Change Menstrual Pads Tampons Or Cups Frequently
Low-absorbency pads made of synthetic materials can expose your vulva to bacteria and increase your risk of infection. Using tampons can encourage bacteria to develop faster, so its important to change your tampon regularly. Tampons and menstrual cups may increase your risk of getting or worsening a UTI if its not positioned correctly. If it pushes on your urethra and traps your urine, bacteria can spread to the bladder. Changing the size or shape of a menstrual cup may help prevent recurrent UTIs.
Why Antibiotics Might Not Work
Sometimes antibiotic treatment doesnt do the trick. This may occur when the bacteria causing the UTI become antibiotic resistant, meaning they outsmart and outlive the antibiotic.
See, bacteria have this amazing ability to mutate to evade being killed. And after being attacked multiple times by the same antibiotics we use on lots of people, the bacteria can learn to resist them. Some research estimates that as many as one in three uncomplicated UTIs are resistant to at least one common antibiotic. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.8 million people in the U.S. get an antibiotic-resistant infection every year.
This sounds bad, and thats fair: Its not great news. But this doesnt spell doomsday either.
If your UTI isnt responding to treatment with one antibiotic, your doctor may prescribe another type of antibiotic. Most bacteria arent resistant to all the antibiotics out there, so chances are your urologist or primary care doctor has encountered this situation before and knows how to help.
Always Research Uti Natural Remedies Before You Try Them
While we are firm believers in a holistic approach to health, there are a number of reasons a scattered approach to UTI home remedies is unlikely to be effective
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A Uti Or Something Else
There can be considerable overlap between the symptoms for UTI 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 bladder 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.
Leaving Uti Anxiety Behind
Out of fear, leftover antibiotics had become a permanent feature in my bag. If I changed bags, the antibiotics came with me. I never opened them, but they were my psychological backup.
Around the nine month mark I made the momentous decision to leave the antibiotics behind. It might sound overly dramatic, but tearing up your safety blanket and tossing it to the wind IS huge. I hadnt taken antibiotics in nine months, but I still relied on their presence, psychologically speaking.
When I embarked on my healing regimen, I envisioned massive celebrations at the one year mark, for I would then be officially free of recurrent urinary tract infections. In reality, I had put UTIs so far behind me that it was almost a non-event.
I did have some celebratory drinks, with an emphasis on the fact I COULD drink alcohol without fearing a 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.
Know Your Uti Risk Factors
If you think that sex causes your recurrent UTIs, you are wrong. If you think its E.coli bacteria, you are wrong again!
In reality, many of us might have the same type of bacteria present in the bladder but only some of us get recurrent and chronic UTIs.
Moreover, women often go underdiagnosed for a long time and your chronic symptoms might not be, in fact, a UTI. It takes a good and attentive doctor to make the right diagnosis and uncover the real reason for chronic UTIs. Many, unfortunately, jump to prescribe a low-dose antibiotic treatment without asking too many questions, and often without a physical exam.
Always seek out a second opinion when your long-term health is at stakes. There are several known health factors that could contribute to a higher risk of UTIs, the list is long and, yet, not conclusive.
The main thing you need to know is that chronic or recurrent UTIs do not happen in isolation, it is a systemic problem and a variety of health factors have to be assessed.
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My Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Treatment Regimen
I didnt realize at the time that this was the beginning of my recovery. My regimen took me to a place where I no longer had any symptoms. I was able to stop taking supplements on a daily basis. It wasnt about managing my symptoms anymore, they were just gone.
I was basically back at square one and I wanted a fresh start. I wanted more information everything I could get my hands on. I started with a range of blood tests to check my general health.
I discovered I was quite low in a few essential vitamins and minerals. In speaking with clinicians I have learned this is very common in people who have been fighting long term chronic infection.
First, I began to take a range of supplements targeting my deficiencies. Then I created a regimen of strong herbal antifungals and antibacterials based on the advice of my new doctor.
