How You Can Treat Cystitis Yourself
If you have been having mild symptoms for less than 3 days or you have had cystitis before and do not feel you need to see a GP, you may want to treat your symptoms at home or ask a pharmacist for advice.
Until you’re feeling better, it may help to:
- wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
- gently wash around your genitals with a skin-sensitive soap
Some people believe that cranberry drinks and products that reduce the acidity of their urine will help.
But there’s a lack of evidence to suggest they’re effective.
What Were The Basic Results
The review includes 24 studies with a total of 4,473 participants, comparing cranberry products with control or alternative treatments. Ten of the studies had been included in a previous review carried out by the researchers in 2009 into the same question. Studies included seven of women with recurrent UTIs, four of elderly men and women, three of patients needing catheterisation, two of pregnant women and three of children at risk. The main findings are below:
Can Pregnant Women Drink Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is safe for pregnant women and can help prevent UTIs. Its even been shown to reduce the risk of developing bladder infections in young children! If you do develop an infection, cranberry will not treat it however drinking this healthy beverage each day could keep bacteria levels down there at bay so that a situation doesnt become worse than necessary.
Recommended Reading: How Many Radiation Treatments For Bladder Cancer
Cut Back On Meat And Poultry
Some studies, such as one published in August 2018 in the journal mBio, have linked contaminated poultry and meat to E.coli bacteria strains that can cause UTIs. These studies havent proven that eating meat or poultry causes UTIs. In fact, some E.coli can live in the intestines without causing any problems. However, bacteria from the gut can enter the urinary tract and cause infection. This risk is greater in women than men, because women have shorter urethras than men, meaning the bacteria has less distance to travel to reach the bladder.
Cutting back on meat and focusing on fruits and veggies may slightly cut your risk of UTIs. According to a study of Buddhists in Taiwan, published in January 2020 in Scientific Reports, compared with nonvegetarians, vegetarians had a 16 percent lower risk of UTI.
Related: Vegetarian Diet Linked to Lowered Risk Of Urinary Tract Infection
Can Drinking Cranberry Juice Cure A Urinary Tract Infection
Drinking cranberry juice is good for your body. Cranberry juice is a great beverage, with important antioxidants that help reduce your risk of heart disease. Antioxidants also strengthen your immune system, allowing your body to fight off infections. However, according to the Urology Clinic at UAMS, cranberry juice cannot cure a urinary tract infection on its own.
The myth about cranberry juice may have started because the juice helps alleviate some of the discomfort and pain of a urinary tract infection. In addition, studies have shown drinking cranberry juice can help reduce your risk of getting a UTI. However, if you have an infection, your doctor will need to prescribe antibiotics to clear up the condition. Drinking cranberry juice, as well as other liquids, while you have an infection will help flush the bacteria from your system and speed healing.
To learn more about the personalized care provided by our doctors using state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment techniques, please visit our Medical Services section.
Read Also: What Causes Bladder Control Problems
Cranberry Juice ‘won’t Prevent’ Bladder Infections
Its a myth that cranberry juice can cure bladder infections, the Daily Mail reported today. The story was based on a large review of research that looked at the effectiveness of cranberry juice and cranberry products such as capsules, in preventing bladder and other urinary tract infections , which are most common in women.
The use of cranberry juice to protect against infection was first thought to have originated with Native Americans. It is now a popular home remedy, often recommended to women by their doctors to help prevent infections on the basis of previous research that suggested it could be helpful.
The theory is that cranberry juice contains substances that help prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract. However, this new widely reported study found that overall, cranberry products did not reduce the occurrence of UTIs, such as cystitis, when compared with placebo, water or no treatment at all.
This updated review comes from the respected Cochrane Collaboration and its results are likely to be reliable. It suggests that while cranberry juice may be of small benefit to some women, it would need to be consumed in such large quantities as to make it unacceptable to many as a remedy.
Other cranberry products were also found to be ineffective, possibly due to the lack of potency of the active ingredients. Other methods women can use to reduce the risk of developing a UTI include drinking plenty of fluids and practising good hygiene.
Does Cranberry Juice Really Help Utis
You think you might have a urinary tract infection. Should you call a friend, call a doctor, or make an immediate trip to urgent care?
First of all, dont panic. Although UTIs are uncomfortable, theyre common and easy to treat. Around half of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and the vast majority of those infections will clear up within a week or two.
Do a little internet sleuthing, and youll quickly find that cranberry juice is a popular DIY remedy. Some people swear by drinking this sour beverage to prevent UTIs or treat existing ones.
