and contacting your healthcare provider can help you get ahead of the pain for more effective management.
| Likely Efficacy | Remedy | How it helps |
|---|---|---|
| High | D-mannose | D-mannose binds to UTI-causing bacteria for easier flushing out of the urinary tract. Many report relief within a day of beginning treatment. Learn more about D-mannose. |
| Med | Water | Staying hydrated helps flush out the urinary system and the bacteria causing pain – aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day. |
| Low-med | Baking soda | Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water may help neutralize acid in the urine. |
| Low-med | Cranberry juice | Cranberry (primarily in juice form) contains certain compounds (primarily believed to be fructose and a polymeric compound) that may prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, and have been used for decades for maintenance and control of a UTI. It’s also helpful in getting the additional fluids needed to fight off an infection. |
| Low-med | Dandelion tea | Dandelion tea is believed to behave as a diuretic, which means it can help increase urination and flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. |
| Low-med | Probiotics | Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore a natural balance in your digestive and urinary system and are increasingly important should you end up starting a course of antibiotics. |
| Low | Garlic | Garlic is well-known for its antimicrobial properties and may also help fight off bacteria responsible for UTIs. Some have found relief with garlic supplements. |
| Very low | Apple cider vinegar (ACV) | ACV contains a chemical called acetic acid, which is believed to fight off UTI infection-causing bacteria. The idea is that by drinking the vinegar, your pee becomes more acidic, which might help clear out the infection. While ACV might have some antibacterial properties, there’s limited evidence that it can cure a UTI at home. So while it probably won’t hurt to try it, ACV isn’t likely to make your UTI magically disappear. *Be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water instead of drinking it straight as it can be rough on your teeth, throat, and stomach. |
D-mannose: Powerful natural UTI healing
In our personal experience, one of the best natural remedies for helping relieve a UTI at home is the herbal supplement d-mannose. It is readily available in pill form and is extremely affordable.
What is D-mannose?
D-mannose is a type of monosaccharide sugar that occurs naturally in fruits like cranberries and blueberries, and one of eight essential glyconutrients that is required by the body to create glucose. And because it’s natural, D-mannose is well-tolerated by most people, won’t build up a tolerance for antibiotics (making them less effective when you really need them), and has few side effects.
It works by binding to the bacteria in your urinary tract, particularly E. coli, one of the most common causes of a UTI, preventing it from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and bladder, so that peeing will flush it out.
Because of how it works in the body, it can be used both as a preventive step and as a treatment for a full infection. Some people take D-mannose regularly to reduce the risk of recurring UTIs. If you’ve not been taking d-mannose regularly, it should be taken at the first sign of infection to help alleviate symptoms and speed recovery.
Is D-mannose safe?
Many available formulas also include dandelion and other herbs recommended to help in recovery. Because of its natural blend of UTI-fighting ingredients, many report a faster healing time than taking these ingredients in their whole format.
Research suggests that D-Mannose is safe and effective. That said, if you’re uncomfortable trying a natural remedy or are taking other prescriptions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Treating a UTI with Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a class of medication that helps your body by fighting off infections caused by invading bacteria. Generally, antibiotics kill bacteria by stopping them from growing, interfering with their cellular walls. This inhibits protein synthesis, disrupting their metabolic pathways, allowing your body to heal and recover.
In a urinary or bladder infection, Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the common cause that sneak into your urinary tract to cause trouble.
Your healthcare provider may conduct diagnostic tests, such as a urinalysis or urine culture. This will confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Prescribed antibiotics for UTIs often include:
Trimethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim/Septra)
- Two medicines combine to form this antibiotic – trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. They work by preventing bacteria from making essential proteins, which they need to grow and multiply. They are often a first-line treatment for UTIs available in both pill and liquid form. Antibiotic resistance can reduce the efficacy of this medication.
Nitrofurantoin
- Nitrofurantoin works by damaging the bacteria’s DNA, stopping them from growing and reproducing and works mainly in the lower urinary tract. It’s available in pill or liquid form.
Ciprofloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin is a class of antibiotics called quinolone. It works by killing or otherwise interfering with the bacteria’s ability to replicate DNA. It’s often used to treat more severe UTIs and is available in capsule or liquid forms.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that disrupts the bacteria’s cell wall, causing them to burst and die. It’s a less common prescription for a UTI but may be prescribed in certain cases, like pregnancy.
