Things Women Need To Know About Utis
May 12, 2016
If youve ever had a urinary tract infection and if youre a woman, chances are you have you know theyre not fun. UTIs not only feature unpleasant symptoms, like an increased urge to urinate and a burning sensation when you do, but also a tendency to come back again and again. In fact, UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body, leading to over 8 million visits to health care providers each year.1
Because urinary tract infections are also one of the most common conditions treated by MDLIVE doctors, we decided to speak to Dr. David Talbott, MDLIVEs VP of Physician Education and Quality Assurance, to find out what we should know.
The Lowdown On Natural Treatments
D-mannose
D-mannose is a supplement made from a glucose-like sugar that you can find online or in health food stores. D-mannose is most helpful at preventing E. coli from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, says Rice. D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections. . If taken with a lot of water, this can effectively flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Rice often tells patients to take 500 milligrams every two to three hours when experiencing symptoms however, the best dose is individual. You can find more guidelines here, and when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturers guidelines. Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to help the D-mannose remove the bacteria. Again, if the symptoms persist more than 24 hours or get worse, get yourself to the doctor.
D-mannose isnt recommended for those with diabetes, and if youre taking other medications, you need to talk to a doctor before starting this treatment. Diarrhea is a common side effect.
Althaea officinalis, otherwise known as Marshmallow, is an anti-inflammatory herb widely available in powdered, supplement, and tea form. Althaea officinalis is a demulcent herb that can soothe and coat the lining of the urinary tract to help decrease inflammation, says Rice. Make a strong tea and sip throughout the day.
Uva-ursi
Just add water
Home Remedies For Utis
Until there are more advancements in UTI treatment, antibiotics remain the most effective standard treatment. However, prescription medication doesnt have to be the only line of defense.
Along with standard therapy, you can incorporate home remedies to feel better sooner and reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections.
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Can A Uti Be Treated Without Antibiotics
Antibiotics are very effective means of treatment for UTIs. However, in some cases, the body can often resolve minor and uncomplicated UTIs on its own without antibiotics.
Following some estimates, about 25-42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections are usually clear on their own. In these cases, people may most likely try a number of home remedies to speed up recovery.
Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. Such UTIs involve at least one of the fundamental factors:
Change in the urinary system or organs, in the form of a swollen prostate as well a reduced flow of urine
Kinds of bacteria that may be resistant to antibiotics
Problems that affect the immune system, such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, or lupus
Cranberry Natural Remedy For Uti
Rich in antioxidants, cranberries are super foods for the urinary tract system.
For decades, cranberries have been widely used for the natural prevention and treatment of UTIs. The proanthocyanidins in cranberry have a special structure that makes it more difficult for certain types of bacteria to latch on to our urinary tract linings.
I take organic cranberry pills every day to help cleanse my urinary tract. I take one pill per day, unless I feel signs of infection, then I up the dose.
In my opinion, cranberry should be your first go to natural remedy for UTI.
This is the brand I personally use that is made with organic cranberries and has more pills per bottle . It has a potent 60:1 concentrate meaning it works fast!
If you choose to drink your cranberries, opt for a juice that is 100% cranberry, has no added sugar, and is preferably organic.
If pills or juice dont suit you, you can try extracts! I am a huge fan of this companys organic liquid extracts!
They are convenient, affordable, and you dont have to swallow a million pills every day!
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Small Compounds Targeting Bacterial Capsule
Polysaccharide capsule biogenesis plays an important role in UPEC virulence. Like other pathogens, the capsule is used as a defense against opsonophagocytosis and complement-mediated killing . The capsule is also involved in the formation of biofilm and the formation of intracellular bacterial communities . Until now, the human use of small-molecule inhibitors of UPEC capsule biogenesis was not available because of their antigenicity and poor bioavailability . Nevertheless, mouse studies identified two active agents , that caused significant bacterial death .
How Long Does It Take For A Uti To Go Away Without Antibiotics Wrap Up
Obviously, there is no specific time given for a UTI to go away without antibiotics but the fact remains that you can speed up the process of curing it if you diligently follow the home remedies stated above. Hope this article has done justice to your question How Long Does It Take For A UTI To Go Away Without Antibiotics?
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The Other Natural Uti Remedies
In the meantime, I combed the internet for other natural remedies.
I learned of the antibacterial properties of coconut oil and oregano . Also, the benefits lemon water has for the immune system thanks to its antioxidants .
I combined the Immune Strength and Purify essential oil blends with a carrier oil . Then I rubbed that on my inner thighs, stomach, and neck in the morning after I showered, and at night before bed.
I also brushed my teeth with Thieves toothpaste and ate lots of probiotic yogurt. And, to make sure I didn’t reverse any of my progress by feeding the infection-causing bacteria, I mostly eliminated carbohydrates and sugars from my diet. To be honest, I wasnt very strict with that last step, and I could tell if I slacked off.
Have You Ever Had A Uti Yeast Infection Or Bacterial Vaginosis Did You Heal Them Naturally Share Your Experience In The Comments
Disclaimer:Im not a doctor. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You are responsible for your own health and for the use of any remedies, treatments, or medications you use at home.
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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.
Cure Urinary Tract Infections Without Antibiotics 3 Home Remedy Treatments
Few things are as annoying as a urinary tract infection .
These infections cause serious discomfort. Constantly feeling like you need to urinate, burning sensations, pain, blood in the urine no wonder UTIs send some nine million people to the doctor each year.
Common intestinal bacteria, known as E. coli , cause all this misery. As long as the E. coli stays in the intestines, where it belongs, you have nothing to worry about.
But sometimes these bacteria gain access to the urinary tract, after accidental contamination by feces or sexual activity.
