How to Get Rid of a UTI: Natural Home Remedies, Medications, and Preventive Measures
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and uncomfortable condition that affects over 50% of women at least once in their lifetime. UTIs can occur in any part of your urinary system, including your bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Although UTIs are not life-threatening, they require prompt attention because they can cause severe pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of a UTI, ranging from natural home remedies to medical treatments and preventive measures that can help you avoid getting one in the first place.
Natural Home Remedies for UTIs
If you’re looking for an alternative to prescription medication, you may want to try some home remedies that can alleviate UTI symptoms:
Drinking water and staying hydrated
Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help flush out bacteria from your system and prevent further infections. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and avoid drinks that can irritate your bladder, such as caffeine, alcohol, and citrus juices.
Taking probiotics to promote healthy bacteria
Probiotics contain “good” bacteria that can help balance your gut microbiome and promote a healthy immune system. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or you can take probiotic supplements.
Consuming cranberry juice or extracts to prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder
Cranberry juice or extracts contain compounds that can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and causing infection. However, there is still debate among medical professionals about the effectiveness of cranberry juice, so it’s important to consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
Using apple cider vinegar to help with inflammation
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help prevent UTIs, and its acidity can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water or juice and drink it once per day.
Applying heat to relieve pain and discomfort
Applying heat to your lower abdomen or back can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. You can use a heating pad or a warm compress for this purpose.
Practicing good hygiene to prevent further infections
Good hygiene practices are essential for preventing UTIs. This includes wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, urinating frequently to flush out bacteria, and avoiding irritating feminine products such as douches and powders. Opting for cotton underwear can also help prevent UTIs.
Medications to Treat UTIs
If natural remedies don’t work, or if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat your UTI. Common antibiotics used to treat UTIs include:
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a combination of two antibiotics that work together to kill bacteria. This medication is effective in treating most UTIs, but may not be recommended for people with preexisting medical conditions such as kidney problems or allergies.
Fosfomycin
Fosfomycin is another antibiotic option that comes in a one-time dose. This medication is effective for uncomplicated UTIs caused by E. coli and Enterococcus bacteria.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a strong antibiotic that can treat severe UTIs or UTIs that are resistant to other medications. However, this medication can have serious side effects such as tendon rupture or nerve damage.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can treat UTIs caused by a variety of bacteria. However, this medication may not be effective against certain strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
It’s important to consult your doctor to get the right prescription for your specific type of bacteria. Your doctor may also recommend pain relievers or urinary analgesics to relieve symptoms. Make sure to take all prescribed antibiotics and finish the complete treatment course to avoid antibiotic resistance or recurrent infections.
Preventive Measures for UTIs
Although UTIs can be uncomfortable, you can take preventive measures to avoid getting them. Here are a few tips:
Wiping front to back to prevent bacteria transfer
Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom can prevent bacteria from transferring from the anus to the urethra.
Urinating frequently to flush out bacteria
Urinating frequently can help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and prevent their buildup.
Avoiding irritating feminine products and opting for cotton underwear
Avoid using douches, powders, or harsh soaps in the genital area, since this can irritate the urethra and increase infection risk. Opt for cotton underwear, since synthetic materials can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Staying hydrated to prevent dehydration and UTIs
Drinking enough water and fluids can help reduce the risk of UTIs by flushing out bacteria and preventing dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to infection.
Recognizing UTI Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a UTI:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
- Fever or chills (in more severe cases)
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to avoid any complications and get proper treatment.
Health and Lifestyle Factors Affecting UTIs
Several health and lifestyle factors can affect how susceptible you are to UTIs. Stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor nutrition can decrease the effectiveness of UTI treatments and make you more prone to infections. Practicing self-care and leading a healthy lifestyle, incorporating stress-fighting activities such as meditation or yoga, and avoiding smoking can help you reduce UTI risks.
Additional Considerations
Aside from natural remedies and medications, there are other remedies you may consider trying to alleviate UTI symptoms, such as herbal supplements and natural remedies. However, these remedies may not be backed by scientific research, and it’s important to consult your doctor before trying them.
Additionally, the duration of the UTI may require additional medical assistance, such as hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics. If you experience severe or recurrent UTIs, your doctor may investigate possible preexisting medical conditions or underlying issues that could be causing the UTI, such as kidney stones, diabetes, or an anatomical abnormality in the urinary tract.
Conclusion
UTIs are a common, but uncomfortable condition that can be treated with several different options, including natural remedies, prescription medication, and preventative measures. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of UTIs and get prompt medical attention if necessary. Practicing good hygiene and leading a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent future UTIs and alleviate symptoms.
