Home Remedies For Utis
When bacteria enter the urinary tract system, it can cause a urinary tract infection. Bacteria, and specifically Escherichia coli , is the most common cause of UTIs, but dehydration, holding urination for a long time, certain health conditions, and hormonal changes can also cause a UTI or increase your risk of infection. The average UTI can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week. Some UTIs will go away on their own, but more severe cases require medical attention. With antibiotic treatment, many people with severe UTIs start to feel relief within a couple of days. For mild UTIs, home remedies may help alleviate symptoms, and/or prevent infections from developing.
Here are some of the most common home remedies for UTIs:
How Do You Get Rid Of Bladder Infection Naturally
Bladder infection treatment mostly involves broad spectrum antibiotics for three days in order to kill the cause of infection. However, if you suffer from chronic recurring type of bladder infection, clinical treatments can take a toll on you. It may be worth your while looking for ways to get rid of bladder infection naturally. Which brings us to the question, how do you get rid of bladder infection naturally? Bladder infection treatment without antibiotics would involve a two-step approach:
- Incorporating good hygienic habits in life to prevent the bacteria from reaching the bladder and
- Taking particular care of boosting your immunity so that your body is able to fight the infection on its own
E.coli, which usually lives in the intestines, is the most common cause of bladder infection. It is regularly passed out with excrement and can be found on the skin around the anus. Poor wiping habits can often lead to the E.coli to spread. Wiping back to forward, after a bowel movement, is the most common cause of contamination of the urethral opening from where the infection spreads into the bladder. This is more common in woman due to their shorter urethra.
The other cause of infection is usually lower immunity. Natural acidity of vagina prevents bacteria from multiplying in normal conditions. However if this defense system is weakened, bacteria will thrive and enter the urethra.
Natural Remedies For Uti Relief
A true UTI needs antibiotics to clear the bacteria responsible for the symptoms and infection, Dr. Sherry explains, so call your doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms. While you wait for your appointment, though, there are some home remedies you can try to help relieve some of the discomfort.
Avoid foods and beverages that will irritate your bladder
Drinking coffee and alcohol, and eating spicy food or foods with lots of added sugar will irritate the urinary tract. They can decrease the blood flow to the bladder, which will make it harder for your immune system to fight off the infection.
Drink lots of water and empty your bladder often
According to Chicago-based OB/GYN, Jessica Shepherd, MD, drinking lots of water when you are experiencing UTI symptoms can help flush away the bacteria. Draining your bladder frequently is essential to getting rid of the bacteria, Dr. Shepherd explains. The more water you drink, the more youll have to relieve yourself.
Use a heating pad
Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Sherry both recommend applying heat to your abdomen for relief from UTI cramps or the burning sensation. A heating pad or hot water bottle over your lower abdomen can help ease some of the discomfort from a UTI, Dr. Sherry says. If youre using an electric heating pad, be careful not to fall asleep with it on or leave it on your skin for long periods of time. This can be dangerous and either burn your skin or worse, cause a fire.
Try an herbal remedy
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Here Are Some Tips To Quickly Deal With Troublesome Uti Symptoms
1. Give yourself a sitz bath.
A sitz bath is a warm and shallow bath for cleansing the genital area, especially the perineum or the area between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. You can set up a sitz bath on your bath tub. As an alternative, you may also use a kit that fits over the toilet.
Sitz baths are commonly used to relieve skin irritations, itching, and minor pains. If you are not satisfied with a shallow bath, you may immerse in warm water to help relieve your abdominal pain. This can also allow your muscles to relax, helping stop painful spasms.
2. Use a heating pad.
Abdominal cramps and pressure are probably the worst symptoms of UTI, and extreme pain in the abdomen can really prevent you from doing your normal daily routine. Applying a heating pad over your abdomen can ease muscle pain, cramps, and spasms. If you do not have a heating pad, a bottle of hot water or a warm washcloth can also help.
