How Can I Get Rid of a UTI Fast 7 Home Remedies

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1 How Can I Get Rid of a UTI Fast? 7 Home Remedies

How Can I Get Rid of a UTI Fast? 7 Home Remedies

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects the urethra and bladder. Home remedies for UTIs include cranberry juice, probiotics, D-mannose extract, and more.

Most women (and many men) have experienced the uncomfortable sensation of a UTI. Around 25% of women experience a second UTI within six months of the first. You may have considered turning to the internet or trying a friend’s herbal remedy, but you might be unsure if treating it yourself is a good idea.

How do you determine when to use home remedies for UTIs or visit a doctor? Learn how to recognize UTI symptoms, discover science-backed home remedies, and identify more severe UTIs that require medical attention.

A UTI can affect any part of your urinary tract, but when people refer to UTIs, they typically mean urethral and bladder infections caused by bacteria.

Other UTIs may involve the ureters and kidneys. Kidney infections, which can cause fever, chills, and nausea, are dangerous if left untreated. It’s possible for an untreated UTI to develop into a kidney infection. Seek immediate care if your symptoms seem more severe than those listed below.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

A single UTI is an uncomfortable annoyance that can usually be treated with medication and time. However, frequent UTIs can be physically and emotionally burdensome. The following symptoms may indicate a milder UTI that can be treated with home remedies:

Increased frequency of urination
Tenderness around the bladder area and a burning sensation during urination
Urge to urinate but inability to do so

What causes a UTI?

In one of the common forms of UTI, E. coli bacteria from the anus enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. While over 60% of women will experience one or multiple UTIs, only about 12% of men will have one. This is likely because women have shorter urethras that are closer to the anus. Risk factors for UTIs include:

Wiping from back to front (for individuals with a vagina), which allows bacteria to enter the urethra from the anus
Not urinating after sexual activity to flush bacteria out of the urethra
Menopause
Inadequate hydration
Delaying urination or incomplete emptying of the bladder
Diabetes
Use of diaphragms and spermicide for contraception

Is it OK to treat a UTI at home?

Sometimes. It’s important to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use due to the global issue of bacterial resistance. There are situations where taking antibiotics for a UTI is necessary. When using herbal remedies or home remedies for UTIs, exercise caution and do not hesitate to seek medical care if needed.

What are home remedies for a UTI?

Urologists recommend drinking extra fluids to flush bacteria out of the bladder. Stick to unsweetened drinks like water and herbal tea, along with soups and broths.

2. Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice can help with UTIs, but make sure it’s unsweetened. Consider cranberry tablets or D-mannose supplements for preventing recurring infections.

If you keep vitamin C on hand for colds, try taking 1000 milligrams a few times a day for UTI symptoms. Vitamin C can make urine more acidic and less favorable for bacterial growth. However, be cautious as excessive vitamin C or acidic foods may worsen bladder irritation. Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.

4. D-Mannose extract

D-Mannose, a simple sugar found in cranberries and other fruits, may prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls and irritating the urethra. It’s available as a loose powder or in capsules.

Probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 or Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 can help reduce UTIs by combating UTI-causing bacteria in the urethra and bladder.

6. Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial properties that can be helpful for UTIs. You can take garlic supplements or incorporate garlic into your diet. Alternatively, you can chop up cloves or swallow them like pills.

Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial for individuals with recurring UTIs. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, making it an important consideration for those prone to UTIs. Consult a doctor to check your vitamin D levels before taking higher-than-average daily doses.

QUESTION

Should you see a doctor for a UTI?

Urinary tract infections can often be challenging to treat at home. Consider the following symptoms as red flags to seek immediate medical attention:

High fever, chills, or blood in urine
Severe bladder, urethra, or kidney (mid-back) pain
Uncertainty if it’s a UTI

Mild UTIs can be safely treated with home remedies if caught early. Contact your doctor if you experience severe symptoms or any concerning abnormalities.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Urinary Tract Infection."

Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences: "Natural therapeutics for urinary tract infections—a review."

Harvard Health Publishing: "When urinary tract infections keep coming back."

Mayo Clinic: "Urinary tract infection."

National Association for Continence: "The Best Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections."

How Can I Get Rid of a UTI Fast 7 Home Remedies