These were teamed up with oral and vaginal probiotics that contained probiotic strains showing promise for urinary tract and vaginal health.
I had tried all of these separately after reading studies about each of them. But I had never tried them together, or with a plan and a timeframe in mind.
I started my new regimen.
What To Do If You Must Take Antibiotics To Minimise Their Negative Effects
Following a natural protocol does take more time, effort and products so in some cases you might not be in a position to get it done. Like, you might be in the middle of the Inca Trail with a raging infection and no access to D-Mannose. In these cases, you take the antibiotics and you do everything you can to minimise their harmful effects. Lucky for you, Ive written a blog that covers 5 steps to save your gut after antibiotics.
If you are a UTI sufferer, I urge you to give the natural options for UTI treatment without antibiotics a go. If you would like more information on how to get to the root cause of your UTIs, so that they stop being a regular issue, please head to the Work With Us page to learn more about how we work online with clients in many countries to test for and treat the many root causes of UTIs, IBS symptoms and other GI conditions.
Note: Affiliate links for iHerb and Amazon have been included in this blog post. These do not adversely affect the price you pay.
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My First Uti Gave No Hint Of The Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Ahead
If I could start this process again I would do it differently.
I had my first UTI at 23. The after-hours doctor asked, Are you sure you dont have your period? clearly unaware of the danger created by patronizing a female in the midst of a UTI.
I managed to stay calm and suppress the urge to retort, You think I cant tell the difference between my period and blood coming out of my urethra?? .
All I wanted was something to fix the pain, and for him to leave my sight immediately. He delivered in both respects.
The antibiotics worked within a few hours and I never thought about it again Until nine years later.
As it turns out, I was really good at getting UTIs. If getting UTIs was a desirable skill, I nailed that skill for five years, with barely a break.
Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics: Current Chronic And Prevention Options
Here are some protocols that I have created and used on myself and my clients for removing symptoms within an hour, and the infection within 5 days for really chronic cases. Natural protocols do take longer to work than quick-fix antibiotics, however they will not damage the good bacteria in your gut in the same way that antibiotics do, meaning you are less likely to develop another UTI, or other associated conditions, in the future.
Two key things you need to consider before starting a natural protocol for UTI treatment without antibiotics:
1. You really need to have the products on hand and ready to go once you feel symptoms or receive a diagnosis. Many of the products arent available at a pharmacy or health food store and need to be ordered online from somewhere like iHerb. By the time they arrive in a few days, youll be well and truly over it and probably have reached for the antibiotics in desperation.
2. It is hard work in that you need to be taking products frequently. Natural supplements are not as strong as antibiotics so consistency is key. This is about breaking the cycle of antibiotic use and its negative effects.
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Wipe From Front To Back
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.
After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.
Utis Versus Yeast Infections Versus Bacterial Vaginosis: What’s The Difference
As I already mentioned, my infection got very tickly and itchy toward the end. Could this have been a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis and not a urinary tract infection at least at that point in time?
Possibly.
A yeast infection is most commonly caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Normally, good bacteria in our bodies keep fungus at healthy, low levels. When the good bacteria is compromised or nonexistent, yeast infections can occur in the genital tract or other places such as the mouth .
Symptoms of yeast infections can include redness and pain in the vagina and labia, clumpy white discharge, itchiness, and pain during urination .
Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection of the vagina. It can cause symptoms such as itching, discharge, and a fishy odor . It occurs when good bacteria in the vagina are unable to keep the bad bacteria in check.
UTIs, on the other hand, are usually caused by an infection of E. coli bacteria. As I stated before, symptoms include pain during urination, a constant need to urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, and possibly fever and back/side pain.
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Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Are More Common Than You Think
Even after I broke the cycle of recurrent urinary tract infections, I never stopped researching.
