UTI question...?

Question

I think I'm starting to develop a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). I've had it once before so I can sort of tell. Since I'm already starting to get it (not that bad but it might progress) is there anything I could do that could STOP it without using having to go to the doctor and get antibiotics? I heard water and cranberry juice helps but can it actually stop it? If anybody has any advice that would be greatly appreciately. Thanks

Answer 1

If you have an Urinary Tract Infection, it will progress and it will not get better with any treatment other than antibiotics. There are things that you can do, like the cranberry juice or an OTC med called AZO Standard that can mask the symptoms...the burning and/or cramping sensation at the completion of urination and the frequency...but it will not stop the infection, and it will come roaring back on you (usually on the weekend or sometime when you can't get to the doctor soon). Urinary tract infections are not taken nearly so seriously by most people as they should be. UTI's, untreated, can develop into massive kidney infections and damage the filtering ability of the kidneys permanently. Repeated infections can cause scarring of the bladder walls and the urethra and ureters. If you think you have a bladder infection, you probably do. It's almost unmistakable. Go to a doctor; don't mess around with home remedies.

Answer 2

A UTI is when there is E.Coli bacteria (found in your colon) in you urethra or bladder. Drinking water can help prevent a UTI because it flushes out your bladder and keeps bacteria from reaching large amounts but you should also drink 6-8 glasses when you have a UTI. Although nothing can replace a visit to the doctor, cranberry juice (unsweetened or pills) can help when you have a UTI because it lowers the pH of urine making it more acidic, this is similar to what your body does which is what causes the burning sensation when you urinate. You can try these but if it doesn't start feeling better you should see a doctor before the infection gets worse and spreads to your kidneys. If you do decide to see a doctor it is important to take the medication for the full length of time the Dr. prescribes even if the symptoms go away sooner, if not some bacteria could remain and cause another UTI. Also, to prevent UTI's in the future you can eat blueberry's which keep E.Coli from attaching to the walls of your urinary tract. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Definitely try LOTS of water, but instead of cranberry juice I would recommend taking a cranberry extract supplement. This is because all of the sugar found in cranberry juice can exacerbate a UTI. Also, to treat the uncomfortable symptoms, you can try a medication such as Uristat. However, this will only treat the symptoms, and not the underlying cause (which will require antibiotics if it progresses to a full blown UTI). Good luck! I know how awful those things can be!

Answer 4

When you guys have sex, depending on position, his penis is pressing up against your urethra and pushing bacteria into it. This will make your UTI worse. That's why you shouldn't have sex during a UTI. Also, some antibiotics can kind of cancel out the effects of birth control. That's another good reason, eh? AND It's NOT contagious.

Answer 5

Cranberry extract pills. Take 2 3x/day and drink TONS of water. I have gotten rid of 2 UTIs that way (I didn't have insurance at the time so I didn't have much choice). After the symptoms clear I would still take 1 pill 2/x a day for another week to make sure it doesn't return.

Answer 6

As soon as you get the uh-oh UTI feeling, buy cranberry juice within 24 hours. It's best to drink a glass a day, it prevents certian types of bacteria from getting into your unirary tract and flushes them out.

Answer 7

I've had many a UTI and unfortunatley once the bacteria has multiplied to the point you can feel symptoms, then only an antibiotic will get compltely rid you of the infection..So keep on drinking to flush out your system as much as you can. If you need somthing to control the pain and frequency before you visit your doctor, try OTC Cystex..Feel better soon

Answer 8

I'm a microbiologist in the medical field and while drinking lots of water and cranberry juice/extract may help by alleviating your symptoms and discomfort, it WILL NOT cure it and you actually risk developing hemmorhagic cystitis by not treating it properly. Only antibiotics can clear up a UTI.

Answer 9

Start drinking as much water as you can stand. If it does turn into a full blown UTI, drinking water will help flush it out, also from what I remember the stronger your pee is the worse it hurts (when you have a UTI.) I've had UTIs, too. Go get antibiotics quick.

Answer 10

Actually yes, cranberry juice really does help. It has to be the real stuff though, not too diluted (you can add a little sugar though, if you hate the taste). Or I guess that extract would probably do the same thing.