How Can I Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics

How Antibiotics Destroy Your Guts

I was a frequent UTI sufferer for many years. I know they arent the nicest things to admit to but given that they affect almost 50% of all women, chances are many of you have struggled as well . The burning pain down there and the need to pee every 2 seconds had me ready to pop an antibiotic almost immediately. I mean, it was just another pesky UTI getting in the way of life that was fixed so easily by a quick course of 7. Little did I know the impact that tiny, toxic, antibiotic pill was having on my gut.

I have written a blog post that has lots of detail on how antibiotics destroy your gut, but to save time, here is a 1 minute summary:

The antibiotics enter into your gut, fight all the bad bacteria that is causing the UTI and during the process also kill off a lot of the good bacteria that your body needs to protect itself against other infections. This means that we lose lots of the good guys that support our immune system and leave ourselves susceptible to more infections by bad bacteria in the future. This course of events are often the beginning of what is commonly referred to as antibiotic-induced IBS , where the dysbiosis in your gut can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, gas and bloating. And so the cycle of infection , and IBS continues… If only I’d known how to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics.

So, why are many practitioners so quick to prescribe antibiotics?

How Do I Determine The Proper Dose

There is usually a recommended dose range for herbal UTI treatment without antibiotics. More sensitive patients typically start at the lower end. Those who are more treatment-resistant start with higher doses. It is always best to work with an experienced practitioner to determine the appropriate dose.

Dr. Girard points out that commercially-prepared herbal products often err on the side of caution, and may only contain a quarter to an eighth of the therapeutic dose.

If you have tried a commercially-prepared herbal product and not found it particularly effective, this could be more to do with the dose than the herb itself.

Potential liver damage associated with long-term herbal therapy may be a concern with uva ursi, which is not meant for long-term use. Liver function and enzymes should be monitored in this case.

Are There Risks To Not Treating A Uti With Antibiotics

As mentioned above, UTIs and kidney infections are very closely linked. Leaving a UTI unchecked for a long time can result in a kidney infection. In some cases, it can infect both kidneys, which can be very painful and dangerous. In addition, permanently reducing your kidney function can lead to kidney failure. However, alternative treatments to antibiotics can be effective against UTIs.

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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed

Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:

• Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
• Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.

If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:

• Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
• Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
• CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.

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You Can Get Help Without Going To A Doctors Office

In the past, receiving treatment for a UTI required scheduling an office visit and suffering through your symptoms until you can see a doctor. Now, telemedicine services like MDLIVE allow you can talk to a doctor via phone or videowherever you arein an average of 10 minutes or less. And if you need a prescription, you can have it in your hands that same day.

When it comes to UTIs, there are tests a doctor can run a urinalysis and culture, which can get quite expensive. However, if youre a healthy female between the ages of 18 and 65 with the symptoms of a UTI and without any complications, these tests most likely arent going to change the initial treatment a doctor prescribes, says Dr. Talbott.

If your doctor sees anything complicated in your symptoms, it does make sense to do a urinalysis and possibly other laboratory tests. But in a majority of cases, its reasonable to initiate treatment and forgo the cost and inconvenience of testing, and delay in treatment, because most of the time it wont change the antibiotic thats prescribed.

This makes telemedicine a more convenient and inexpensive way to get the treatment you need to minimize your discomfort and start feeling better, faster.*

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How Are Utis Diagnosed

UTIs are diagnosed by taking a urine sample which is checked in a laboratory for bacteria. Your doctor may also perform a physical examination if they think you have an infection.

All pregnant women are offered a urine test, usually at their first antenatal visit or soon after. You may need to repeat the urine test if you have a history of UTIs have symptoms of a UTI have a contaminated sample or if your doctor thinks you are at high risk of developing a UTI. If you have frequent UTIs, you may also need additional tests such as an ultrasound of your kidneys.

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What If The Infection Does Not Clear Up With Treatment

Most infections clear up with treatment. However, if an infection does not clear up, or if you have repeated infections, you may be given some special tests such as:

• a type of x-ray called an intravenous pyleogram , which involves injecting a dye into a vein and taking pictures of your kidney and bladder

• an ultrasound exam, which gives a picture of your kidneys and bladder using sound waves

• a cytoscopic exam, which uses a hollow tube with special lenses to look inside the bladder.

