What is a UTI?
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common infections that affect the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. In 2019, over 404.6 million people worldwide were affected by UTIs, highlighting their prevalence and the need for effective treatment methods.
UTIs occur when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra, leading to infection. While anyone can develop a UTI, individuals assigned female at birth are more prone due to their shorter urethra and the proximity of the urethra to the vagina and rectum, which are sources of bacteria.
While antibiotics are the primary treatment, home remedies may be a natural cure for UTIs and can effectively prevent and manage mild cases.
How It Causes
- Bacterial Entry: Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the most common culprit. These bacteria typically enter the urinary tract through the urethra and can ascend to the bladder and, in severe cases, to the kidneys.
- Sexual Activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
- Poor Hygiene: Inadequate hygiene practices can facilitate bacterial entry, especially in females, where the urethra is close to the anus.
- Urinary Retention: Incomplete bladder emptying can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
- Catheter Use: The use of urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
- Immune Suppression: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more prone to infections, including UTIs.
- Anatomical Abnormalities: Congenital abnormalities in the urinary tract can predispose individuals to recurrent infections.
Women Are More Prone To UTI’s: Why?
Women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to several anatomical and physiological factors. Here are the key reasons:
Anatomical Differences:
- Shorter Urethra: The female urethra is much shorter than the male urethra, measuring about 4 cm compared to 20 cm in males. This shorter distance allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily (NCBI).
- Proximity to Anus: The female urethra is located closer to the anus, increasing the risk of bacterial transfer from the gastrointestinal tract, especially from bacteria like Escherichia coli, which are common UTI pathogens (NCBI).
Sexual Activity:
- Physical Proximity During Intercourse: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract which facilitates the transfer of bacteria from the vaginal area to the urethra (NCBI).
Hormonal Changes:
- Postmenopausal Changes: After menopause, decreased estrogen levels lead to changes in the vaginal flora and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, making it easier for bacteria to reach the urinary tract (NCBI).
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection. The growing uterus can also cause urinary stasis, further raising the risk of infection.
Use of Certain Products:
- Intimate Hygiene Products: Excessive use of intimate hygiene products can disrupt the natural vaginal microbiome, potentially leading to an imbalance in protective bacteria and increased susceptibility to infections.
These factors combined make women significantly more susceptible to UTIs compared to men.
UTI Causes Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of a urinary tract infections (UTI) is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- A burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Urine with a strong odor
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Pelvic pain
Home Remedies for UTI Treatment
While the infection can be treated with antibiotics, some UTI home remedies help in reducing its symptoms and preventing recurrence. Here are the top home remedies to treat UTI at home:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids
Stay hydrated; this will help clear bacteria from your urinary tract. Drinking enough fluids will lead to frequent urination, therefore ridding your urinary tract of bacteria hence reliving UTI causes symptoms
Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will help to keep your urinary system fit and healthy.
A study conducted in 2019 found that increasing fluid intake in nursing home residents reduced UTIs requiring antibiotics by 58%.
Another related study done in 2020 showed that higher fluid intake reduced UTI recurrence in premenopausal women who frequently suffered from UTIs.
- Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C acidifies the urine, killing off the bacteria. A study in 2020 concluded that intravenous vitamin C exhibited a significant decrease in bacterial count in urine.
The richest sources of vitamin C are-
-
- Red peppers
- Oranges
- Grapefruits
- Kiwis.
Individuals who find it difficult to consume enough food sources can also obtain their dietary needs from gummies, sprays, or oral tablets.
- Use Cranberry Juice or Supplements
Cranberry juice and supplements are known for preventing bacteria from adhering to urinary tracts.
In 2022, a study proved that subjects with recurrent UTIs had less infection after taking cranberry supplements for six months.
What’s important is getting unsweetened cranberry juice or capsules because added sugars can offset the benefits.
- Take Probiotics
Probiotics maintain the good bacteria in the gut, thus protecting one from UTIs.
Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as –
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Probiotic yogurt
Studies have testified that probiotics can decrease UTI risk and reinstate gut bacteria after antibiotics. Probiotic supplements are also available if one is not consuming enough of the foodstuffs that are rich in probiotics.