3. Wear cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Tight pants and underwear can be uncomfortable when you are dealing with abdominal pain and other UTI symptoms. They may also further irritate the genital area, leading to more discomfort and other minor infections. Make sure to wear cotton garments and opt for slightly loose clothing to keep the genital area dry and cool. This can can prevent or reduce bacterial growth.
4. Do urinate often.
5. Consult your doctor.
When To See A Doctor For Your Uti
If your symptoms persist beyond a few days with no sign of improvement, or if your infection keeps recurring, its best to see a doctor. While many home remedies may ease symptoms if they persist your doctor will be able to determine the cause and prescribe a course of antibiotics that should help take care of your UTI right away and prevent it from leading to a worsening condition or infection.
Have you tried any of the above natural remedies for UTIs, or other home treatments to treat your urinary tract infection? Tell us about them in the comments below!
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Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
Tips For Increasing Fiber
How do you know if you are getting enough fiber? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends 25 to 38 grams of fiber daily. Check out the list of IC-friendly sources of fiber.
If youre not getting enough fiber, use the list to choose foods to add to increase your fiber intake. Check out the serving size for each of these items. You may find it helpful to measure quantities to get a sense of how many servings you typically eat. Two items that some people may find helpful for irregularity are a small glass of prune juice daily and 1-2 tablespoon flax each day.
When you are increasing fiber, you must make sure you drink enough fluids. Increasing fiber without getting enough liquids can make constipation worse. A rule of thumb: the more fiber you consumer, the more water you need.
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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed
Your doctor will usually be able to tell whats causing your pain by your description of your symptoms, along with a physical exam. Testing your urine can also help your doctor identify what type of infection you have. Usually, a sample of your urine is taken in your doctors office and sent to a lab to check for infection.
When To See A Doctor
Contact your doctor if you have pain or discomfort when you urinate or other symptoms of a bladder infection, especially if the symptoms have been present for two days or more. If an infection lingers for too long, you risk the bacterial infection traveling to other parts of your body, including your kidneys. Therefore, you should seek treatment if you notice symptoms.
Your doctor will complete a physical examination and collect a urine sample to send for lab analysis to determine if an infection is present. Complications from an uncomplicated bladder infection are typically rare with antibiotic treatment. However, if you develop fever, chills, nausea, or confusion, you should immediately contact your doctor. These symptoms suggest a more serious infection that has spread to your kidneys. If you have a kidney infection, you may need an IV treatment of high-dose antibiotics, which may require hospitalization.
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Creating Stronger Strains Of Bacteria
Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research , several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, are showing increasing drug resistance.
The more a person uses an antibiotic, the greater the risk of the bacteria developing resistance. This is even more likely when people do not follow a doctors instructions to complete the full prescribed course of treatment.
It is essential to continue a course of antibiotics until the end date that the doctor provides. People should also never share antibiotics with others.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
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Drink Buchu Tea To Heal Your Urinary System
- Boil a glass of water. Remove it from the flame .
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried buchu to it and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 1 to 2 cups a day.
Buchu, also known as bookoo or bucco, is a herb that is very effective in treating urinary tract disorders.25 It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties that cleanse and heal your urinary tract.26
Tip: Add equal amount of uva ursi to make the drink more effective.
Soothe Your Infection With Ginger Tea
- Add 2 tablespoons of fresh crushed ginger to boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 2 to 3 cups a day. Add honey for a better taste.
Ginger has antimicrobial properties that work against a variety of bacterial strains.20
While chewing on a piece of ginger will also have positive effects, its best to consume it as a tea to treat your UTI. The more liquid you drink, the faster you flush out UTI bacteria.
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Where Is Your Bladder
The bladder sits above and behind the pubic bone. Its connected to the kidneys, where urine is made. Urine travels down tubes called ureters into the bladder, and when you urinate, the muscles in the bladder contract, causing the urine to be expelled through your urethra.