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Otc Uti Treatment Options

UTIs are typically treated with a course of antibiotics that may run for a single day or a course of 7 days but usually lasts at an average of 1-3 days for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. However, some infections might not even need a course of antibiotics and may cease to exist. But, while treatment of UTIs without antibiotics may be a possible prospect in the future, for now, only a few equally effective OTC UTI treatments are available that can help a patient manage their symptoms. These include:

Hydration: Although not exactly an OTC UTI treatment method, hydration is still the key to treating a UTI quickly. If youve contracted a UTI, it is important to have fluids as frequently as possible so that you urinate more frequently and the harmful bacteria are flushed out of your urinary tract through natural means. This option means curing your symptoms without the use of medication.

• Probiotics: Probiotics serve as an excellent OTC UTI treatment option that helps promote digestion and immunity in your body. Probiotics restore the good bacteria present in your gut and reduce the chances of reinfection.
• Ascorbic Acid: Increasing your Vitamin C intake not only strengthens your immune system but is also a greater OTC UTI treatment option since it helps acidify the urine which may reduce the chance of reinfection.

How To Get Rid Of A Uti In 24 Hours

Are you experiencing painful urination and a constant need to run to the bathroom? If so, then youre already wondering how to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours. The seven home remedies in this article can help.

If youre still experiencing symptoms after 24 hours, then you need antibiotics. To get your hands on them, youll need to visit the doctor.

The doctors at Oxford Urgent Care will provide you with prompt treatment and relief. Check out our contact information and visit our office as soon as possible to remedy your UTI.

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Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics: My Natural Protocol

A Urinary Tract Infection sucks. They are uncomfortable, painful and make it hard to keep up with everyday life. BUT, they are beatable and the good news is you can successfully get rid of a UTI without the gut-destroying antibiotics I once thought were my only option. And, I am going to share with you my approach to UTI treatment without antibiotics that actually works. It’s an all natural protocol that I use with myself and my clients with great results.

What we will cover:> How antibiotics can destroy your gut and your health.> The rise of antibiotic resistance and why you should be concerned> The connection between UTIs, antibiotics, thrush and IBS and how to escape the vicious cycle.> A UTI treatment without antibiotics that works.> What to do if you must take antibiotics to minimise their negative effects.

Top 12 Natural Home Remedies For Uti

By Christine Ruggeri, CHHC

• UTI Causes and Symptoms

Urinary tract infections are some of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all infections. More than 50 percent of women will develop a UTI and UTI symptoms in their lifetimes, and because antibiotics are the most common conventional treatment for UTIs, bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant and recurring infections are a major concern. For this reason, its important to use home remedies for UTIs that eliminate bacteria completely and reduce the risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections.

Some of the best home remedies for UTI include drinking plenty of fluids, staying clean and dry, and consuming things like cranberries, probiotics, vitamin C and using essential oils. Read on for all 12 of my top home remedies for UTI.

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Home Remedies For Uti

A quick internet search yields plenty of articles swearing that certain home remedies like cranberry juice cure a UTI. Most of these treatments are safe to try in moderation, but they shouldnt take the place of seeking a trained professionals advice.

For example, some scientific evidence suggests that an active ingredient in cranberries called proanthocyanidins may stop bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract, making it less likely that the bacteria will stick around and cause an infection. Certain probiotics and vitamin C supplements may also help prevent UTIs, and probiotics have the added benefit of reducing diarrhea caused by being on antibiotics. However, more research is necessary to prove these alternative treatments are effective.

If you choose to try any home remedy, remember that untreated UTIs can worsen over time and turn into kidney infection, which can lead to emergency hospitalization in serious cases. A UTI isnt something you want to put off or avoid talking to your doctor about. Call them at the first sign of symptoms.

Ways To Get Rid Of Uti Quickly Without Antibiotics

You can do plenty of things to help ease a UTIs symptoms. There is no sure-fire 100% guaranteed quick fix for getting rid of a UTI. However, you can take some steps to quicken the process. Here are five of the best things you can do to get rid of a UTI quickly:

• Eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice

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Researchers Trick Our Cells Into Treating Utis Without Antibiotics

New research shows that our bodies own immune systems have another way to fight off urinary tract infections without antibiotics and its super effective.

This is a pretty big deal, seeing as UTIs are one of the most common infections treated with antibiotics in humans something thats contributing to the rise of drug-resistant superbugs.