Women are more susceptible to UTIs. Thats because the female urethra is shorter than the males, giving bacteria easy access to the bladder.
When it comes to treating UTIs, antibiotics are the standard treatment. And thats a big mistake.
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What Is A Uti In Pregnancy
Urinary tract infections affect up to 10% of mothers during pregnancy. Studies show that it is the second most common ailment that occurs in pregnant women.
UTI symptoms can vary from a bit of discomfort to moderate pain. Because of its persistence, getting a UTI can be a frustrating experience. For pregnant women, UTIs should be treated with care. This type of infection is not only more uncomfortable but can cause severe complications for both the mother and the unborn child. All UTIs during pregnancy require medical attention.
Antibiotics are a well-known and common treatment for many UTIs. But because UTIs are often chronic or recurring, antibiotic resistance is a concern when considering treatment plans for UTI patients. Short courses of antibiotics are shown to be safe for the mother-to-be and her baby, but antibiotic use during pregnancy should be handled with care and consistent monitoring by a medical professional.
Always seek medical advice before trying to ease your UTI symptoms with home remedies. Under medical supervision, some at-home treatments may help resolve your UTI.
Antibiotics For Urinary Track Infections
There are two problems with using antibiotics to treat UTIs.
First, theyre unnecessary, since there are excellent, non-antibiotic UTI remedies available. You should refuse unnecessary antibiotics.
Why? Overuse of these drugs has created a horrendous problem with drug-resistant bacteria. The CDC calls these bugs nightmare bacteria and I completely agree. Once these lethal microbes enter the bloodstream, patients have a 50/50 chance of surviving.
Thats why I try to avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. And in the case of UTIs, theres no need for them.
Second, antibiotics can make UTIs worse. Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the intestinal tract, including the good ones that are absolutely necessary to stay healthy and avoid future UTIs and yeast infections.
For example, a recent study found that women who used vaginal probiotic suppositories had fewer UTIs later than women who used a placebo .
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Holistic Strategies To Prevent Uti Naturally Without Antibiotics
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Its no fun to deal with chronic UTIs, especially if the only solution you know is to take a low dose of antibiotics indefinitely. While antibiotics are the only FDA approved option to prevent UTI, there is an alternative strategy to prevent UTI naturally.
Key points of the post:
- Address underlying health issues that cause recurrent UTIs in the first place
- Heal your bladder lining
- Lower the amount of bad bacteria
- Increase the number of good bacteria
- Change your diet
- Stop smoking and start exercising
- Meditate
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?
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How Long Does It Take To Get A Prescription For Uti Antibiotics
The wait time for a prescription depends on how quickly you can meet with a healthcare provider and whether it is in person, on the phone, or over video. If you need to see a doctor in person, it will depend on what appointments are available in the office. If you are looking for an online doctor, you can usually get an appointment and prescription the same day.
Keep in mind that using a mail order service means it might take 2 to 5 days for the medication to arrive. It can be hard to wait for your medication to come in the mail when your UTI symptoms are interfering with daily life. Some telemedicine services like GoodRx Care allow you to meet with a doctor online, and then pick up your prescription later the same day at a local pharmacy.
Consider Switching Birth Control
Some older research suggests that certain contraceptives may contribute to the cause of UTIs in some women.
If you use diaphragms, spermicides, or nonlubricated condoms and get frequent UTIs, it may be worth talking to your doctor to find other methods of birth control.
Its not uncommon for UTIs to go away on their own with at-home care and without the use of antibiotics.
Some research estimates that 25 to 42 percent of UTIs can go away on their own. This is usually only common in women with no other health issues.
However, there are some serious risks that can come from leaving a UTI untreated, including pyelonephritis and .
UTIs are painful, but with treatment, you can alleviate an infection and prevent recurrent infections. Talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. With proper treatment, you should begin to feel better in a few days.
Take your antibiotics as instructed even after your symptoms improve to prevent complications or a secondary infection.
If the UTI doesnt resolve after antibiotic treatment or you end up with multiple episodes of a UTI, your doctor will likely do further testing.
This could be in the form of:
- cystoscopy
- urodynamic testing
You may be referred to a urologist, depending on the severity of your UTI or if you have chronic infections.
Certain strains of bacteria can cause UTIs. They can range from mild to severe. The degree of severity depends on multiple factors, including:
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What Is A Uti
A UTI is a urinary tract infection. It occurs when bacteria colonize in the urethra, the bladder, the ureters, or the kidneys .
It can be caused by poor hygiene, having sex, or other underlying gut problems. Symptoms depend on the location of the infection, but usually include burning pain during urination, a constant need to urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, and possibly fever and back/side pain.
Other Trends In Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics
In a recent study, a team of researchers came together to see if they could solve the mystery by boosting the bodys natural defense mechanism and improving the bladders resistance to bacteria. They tested an experimental drug which stabilizes a protein called HIF-1alpha, which was shown to protect mice and human bladder cells from E. coli invasion.
According to Time, the researchers found that using the experimental drugs in healthy human urinary tract cells made the cells more resistant to infection by the pathogen. The researchers also discovered that using the stabilizers directly in the bladders of mice protected against infection and that mice who were treated saw a 10-fold reduction in bacteria colonization in their bladders compared to untreated mice.
A classic antibiotic is something that targets the bacteria directly, says Nizet. This would be a treatment that would stimulate the body to produce its natural antimicrobials, which are many. Nizet says the next step is to explore testing in humans and learn more about the effectiveness of oral versions of the drugs.
Well, while the researchers are trying to find a cure that will make them millionaires we can try D-mannose and see if it works. Ask your doctor and print out this study before you do.
To summarize, you can cure UTI without antibiotics. At the same time, be extremely cautious when attempting to self-treat a UTI.
Anastasia Visotsky
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