In men, the bladder sits above the prostate gland and the urethra is around eight inches long, as it has to travel the length of the penis. In women, the bladder sits beneath the uterus. Because it does not have to pass through the penis, the female urethra is far shorter, usually less than two inches long.
Practice These Healthy Habits
Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, its important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection .
Peeing after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria .
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs .
Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs .
SUMMARY
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Spermicide use and wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied:
- D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (
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Why Do Women Get Urinary Tract Infections More Often Than Men
Women tend to get urinary tract infections more often than men because bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women. The urethra is shorter in women than in men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.
The urethra is located near the rectum in women. Bacteria from the rectum can easily travel up the urethra and cause infections. Bacteria from the rectum is more likely to get into the urethra if you wipe from back to front after a bowel movement. Be sure to teach children how to wipe correctly.
Having sex may also cause urinary tract infections in women because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra. Using a diaphragm can lead to infections because diaphragms push against the urethra and make it harder to completely empty your bladder. The urine that stays in the bladder is more likely to grow bacteria and cause infections.
Frequent urinary tract infections may be caused by changes in the bacteria in the vagina. Antibacterial vaginal douches, spermicides, and certain oral antibiotics may cause changes in vaginal bacteria. Avoid using these items, if possible. Menopause can also cause changes in vaginal bacteria that increase your risk for urinary tract infection. Taking estrogen usually corrects this problem but may not be for everyone.
Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are many lifestyle choices that can help you prevent UTIs. These are some of the things you can do to protect yourself from them:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. For some people, drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if youre taking warfarin, check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
- Dont hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to. Some children dont go to the bathroom often enough. If your child does this, teach him or her to go to the bathroom several times each day.
- Wipe from front to back after bowel movements. Teach your child to wipe correctly.
- Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
- Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant before sex if youre a little dry.
- If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.
- Avoid taking or giving your child bubble baths.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing , and dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
- If you are uncircumcised, wash the foreskin regularly. If you have an uncircumcised boy, teach him how to wash his foreskin.
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Main Reasons Why Constipation Causes Uti
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There is a known correlation between UTIs and constipation. Why does constipation cause UTIs? In this post, I explain the mechanics of the process and will list some easy peasy preventive measures.
Lets be clear on the definition. According to WebMD here are the symptoms of constipation:
- Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time
- Hard stools more than 25% of the time
- Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time
- Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.
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Take An Otc Pain Reliever
Over-the-counter pain medications can temporarily relieve pain caused by a UTI. Use caution here, and always speak with a doctor first, as some UTIs can turn into kidney infections. In these cases, patients should avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which could make the infection worse.
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Alternative Options For Recurrent Uti Treatment
If you have a persistent, embedded infection, a short course of antibiotics is unlikely to eradicate the issue. This kind of infection is incredibly resistant to antibiotics for a few reasons.
The biofilms that cause the chronic infection can be hard to detect in a urine sample and further, they can be formed by multiple species. You might effectively treat one of the species in the biofilm, but even as that one decreases, others may increase in its place.
Dont despair treatment is possible but it may take a little longer.
Lets take a look at the options for recurrent UTI treatment:
Short course antibiotics for UTI treatment: Usually 3, 5, or 7 days of treatment, or sometimes single dose, short courses are not designed for recurrent, embedded infections.
Prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTI: This is preventative antibiotic use, taking antibiotics before you feel symptoms. While prophylactic use may decrease symptoms while the antibiotics are taken, research shows the acute episodes are likely to return when they are stopped, and studies have shown that overall they may promote the development of antibiotic-resistant forms of UTI-causing E. coli.
I’m In Pain What Can I Do To Fix My Bladder Infection Right Now
The key to fixing a bladder infection permanently is to figure out what is causing it. Unfortunately that can often take time. But there are some quick steps you can take to minimise the pain while you figure out a better solution. My personal recommendations for where to start with fixing your bladder infection.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid sugar and processed foods.
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