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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frustrating and painful. And left untreated, recurring UTIs (defined as two or more infections in a six-month period) can lead to serious issues such as permanent kidney damage, kidney failure, and sepsis. If you’re experiencing recurring UTIs, you should consider seeing a doctor who can diagnose and treat urinary tract conditions. It’s also important to find ways to prevent UTIs.
One part of preventing UTIs is easy as reaching for a glass of water. But you’ll need to do more than simply staying well hydrated to ensure that pesky UTIs stay away for good. Important natural ways to prevent a UTI include:
• Drinking two to three liters of fluid daily; water is the best choice.
• Enjoying one serving of cranberry juice each day. The FDA agrees that drinking eight ounces of cranberry beverages daily can possibly reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in healthy women — as long as the beverage contains at least 27 percent cranberry juice. (Cranberry beverages can contain a lot of sugar, so you may want to limit your consumption.)
• Urinating when you feel the need to go.
• Urinating immediately after having sex.
• Avoiding using contraception that contains spermicide.
• Always wiping from front to back.
• Wearing loose, cotton underwear and loose pants.
• Discussing estrogen therapy with your doctor if you are post-menopausal.
If you’re already experiencing UTI symptoms, there are plenty of natural ways to help treat a UTI. Antibiotics are a mainstay in the treatment of UTIs, and they’ve shown a lot of success. But many home remedies for UTIs also work well. A review study published in the Journal of Urology found that a multi-targeted treatment approach is most effective at curing recurrent infections. In other words, combining traditional medicine with alternative methods can both cure and prevent UTIs.
Not sure which treatment to choose? Book a virtual Carbon Health visit to discuss your options for a treatment and prevention plan that works for you. It’s important to also book an appointment with a doctor once you start experiencing symptoms. While virtual visits can be convenient, an in-person visit may be necessary, so you can provide a urine sample or undergo other tests.
Carbon Health’s medical content is reviewed and approved by healthcare professionals before it is published, but it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition, and before making changes to your healthcare routine.
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