Right now, bacteria in the US are readily becoming resistant to our last lines of antibiotics, hospital infections are getting more and more deadly, and even gonorrhoea is on the verge of being untreatable in the near future. So finding anything that can treat bacterial infections without antibiotics is incredibly exciting for scientists.

UTIs are usually caused by E. coli or other bacteria entering the urinary tract and attaching to the cell wall of the bladder, urethra, or kidneys .

Researchers already know that the bladder has a bunch of defence mechanisms it uses to try and minimise infection. One of these involves the lining of the bladder shedding frequently, so any bacteria that attach get washed out.

But that doesnt work in all cases, and if E. coli does manage to attach to the bladder wall, the resulting infection can be painful, and unpleasant especially if antibiotics arent able to clear it. There are currently 8.1 million doctors visits annually in the US just as a result of UTIs.

Just another reason your immune system is amazing. And if we manage to get rid of UTIs because of it, I wont be complaining.

Is It A Uti Or Something Else

There can be considerable overlap between UTI symptoms and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Bacterial vaginosis, vaginal thrush, vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, endometriosis, bladder cancer and overactive bladder may also cause similar symptoms. Antibiotic use may also trigger vaginal thrush in some women and require additional treatment.

“Recent unprotected sexual intercourse, discharge from the urethra and pain within the pelvic area or sexual organs would increase the likelihood of an STI,” says Ali. “Again, an assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional would be advised and various swabs or urine tests may be required.”

Interstitial cystitis , also known as painful bladder syndrome, may also be a cause of recurrent UTI symptoms. IC is a chronic, non-infectious condition of the urinary bladder that causes frequency and urgency of urination and significant pelvic pain that worsens as the bladder fills up. IC is a difficult diagnosis to make and requires tests and input from a urologist. If you think you may have IC, visit your GP, and contact the Interstitial Cystitis Association and Bladder Health UK for advice and support.

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Should Uti Treatment Vary According To Whats Causing The Infection

The most common pathogen associated with UTI is E. coli and is targeted by selection of antibiotics, but other pathogens can also cause infection. UTI treatment will often be empiric based on treatment guideline recommendations, but if you do not respond to an initial course of antibiotics or have many recurrences and a drug-resistant bacteria is a concern, urine can be sent for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Antibiotic allergies and drug interactions with other medications you may be taking can also play into different selections made by your healthcare provider.

Natural Remedies For Uti

There are plenty of things you can do to help heal your UTI if you cant get access to or are looking to avoid antibiotics. Probiotics are a natural remedy that helps with urinary tract health. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods and dairy products like yogurt, sauerkraut, and some cheeses. Probiotics work by producing hydrogen peroxide, a strong antibacterial, in the urine. You can also take probiotics as a supplement every day for the many health benefits such as better digestive health, a stronger immune system, and more friendly bacteria in your urinary tract.

The most important thing when you feel a UTI coming on is to stay hydrated. Water and liquids dilute the urine moving through your urinary tract and make it harder for unwanted bacteria to reach the cells that line urinary organs. Another way to prevent UTIs from developing is peeing when you have to. Holding in urine often causes bacteria to build up and increases the risk of infection. Its best to listen to your body when it tells you your bladder is full to help avoid and treat UTIs.

As annoying as UTIs are, theres comfort in knowing your options for treating them. For more resources like this, head to the Stix Library or send us your questions at .

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Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics: Interview With Dr Ashley Girard

Like any treatment option, antibiotics have limitations. Some people may therefore wish to consider UTI treatment without antibiotics or more natural remedies. In this interview series, Dr. Ashley Girard, Naturopathic Doctor from Ontario in Canada, takes us through her naturopathic approach to the UTI treatment.

Dr. Girard draws on her medical knowledge and personal experience to support people with UTIs and other bladder conditions. A keen advocate for naturopathy and using the healing power of nature, she approaches her patients with an individualized, holistic focus as she aims to tackle the root cause of their health problems.

Having gone through the ups and downs of a chronic bladder condition herself, Dr. Girard enjoys giving people hope that it is possible to get better and live UTI free. In addition to her naturopathic practice, Dr. Girard shares news of research and useful tips on her blog, Holistic Bladder Care. You can also follow her updates on her .

Take a look at the summaries of our interview with Dr. Girard below, or check out the full videos on YouTube.

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