Can i treat bladder infection at home

When bacteria attach to cell walls in the urinary tract, this can cause a urinary tract infection. Proanthocyanidins, which are the active ingredient in cranberry juice, can help prevent bacteria from attaching to urinary tract walls, which could help prevent UTIs. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information says that cranberry juice reduces the number of UTIs a person can develop over 12 months.

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice to treat UTIs is highly debated in the medical community. While drinking the juice might help some people, it may not work for others.

Urinating often while experiencing a UTI will help flush bacteria out of the urethra. Urinating before and after sexual intercourse will also help minimize the amount of bacteria that enter the urethra.

Consuming garlic is a great way to boost your immune system, and garlic is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Allicin, one of the compounds in garlic, has antimicrobial properties that have proven to be effective at killing E.

They can help keep harmful bacteria from flourishing and help treat and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. The probiotic lactobacillus has proven especially effective at UTI prevention for women. There are many different types of probiotics available for purchase at grocery stores or health food stores.

Uva ursi is an herb that has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and urinary antiseptic properties. Uva ursi has shown to be effective at treating and preventing UTIs. It can be purchased from health food stores and should be taken as directed by a nutritionist or healthcare professional. In addition to uva ursi, Sajdak recommends the following natural supplements to prevent UTIs:.

D-mannose is a type of sugar that can help keep bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall. Some studies show that taking D-mannose powder with water can help prevent UTIs, especially for people who get them frequently. All herbal supplements should be taken in consultation with a healthcare professional, as they may interact with other medications you are taking for other indications.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Female cystoscopy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female cystoscopy Cystoscopy allows your doctor to view your lower urinary tract to look for abnormalities, such as a bladder stone.

Male cystoscopy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male cystoscopy Cystoscopy allows your doctor to view your lower urinary tract to look for abnormalities in your urethra and bladder.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Wein AJ, et al. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed June 30, Ferri FF. Urinary tract infection. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor They are especially prevalent in women, around 50 percent of whom will have one during their lifetime.

UTIs also tend to reoccur. Increasingly, people want to know whether non-antibiotic treatments can resolve UTIs. We explore this possibility here and provide seven evidence-based home remedies that can help to treat UTIs.

Antibiotics are an effective treatment for UTIs. However, the body can often resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own without the help of antibiotics.

By some estimates, 25—42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery. Complicated UTIs will require medical treatment. These UTIs involve one or more of the following factors:. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria that cause the infections. Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body.

The species of bacteria most likely to be responsible for UTIs include:. While antibiotics can usually treat UTIs quickly and effectively, people can be allergic to them, and their use can carry certain risks. For instance, an estimated 22 percent of the women receiving treatment for uncomplicated UTIs develop a vaginal Candida infection, which is a type of fungal infection.

Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. There are several species of E. Every time people use an antibiotic, there is an increased risk of the bacteria developing resistance to it. As a result, doctors are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics, especially when other treatments may be effective or when illnesses can resolve on their own.

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. The body contains a community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live harmoniously and help with bodily functions. Antibiotics may destroy some of these bacteria, which could increase the likelihood of other infections occurring.

While scientific research supports some at-home or natural UTI remedies, others have been a part of traditional medicine systems for thousands of years. Water helps the urinary tract organs remove waste from the body efficiently while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes. Antibiotics, the main line of defense against UTIs, can cause disturbances in levels of gut bacteria. Probiotics may be beneficial in restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment Studies have shown that probiotics can increase levels of good gut bacteria and reduce side effects associated with antibiotic use 24 , Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.

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 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. D-Mannose, bearberry leaf, and cranberry extract are natural supplements that have been shown to prevent UTIs and decrease recurrence. However, staying hydrated, practicing health-promoting habits, and supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of these infections.

Read this article in Spanish. Is treating a UTI without antibiotics possible? Because of antibiotic resistance, more and more women are seeking out alternative treatments for UTIs….

UTI prevention involves things like changing your bathroom habits, drinking lots of fluid, urinating before and after sex, and more.

There are also…. Painful urination may be a sign of a urinary tract infection UTI , sexually transmitted infection STI , or other cause. Learn more about relieving…. Do you have a bladder infection? Learn about seven remedies for bladder infections that can ease symptoms and get rid of the infection. Some of these…. Learn about the symptoms and causes of kidney infection, plus how this potentially serious condition is treated.