But does cranberry juice actually help, or is it just a placebo? And if it does help, which type of cranberry juice is best for UTI relief? Before you run to your local grocery store, lets talk about the science behind this surprising and controversial alternative treatment.
Don’t Miss: Not Being Able To Hold Bladder
Is Cranberry Juice Good For Managing Uti Symptoms
Additionally, cranberry juice is often claimed to be good for improving urinary tract infection symptoms. While some data shows that cranberry juice might , it is very limited and cannot be deemed conclusive.8 Nonetheless, it contains antioxidants that are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory,9 which could help. However, we would caveat this with two words of warning:
If you or someone you know are experiencing leaks as part of an infection, we recommend using continence products. iD has a large range of dermatologically tested, discreet and comfortable solutions to suit every individuals needs.
Does Cranberry Juice Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
It is commonly believed that cranberries and cranberry juice can prevent UTIs but is this accurate? It is worth noting that there are only limited studies on this. Still, from the small research sample available, it would appear that, in some women at risk of developing these infections, drinking cranberry juiceor taking cranberry pills may decrease your chance of getting a urinary tract infection.5
It is believed that cranberries make your urine more acidic, thus killing the bacteria that cause UTIs, and that it prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.6 If you are interested in trying it, drink pure, unsweetened cranberry juice rather than cranberry juice drink because cranberry juice drink is not shown to benefit UTI prevention.7
You May Like: Hernia Of The Urinary Bladder
Wipe From Front To Back
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.
After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.
Cranberry Juice Vs Cranberry Pills For Utis
As with any other fluid, cranberry juice can help to hydrate you and potentially flush out bacteria in urine, but modern cranberry juices lack the concentration of compounds in pure cranberries that prevent the adhesion of bacteria to your urethra. Youre better suited with cranberry extracts in either liquid or capsule form.
Read Also: Extra Long Bladder Control Pads
Uti Causes And Symptoms
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is caused by organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope, including fungi, viruses and bacteria. Despite the bodys many natural defenses, certain bacteria have the ability to attach themselves to the lining of the urinary tract and inhabit the urethra, bladder and kidneys. The majority of UTI cases are caused by E. colibacterium that can live in the bowel and vaginal cavities, around the urethral opening, and in the urinary tract.
Other significant pathogens that can cause UTIs include Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumonia. In diabetic patients, Klebsiella and group B streptococcus infections are more common. Pseudomonas infections are more common in chronically catheterized patients.
Urinary tract infections are extremely common, especially among sexually active women ages 18 to 24. Although a UTI isnt typically complicated or life-threatening, it does cause pain and suffering and negatively impacts ones quality of life.
Generally, symptoms of a UTI in adults may include:
- pain when urinating
- a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra when urinating
- a strong, frequent urge to urinate, but only passing small amounts
- muscle aches
- urine that appears red or bright pink
- strong-smelling urine
- people with suppressed immune systems
- people with diabetes
Precautions Regarding UTIs and Home Remedies for UTI
Final Thoughts on Home Remedies for UTI
Uti Home Remedies: How Cranberry Juice Can Help You Fight Uti
According to a study published in BMJ Journals, cranberry or cranberry based products can help in fighting urinary tract infection. The research suggests that the beneficial substances in cranberry juice could reach the urinary tract and prevent bacterial adhesion within eight hours.
Dr. Bharati Kamoji, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology explains, “Cranberries have long been the focus of interest for their beneficial effects in preventing urinary tract infections . They are packed with antioxidants that protect your body from damage caused by free radicals and provide many health benefits. They contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to the lining of your urethra and bladder.”
Also read: 5 Super Effective Home Remedies For Urinary Infection
Read Also: Does Bladder Infection Cause Incontinence
Benefits Of Drinking Cranberry Juice
Six reasons to start drinking cranberry juice! Cranberries are a great way for people of all ages, including children and adults with diabetes or those at risk of developing these illnesses. Not only do they provide benefits such as fighting age-related damage improving heart health treatin3uT infections like UTIs supporting digestive system function by helping prevent indigestion duecluttering digestion) preventing infection susceptibility postmenopausal state
Can I Give My Dog Cranberry Juice
The answer is yes, and no. Cranberries are not toxic to dogs when fed in moderation but they do carry some risks depending on your pets size as well as other factors such disease or allergies that he might have developed while eating this food before you got him .The good news though? There have been studies done recently proving it does provide health benefits for canines!