- Healthy Hygiene Habits
Good hygiene practices will promote a certain level of UTI prevention. Keeping the urine for long may encourage bacterial multiplication.
Urinating immediately after sex will help in flushing out bacteria.
People who are at a higher risk of getting UTIs should not use spermicide since it increases the risk of contracting an infection.
Wiping your behind from front to back when leaving the bathroom will ensure that the bacteria are not transferred into the urinary opening.
- Add Some Garlic to Your Diet
Garlic has an antimicrobial property, so it fights bacteria growth by blocking the replication process.
A 2020 study showed that garlic extract contributed to the inhibition of bacterial proliferation. Raw garlic is most effective, and it could be added to the diet or used as a dietary supplement.
Individuals who have gastrointestinal issues or those taking medications should first consult with their doctor before increasing the amount of garlic in their diet.
- D-Mannose addition to Your Diet
D-Mannose is a sugar found in cranberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, oranges, broccoli, and green beans.
It prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. Evidence has proved that D-Mannose can be helpful in both treatment and prevention of UTI. D-Mannose supplements are available for concentrated intake.
- Warm Compresses
Warm compresses to the lower abdomen could help ease the pain and discomfort caused by UTIs.
Heat relieves pelvic pain and discomfort within the abdomen.
- Maintaining Good Hygiene
Keeping the genital area clean by washing it regularly will help to remove most of the bacteria that enter and cause infection.
Mild soaps should be used with warm water, and perfumed products should be avoided since they are known to have an irritating effect on the urethra.
Breathable cotton underwear is much better than either tight or synthetic fabric.
- Herbal Remedies: Nature’s Healing Powers
Herbal remedies have been used to treat UTIs for centuries.
- Uva-ursi, or bearberry, is packed full of antibacterial compounds
- Goldenseal contains berberine that acts against a wide spectrum of bacteria.
Herbs were able to be taken in tea, capsule, or tincture form to boost health in the urinary tract.
Dietary Substances that Must Be Avoided
Some kinds of food irritate the urinary system and increase UTI symptoms. To alleviate and prevent UTIs, the following must be avoided:
Caffeine: This is contained in coffee, tea, and soda. It can increase urination by acting as a diuretic and further irritate the urinary tract.
Spicy Foods: These include foods like chili peppers and hot sauces that may cause inflammation and discomfort.
Alcohol: It has the result of irritating the lining of the bladder, increasing the risk of UTIs.
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies can be effective in managing UTIs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience severe symptoms or if the infection persists. Seek medical attention if you have:
- A fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
- Shaking or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your urine
Prevention
Preventing UTIs involves adopting healthy habits and lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to prevent UTIs:
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid holding in your pee for too long.
- Practice good hygiene, including wiping front to back.
- Pee after sexual activity.
- Avoid irritants like scented products and tight-fitting underwear.
- Consider taking probiotics and cranberry supplements.
Conclusion
UTIs are a common and uncomfortable condition, but several effective UTI home remedies can help manage UTI causes symptoms and prevent recurrence. By staying hydrated, increasing vitamin C intake, using cranberry products, taking probiotics, practicing good hygiene, and managing stress, you can reduce the risk of UTIs. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate urinary tract infection medicine. Empower yourself with knowledge about natural cures for UTIs and take control of your urinary health. Incorporating these home remedies into your routine can complement conventional medical treatments and promote overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions about UTI and UTI treatment
- How to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours?
- It’s challenging to completely cure a UTI in 24 hours. Promptly start antibiotics, hydrate well, and consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.
- How long do UTIs last untreated?
- An untreated UTI can last from a few days to several weeks, potentially worsening and spreading to the kidneys, causing more severe symptoms and complications.
- How do I know if my UTI is serious?
- Serious UTIs show symptoms like high fever, severe back pain, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Immediate medical attention is needed if these symptoms occur.
- How to test for UTI at home?
- Use over-the-counter UTI test strips to detect signs of infection in urine. For accurate diagnosis, consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive test and treatment.