Id been full circle through wondering what was wrong with me, to wondering what was wrong with doctors, to being furious at yet another female health issue overlooked by the healthcare industry, to wanting to do something about it.
And here we are. We created this website so you wouldnt have to look so far and wide for helpful information.
Weve done our best to break recurrent UTI into the pieces of the puzzle you need to understand in order to get well:
Boost Your Immune System
When your body is fighting off an infection, focus on behaviors that strengthen your immune system.
Rest is one of the best ways to ensure your immune system can actively fight off your infection. If you feel tired, take a nap, and aim to get enough sleep at night that you wake feeling well rested. And while it can be stressful to be sick, try your best to stay relaxed too much stress can impair immune function.
Along with proper hydration, its also important to maintain a nutritious diet. Focus on nourishing your body with healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains and avoiding sugar and alcohol, which can compromise your immune system.
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Has This Hub Been Helpful
Michele on July 24, 2018:
Thank you. I will discuss these remedies with my doctor. I have a bad UTI right now, and while antibiotics usually do the trick, Iâd like to see how these food/supplement suggestions might work. Just as a side note, there should be a disclaimer included that if the symptoms donât resolve or get worse, a physician should be consultedâas you mentioned, a UTI can quickly turn into a much bigger problem. Still, I appreciate the tips, a couple of which Iâd never heard of before.
Irene Tasker on June 06, 2017:
Will try some of the remedies you advise, as I have A UTI nearly all the time even with antibiotics. I will try the cranberries first then the parsley.its a nightmare for me as I play golf and it can be very embarrassing. Thankyou
Haniya on March 23, 2017:
amazing article
Devika PrimiÄ from Dubrovnik, Croatia on February 19, 2013:
I enjoy fresh garlic daily just finely chopped on my food the best flavour comes from this old herb
JCielo from England on February 11, 2013:
Thanks Rajan. Your comments are always respected and appreciated.
Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on February 09, 2013:
Very informative and useful as always John. You always present facts so well. Thanks.
voted up and useful.
JCielo from England on January 17, 2013:
Thanks catgypsy. Hope this helps your friend.
catgypsy from the South on January 16, 2013:
Cure Uti Without Antibiotics: D
I had a privilege to interview Dr. Wright who has been suggesting D-Mannose as an alternative UTI treatment for years. In fact, he was the first physician in the USA to use D-Mannose. In the 1980s his first patient to try D-Mannose was a 9-year-old girl whos UTIs became increasingly antibiotic resistant.
You might know from your own experience, UTIs are impossible to just to flush out with water. And this is because pathogenic E. coli bacteria attach themselves to mannose that is naturally present on your bladder walls.
However, by introducing free-floating D-Mannose in your urine, you can turn bacterias strength into a weakness.
If E. coli encounter the abundance of mannose in your urine , more often than not they grab on to the free-floating sugar and let go of your bladder wall. Now you can safely pee the pathogens out without even killing them.
This unique properties of mannosides have been noted by research labs and scientists across the world and hundreds of research papers are dedicated to the potential role of mannosides in UTI prevention and treatment.
Couple issues prevent D-Mannose from being recognized by FDA as a legitimate alternative to antibiotics.
First of all, clinical trials are expensive and D-Mannose is a natural substance, therefore there is no patent opportunity.
Secondly, researchers point out that natural D-Mannose doesnt form a strong enough bond between its molecules and E. coli bacteria .
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Things You Can Try Yourself
If you have had cystitis before and don’t feel you need to see a GP, or had mild symptoms for less than 3 days, the following advice may help to relieve your symptoms until the condition clears up:
- take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- drink plenty of water
- don’t have sex until you’re feeling better as it may make the condition worse
Some people believe drinking cranberry juice or using products that lowers the acidity of their urine reduces their symptoms, but there’s a lack of evidence to suggest they’re effective.
These products also aren’t suitable for everyone. Check with a GP or pharmacist before trying them if you’re taking any other medication.
