Suffering with UTI symptoms? At home UTI treatments

How to Care for a UTI at Home

If you're experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI (which may include a burning sensation when you pee, cloudy or dark-colored urine, or feeling like you need to pee more often than normal), there are a few at-home remedies that may bring you relief, according to Healthline.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out bacteria that may cause UTIs. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, and try to increase your intake if you're feeling particularly dehydrated.

3. Take D-Mannose

D-mannose is a type of sugar that's found naturally in some fruits and vegetables (including cranberries). Some research has suggested that taking D-mannose supplements may help ease symptoms of a UTI, according to Healthline. If you decide to try D-mannose, make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.

4. Add a Probiotic to Your Daily Routine

Probiotics are "good" bacteria that can help to support the health of your digestive system, including your urinary tract, according to Healthline. You can find probiotics in some foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. You can take a probiotic supplement, which you can find at most health food stores or drugstores.

5. Use Over-The-Counter Pain Relief

There are over-the-counter pain relievers that are specifically designed to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with a UTI, according to Walgreens. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and be aware of how long you can safely take these medications. Make sure you talk with a pharmacist for over-the-counter advice.

At-Home Prevention of UTIs

If you have recently had a UTI, you know how painful and uncomfortable they can be. There are some things you can do at home to help reduce the risk of developing another UTI, according to the Mayo Clinic and CDC.

• Practice good hygiene - One of the most important things you can do to prevent a UTI is to practice good hygiene techniques. For women, this includes wiping in a front-to-back motion after using the bathroom and avoiding the use of irritating feminine hygiene products like douches and powders. The Mayo Clinic notes that these products can alter the pH balance of the vagina, giving harmful bacteria a more suitable environment to thrive. For both men and women, washing the genital area before and after sexual activity is very important.
• Urinating after sex - For women, urinating after sexual activity helps to flush any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during sex, recommends the Mayo Clinic, thus reducing your risk of infection.
• Drinking plenty of water - Staying hydrated is also a great way to ward off a urinary tract infection. The Mayo Clinic specifically suggests drinking 1.5 liters of water a day (more if you are exercising or spending time in hot weather). Staying well hydrated helps to flush bacteria out of your urinary tract and also prevents urine from becoming concentrated which irritates the urinary tract.

When to See a Doctor For a UTI

Around 20% of UTIs resolve without treatment, according to Healthline. This means you should be aware of the possible complications from a UTI and when to see a doctor. The most common serious complication of a UTI is a kidney infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. This occurs when the bacteria that caused your UTI travels deeper into your urinary tract, reaching your kidneys. To prevent this, you should see a doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms. Healthline recommends that you see a doctor immediately if you have UTI symptoms along with any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Blood in your urine
• Shaking or chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Going to Urgent Care for a UTI

If you experience severe UTI symptoms, or if your symptoms persist after trying home remedies, you should seek medical attention. Urgent care clinics are a good option for getting UTI treatment if you cannot see your primary care physician or don’t have one. Since urgent care clinics typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms, you can receive treatment quickly, and often at a more affordable price than going to an emergency room.

Key Takeaways

To prevent UTIs at home, it is important to stay hydrated and practice good hygiene habits. Probiotics may also be helpful in preventing and treating UTIs—but if you have symptoms of a UTI you should see a doctor.

Remember, while UTIs can be uncomfortable, they are treatable and can often be prevented, and by taking steps to prevent UTIs and seeking early treatment if you do contract one, you can reduce your risk of complications and get back to feeling your best.