A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an umbrella term that encompasses infections of the upper urinary tract—which possibly includes the kidneys (pyelonephritis)—as well as of the lower urinary tract, which possibly includes the bladder (cystitis).
The term UTI is most commonly used interchangeably with those infections involving the lower urinary tract, which generally present as causing mild to moderate pain or discomfort.
These UTIs can cause burning sensations while urinating, a sense of urinary urgency or frequency, and pelvic pain; more severe infections may cause flank pain, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. While medications can treat UTIs quickly, many people also find relief from their UTI symptoms with home remedies.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular home remedies for UTIs:
Wipe correctly
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| Wipe Correctly |
One of the best things to do to prevent UTIs at home is to stay as clean and dry as possible. Wiping from front to back after urinating or a bowel movement will help keep bacteria from entering the urethra and traveling up the urinary tract.
Wear cotton underwear
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| Cotton Underwear |
Wear underwear made from natural fibers to ensure that the urethra stays as clean and dry as possible to prevent bacterial entry. Wearing clothing that’s too tight can block airflow to the urethra. Without airflow, bacteria can gain entry and breed an environment that allows the development of a UTI. Wearing clothes made from synthetic fibers like nylon can trap moisture, allowing bacterial growth.
Don’t douche
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| Do'nt Douche |
The presence of any bacteria in the urinary tract does not mean the presence of infection; “good” bacteria is present and is important for maintaining a healthy equilibrium. In addition to “bad” bacteria, douching can eliminate this “good” bacteria and change your body’s pH balance. Ultimately this may allow the “bad” bacteria to flourish. The vagina cleans itself via discharge. If you still feel the need to wash up down there, use a pH-balanced formula, like Summers Eve.
Switch soaps
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| Switch Soaps |
Your bubble bath, body wash, and other cleaning products could be the culprit to your UTIs. Use sensitive formulas that are dye- and fragrance-free.
5. Change menstrual pads, tampons, or cups frequently
Low-absorbency pads made of synthetic materials can expose your vulva to bacteria and increase your risk of infection. Using tampons can encourage bacteria to develop faster, so it’s important to change your tampon regularly. Tampons and menstrual cups may increase your risk of getting or worsening a UTI if it’s not positioned correctly. If it pushes on your urethra and traps your urine, bacteria can spread to the bladder. Changing the size or shape of a menstrual cup may help prevent recurrent UTIs.
Avoid spermicides
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| Avoid Spermicides |
Spermicide is a type of birth control that is inserted into the vagina before sex to kill sperm. Spermicides may cause irritation, removing natural barriers of protection from bacterial invasion (and ultimately infection). Avoiding spermicides while experiencing a UTI is recommended. Additionally, urinating before and immediately after sex can help prevent UTIs.
Apply heat
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| Apply Heat |
Having a UTI can cause discomfort or pain in the pubic area. Heating pads or hot water bottles can help soothe pain in that area and are easy to use. Applying heat to the pelvic area for about 15 minutes can make a big difference. Making sure the temperature isn’t too hot and that the heat source doesn’t directly touch the skin will prevent any irritation or burning. Taking a warm bath may sound like a logical solution to relieve UTI pain, but most healthcare professionals advise against bubble baths. If you do take a bath, eliminate the soap and suds and limit the amount of time you soak.
Hydrate
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| Hydrate |
One of the best home remedies for UTIs is to drink lots of water. Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria out of the body. Harvard Health recommends that the average healthy person drink at least four to six cups of water daily.
Drink cranberry juice
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| Drink Cranberry Juice |
When bacteria attach to cell walls in the urinary tract, this can cause a urinary tract infection. Proanthocyanidins, which are the active ingredient in cranberry juice, can help prevent bacteria from attaching to urinary tract walls, which could help prevent UTIs. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information says that cranberry juice reduces the number of UTIs a person can develop over 12 months.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice to treat UTIs is highly debated in the medical community. While drinking the juice might help some people, it may not work for others. It’s ultimately up to each individual to decide whether or not cranberry juice has a place in the treatment of their UTI.
Urinate often
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| Urinate Often |
Urinating often while experiencing a UTI will help flush bacteria out of the urethra. Resisting the urge to pee can keep bacteria that’s in urine trapped in the bladder, which could make UTIs worse. Urinating before and after sexual intercourse will also help minimize the amount of bacteria that enter the urethra.
Eat more garlic
Eat Garlic
Consuming garlic is a great way to boost your immune system, and garlic is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Allicin, one of the compounds in garlic, has antimicrobial properties that have proven to be effective at killing E. coli.
Eat less sugar
“Diet can be huge in the prevention of UTI since it is caused by a bacterial infection,” says Sarah Emily Sajdak, DAOM, a doctor of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in New York City. “Bacteria love sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more you’re feeding the infection.”
Supplement with probiotics
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| Supplement Probiotics |
Probiotics are supplements of “good” bacteria that help support a healthy gut and immune system. They can help keep harmful bacteria from flourishing and help treat and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. The probiotic lactobacillus has proven especially effective at UTI prevention for women.
There are many different types of probiotics available for purchase at grocery stores or health food stores. If you’re interested in taking them for UTIs and don’t know which kind to get, speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Try herbal remedies
Uva ursi is an herb that has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and urinary antiseptic properties. Uva ursi has shown to be effective at treating and preventing UTIs. It can be purchased from health food stores and should be taken as directed by a nutritionist or healthcare professional.
In addition to uva ursi, Sajdak recommends the following natural supplements to prevent UTIs:
- Cranberry extract
- Echinacea
- Goldenseal
- Dandelion root
- D-mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that can help keep bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall. Some studies show that taking D-mannose powder with water can help prevent UTIs, especially for people who get them frequently.
All herbal supplements should be taken in consultation with a healthcare professional, as they may interact with other medications you are taking for other indications.
Use essential oils with caution
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| Use Herbal Oil |
Oregano essential oil is well known for its strong antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that oregano oil can be very effective at killing E.coli, but it should be noted these studies are generally done in vitro—meaning in a lab using scientific techniques, not performed in humans with infections. Lemongrass oil and clove oil may also be a home remedy for UTIs because of their antimicrobial properties, but both have been studied against harmful bacteria in similar experiments as Oregano oil.