Read Also: Can Anxiety Cause Bladder Leakage
Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
The also says that sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal sex to vaginal sex
- ensuring that sexual partners are aware of any current or previous UTIs
You Asked: Does Cranberry Juice Treat A Uti
A urinary tract infection can be an unwelcome visitorleaving you with the urge to sprint for the bathroom every few minutes. You may have heard that drinking a large glass of cranberry juice can effectively treat a bladder infection, but is this remedy more fact or fiction?
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, kidneys, bladder or urethra. They are more common in women and affect more than 3 million Americans per year. Many in the population will turn to sipping on a cranberry juice cocktail to alleviate their symptoms, but, according to a Texas A& M Health Science Center urologist, drinking cranberry juice to treat a UTI is little more than an old wives tale.
Cranberry juice, especially the juice concentrates you find at the grocery store, will not treat a UTI or bladder infection, said Timothy Boone, M.D., Ph.D., vice dean of the Texas A& M Health Science Center College of Medicine Houston campus and chairman of the department of urology for Houston Methodist Hospital. It can offer more hydration and possibly wash bacteria from your body more effectively, but the active ingredient in cranberry is long-gone by the time it reaches your bladder.
Treatment of UTIs can be complicated because of the high rates of reoccurrence, and approximately 20 to 30 percent of women will develop multiple UTIs. Another troublesome barrier to treatment is the increasing resistance of bacteria to commonly used antibioticsenter probiotics.
Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Cure A Bladder Infection
When To Contact A Doctor
If a person suspects that they might have a UTI, they should speak with a doctor for advice on the best way to treat the possible infection.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary to treat UTIs, but it is still important to seek medical attention for any suspected infection. This will reduce the risk of a more severe infection developing that is harder to treat.
The signs and symptoms of UTIs include:
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.
D Mannose Dosage For Uti
For treating an active UTI: 1.5 grams twice daily for 3 days, and then once daily for 10 days or 1 gram three times daily for 14 days.
Some studies suggest that D-mannose may be effective in preventing urinary tract infections. In a clinical trial, researchers enrolled 308 women over the age of 18 who had been diagnosed with acute urinary tract infections and had a history of recurrent UTIs. Following an initial round of antibiotics, the participants were given either 2 grams of D- mannose powder daily, 50 mg of nitrofurantoin daily, or nothing at all.
Don’t Miss: Home Remedies For Bladder Cancer
Best Remedies For Bladder Infections
About bladder infections
Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection . They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder.
The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly.
The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the sudden urge to urinate. It may also cause pain while urinating and abdominal cramping.
A combination of medical and home treatments may ease these symptoms. If left untreated, bladder infections can become life-threatening. This is because the infection can spread to the kidneys or blood.
Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.
Can Cranberry Help Incontinence And Bladder Control
Women of all ages can experience incontinence and issues with bladder control. If cranberry can help with UTIs, can it help with other urinary issues as well?
Unfortunately, certain foods and drink can cause symptoms of urinary frequency, urge incontinence, bladder pain and urgency. Because of its acidic pH, cranberry juice can make urge incontinence symptoms worse.
Read Also: Drugs To Treat Bladder Infection
When To See A Doctor About A Uti
If you are experiencing more than one symptom of a UTI or suspect you have a UTI, it is important to seek treatment from a doctor. For severe UTIs, antibiotics are the most effective treatment.
Repeat or frequent UTIs may indicate an underlying issue such as uterine prolapse, bladder obstruction, or kidney stones.
What Causes Cystitis
Most cases are thought to occur when bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel or on the skin get into the bladder through the tube that carries urine out of your body .
It’s not always clear how this happens.
But some things can increase your risk of getting it, including:
- having sex
- having diabetes
- having a weakened immune system
Women may get cystitis more often than men because their bottom is closer to their urethra and their urethra is much shorter, which means bacteria may be able to get into the bladder more easily.
Recommended Reading: How To Help A Weak Bladder Naturally
How To Prevent Utis
Despite the lack of effectiveness of cranberries, there are things you can do to help prevent a urinary tract infection:
- Drink water. Hydrating with about two liters of water a day will help to flush the urinary tract, prevent infection and also is the most important way to prevent kidney stones.
- Practice good hygiene. Women should wipe front to back after urinating and a bowel movement.
- Urinate after sex. Urinating will help flush the lower part of the urinary tract.
Although cranberries are not effective in preventing or treating urinary tract infections, they are tasty, have antioxidant properties and are always a great compliment to holiday dinners!
If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, your primary care doctor can help.
About the Author: