We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. A 2022 analysis found that more than 404.6 million people had UTIs worldwide in 2019.
UTIs happen when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra. You can get an infection along any part of the urinary tract, but bladder infections are the most common.
Though UTIs can affect anyone, people assigned female at birth are
The shorter distance makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the vagina and rectum, which are sources of bacteria, also plays a role.
Other risk factors for UTIs include:
- history of UTIs
- sexual activity
- poor hygiene
- age, with children and older adults more prone to UTIs
- pregnancy
- changes to vaginal bacteria, which spermicides and menopause can cause
- structural problems in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate
- having a catheter in place
- certain medical conditions, such as diabetes
UTI symptoms
Common UTI symptoms include:
- a burning sensation when peeing
- frequent urination
- cloudy or dark urine
- urine with a strong odor
- a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- pelvic pain
Bacteria cause almost
Though antibiotics typically treat UTIs, there are several natural ways to help manage infections and reduce the risk of recurrence.
This article reviews six home remedies you can use to treat UTIs.
Language matters
You’ll notice that the language used in this article to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.”
Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.
Unfortunately, the studies and surveys referenced in this article didn’t report data on, or include, participants who are transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When you’re dehydrated, you aren’t urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A
In a
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, it’s best to drink water throughout the day and always when you’re thirsty.
Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTIDrinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.
Some evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
A small 2020 randomized placebo study involving 19 people who had undergone kidney transplant found that the amount of bacteria in urine was significantly lower in people who received intravenous vitamin C group compared to the placebo group.
Results from a small 2016 study showed that combining vitamin C with two other popular natural UTI remedies — cranberries and the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus — could be an effective treatment for recurrent UTIs.
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.
Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended daily amount of vitamin C in just one serving.
Despite these studies, more research is needed to prove vitamin C’s effectiveness in reducing UTI risk. Plus, there are conflicting views on whether vitamin C can really change the acidity of your urine enough to kill off bacteria. However, at the very least, increasing your vitamin C intake
You can try products like vitamin C gummies or supplements to boost your normal daily intake.
Emergen-C 1000mg Vitamin C Powder
- Price: $$
- What it’s good for: for people who may not want to take vitamin C in capsule form
A liquid form of your daily dose of vitamin C, Emergen-C Vitamin C Powder is packed with the support needed for daily immunity. As a drink, it provides immune support and delivers antioxidants such as zinc and manganese, vitamin B, and electrolytes.
Nature Made Extra Strength Dosage Vitamin C
- Price: $
- What it’s good for: kids who might need an extra boost of vitamin C
These tangerine-flavored gummies are an easy, tasty way to receive immune support from vitamin C. Each daily dosage boasts 500 mg of vitamin C.
Benefits of vitamin C for UTIIncreasing vitamin C intake may decrease your risk of UTIs by making your urine more acidic, thus killing infection-causing bacteria.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for UTIs. If drinking unsweetened cranberry juice isn’t your thing, you can also take it in capsule form.
Cranberries work by helping to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
In a
Another
In a more recent study, participants with a history of recurring uncomplicated UTIs reported a reduction in infections after taking a cranberry supplement for six months prior.
However, some other studies suggest that cranberry juice may not be as effective in the prevention of UTIs.
Because of the inconsistent results of recent studies, researchers published
The results of the meta-analysis showed that cranberry supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of UTIs. While the researchers suggested that cranberry be used alongside other therapies to treat and prevent UTIs, they also noted that several of the included trials had limitations.
Although the evidence is mixed, cranberry juice may help reduce the risk of UTIs. Whether it actually works as a treatment for an active UTI is less cut and dry.
Keep in mind that any possible benefits of this home remedy only apply to unsweetened cranberry juice, rather than sweetened varieties. Cranberry juice with added sugars won’t help treat an active UTI.
Cranberry concentrate or cranberry juice such as this one could be one way to reduce the risks of a UTI.
Benefits of cranberries for UTISome studies suggest that cranberries could help reduce your risk of UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt.
Consuming probiotics has been
Some
Antibiotics, the main line of defense against UTIs, can cause
Anyone interested in upping their probiotic intake could try these ones by Renew Life:
Renew Life Probiotics for Women
- Price: $$$
- What it’s good for: women’s care and health
Known for preventing bad bacteria from impacting your gut probiotics can also be a good way to look after your vaginal and urinary health. This product has been shown to balance healthy pH and yeast levels and supports general autoimmune health too.
Benefits of probiotics for UTIProbiotics could help prevent UTIs and are beneficial for restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.
Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, it’s important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.
Peeing after sex has long been linked to a reduced risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria and is recommended by health authorities, including Planned Parenthood.
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been
Finally, when using the toilet — especially if you have a female urethra — make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
One way to stop or prevent any bacteria from spreading amongst genitalia is by using Always Feminine Wipes.
Always Feminine Wipes
- Price: $
- What it’s good for: easy and convenient access throughout the day
Easily resealable and compact enough to keep on your person, these wipes are lightly scented to ensure you feel fresh and clean throughout the day.
Benefits of healthy hygiene for UTIUrinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Careful wiping when you use the toilet may also help decrease the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied and are all available in capsule form:
Nature’s Bounty Cranberry with Vitamin C
- Price: $$
- What it’s good for: all-in-one supplement to support both urinary and immune health
Made from cranberry concentrate and a dose of vitamin C, these contain the equivalent of 4,200 mg of cranberries. In addition to supporting urinary health, these also contain many antioxidants that can help build up the immune system.
Nature’s Bounty Garlic Extract
- Price: $$
- What it’s good for: alternative treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria in the body as a whole
While potentially beneficial as a prevention method for UTIs, garlic extract is also known to promote heart and cardiovascular health and helps maintain cholesterol health.
While not many studies have specialized in the effects of garlic in treating UTIs,
- D-mannose: D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries.
Research suggests it’s effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence. - Cranberry extract: Like cranberry juice, cranberry extract works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
- Garlic extract: Research shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.
Benefits of natural supplements for UTID-mannose, bearberry leaf, and cranberry extract are natural supplements that have been shown to prevent UTIs and decrease recurrence.
UTI supplement options
Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.
Here are some ways you can manage UTI symptoms that may also help prevent a recurrence:
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid or limit foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee, soft drinks, and citrus.
- Avoid holding in your pee for too long.
- Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to minimize bladder discomfort.
- Ask your doctor about prescription or OTC pain medication.
- Take all your antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
It’s important to talk with a doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. While natural remedies may help, a medical professional can diagnose a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Left untreated, UTIs have a risk of severe complications, including spreading to your kidneys. Don’t ignore signs of a severe infection.
Get in touch with a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
- a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
- shaking
- chills
- nausea
- vomiting
- blood in your urine
Why are females at a higher risk for UTIs?
People with female reproductive organs are at a
The female urethra is also quite close to female reproductive organs. That means bacteria from sexual intercourse as well as products like spermicide can be in close contact with the urethra and bladder.
Females also experience menopause and pregnancy. These two biological events change the bacteria in your reproductive and digestive tracts and create conditions that make UTIs more likely.
Should UTI treatment vary according to what’s causing the infection?
Your UTI treatment may vary according to what’s causing the infection. Certain UTIs, especially chronic and recurring ones, will need antibiotic treatment as opposed to simple home remedies.
If you’re prescribed antibiotics to treat a UTI, a healthcare professional may choose an antibiotic that’s specific to the type of bacteria that’s triggering your infection.
Will over-the-counter products (OTC) products like AZO get rid of my UTI?
Maybe. OTC products like AZO contain active ingredients that have antibacterial properties. In the case of AZO, the active ingredient is a compound called methenamine.
In combination with an anti-inflammatory compound, these products are meant to help your body kill harmful bacteria.
For powerful bacterial infections, the active ingredients in OTC products just might not be enough. Also, most of these products advertise as a protection against UTIs, not necessarily a treatment for current, active infections.
Can you get rid of a UTI naturally at home, or do you need antibiotics?
Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to heal.
However, there are certain situations where “wait and see” just isn’t an acceptable approach. Untreated UTIs can cause potentially life threatening complications, including sepsis.
When do I need to see a doctor for a UTI?
UTIs do have a risk of severe complications if they’re left untreated. UTIs that affect your kidneys and bladder need to be treated by a professional. Don’t ignore signs of a severe infection.
Signs that it’s time to get in touch with a healthcare professional include:
- a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
- shaking
- chills
- nausea
- vomiting
- blood in your urine
What happens if a UTI is left untreated?
Left untreated, a UTI can spread higher in the urinary tract to the kidneys or ureters, which are the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys.
Upper UTIs can cause severe symptoms, damage the kidneys, and spread to the bloodstream, becoming life threatening.
Can UTIs cause kidney infections?
Yes, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and have the potential to damage the kidneys if not treated promptly.
If you have the following signs of a kidney infection, seek immediate medical treatment:
- fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or above
- chills
- pain in your back or sides
- agitation or restlessness
- confusion
What are signs that your UTI is healing?
UTIs typically clear up within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. You should start to notice a gradual improvement in your pain and other symptoms.
If you don’t notice any improvement within this time frame or your symptoms are getting worse, talk with your doctor.
UTIs are a common and frustrating problem, particularly if they keep recurring.
Home remedies and OTC products can help prevent UTIs, but they can’t always completely eliminate the bacteria causing your infection. If you’re trying home remedies but still have symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional to avoid any complications.
Staying hydrated, practicing health-promoting habits, and supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of these infections in the future.