It’s important to take the full prescription of antibiotics as dictated, even if your symptoms improve before you finish the medication. This helps ensure that all the bacteria are eliminated, reducing the risk of recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate UTI discomfort, including pain or fever. You should drink plenty of water and fluids to help flush out the bacteria and promote healing.
The darker side of antibiotics
While antibiotics can be effective in treating UTIs, they can also have side effects that you should be aware of. These include:
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Disruption of the natural balance of bacteria in your body.
- Some women report an overgrowth of yeast and causing a yeast infection.
- Antibiotics can cause allergic reactions in some people, including hives, rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, where bacteria become less effective to subsequent treatments. This makes future UTI’s harder to treat and cure.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your medical provider.
Natural home remedies for treatment and prevention can be a sustainable option for some women, particularly for mild or recurring UTIs. They are best taken under supervision of a physician, if one is available.
What causes a UTI and how do I prevent infections?
Understanding the anatomy that contributes to a UTI can help make sense of how and why infections occur – and how to prevent them.
The urinary complex consists of several parts, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It’s like a system of pipes that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder for storage. Urine then exits the body through the urethra.
When bacteria enter and reproduce in the urinary system, they adhere to the walls of the urinary tract . This can cause an infection leading to both inflammation and irritation.
UTI Prevention Measures
While UTIs are often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, you can take precautions to reduce your risk of developing them. Daily measures include:
- Drinking lots of water helps flush out bacteria from the urinary system. It also dilutes urine, so it’s less concentrated and less likely to promote bacterial growth.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom so that bacteria is less likely to enter the urethra. Be sure to avoid using harsh and/or scented soap in the genital area. They can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
- Emptying your bladder after sexual activity helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.
- Try to urinate often and don’t delay bathroom trips when you feel the need. Holding in urine for extended periods can allow bacteria to multiply in the bladder and increase the risk of infection.
- Add d-mannose to your daily routine.
When to seek medical attention
It’s essential to seek out medical attention if you experience severe or persistent symptoms of a UTI. Schedule an appointment with your health practitioner if:
- Symptoms don’t improve within a few days of trying home remedies.
- Severe or persistent symptoms occur, such as high fever, intense pain, or bloody urine.
- Multiple recurrent UTIs – defined as two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within one year.
- You experience a UTI often or have underlying health conditions that may increase complications, such as pregnancy.
Your provider will likely perform tests, such as a urinalysis or urine culture, to confirm your symptoms are a UTI. They’ll then often prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan. In cases, antibiotics may be necessary for effective treatment.
If it’s not a UTI, what else could it be?
In some cases, further evaluation or imaging may be necessary to rule out other possible causes of similar symptoms. Other culprits could include:
- Yeast infections:
- Yeast infections can cause symptoms like itching, burning, and unusual discharge in the genital area. While they’re not the same as UTIs, they can sometimes be confused with them, especially in women.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
- Some STIs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause symptoms similar to UTIs, such as pain when peeing or unusual discharge. If you’re sexually active and experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor for testing and treatment.
- Bladder or kidney stones:
- Bladder or kidney stones can cause pain or discomfort in the lower belly or back, similar to UTI pain. These stones are hard, pebble-like masses that form in the bladder or kidneys and can cause blockages or irritation.
- Interstitial cystitis:
- Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes pain or pressure in the bladder and pelvic area. It can cause symptoms similar to UTIs, such as urgent urination, but it’s not from bacteria like UTIs.
- Prostatitis:
- Prostatitis is a condition that affects the prostate gland in men and can cause symptoms like burning pain when peeing. It also cuases pain in the pelvic area or lower back. It’s not the same as a UTI, but it can cause similar symptoms.
Summary
Urinary tract infections are a common occurrence that can cause discomfort, and sometimes severe pain. But understanding the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies, you can take proactive steps to protect your health at home.
Remember to drink plenty of water, practice good hygiene, and seek out medical care if you experience severe or recurrent symptoms.
Our experience is that UTIs are painful, but pursuing a natural course of treatment is often preferred to antibiotics due to the long-term damage they can inflict on the body beyond the specifically targeted E. Coli. It’s often useful to increase water intake, natural foods such as cranberries and blueberries, but we’ve found that D-Mannose is an affordable and quick way to cure a bladder and UTI infection at home.
Resources:
D-mannose for preventing and treating of urinary tract infections
An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections