13 Useful Home Remedies For Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make daily life difficult. The incessant need to use the restroom, the scorching pain, and the unrelenting exhaustion disturb your productivity and tranquility.

According to research, over around 60% of women and 12% of men will get UTI at some point in their lives, making these infections one of the most prevalent bacterial problems.

However, constantly using antibiotics might make you look for gentler, more natural remedies. Home remedies are accessible, safe, and, when appropriately used, surprisingly effective.

Let’s explore 13 effective natural cures for UTIs to help you avoid becoming sick again. 

Read More: 12 Causes for Frequent Urination And Treatment For It

What is Urinary Tract Infection?

The urinary tract is a critical part of our renal system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTI occurs when harmful microorganisms invade any part of this system, which is very common in the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

Women are at a higher risk of developing UTIs due to their shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. Though men can also experience UTIs, the condition is less common among them. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to severe complications, including kidney damage.

Symptoms & Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

The urinary system’s purpose is to keep bacteria out. However, the defenses don’t always work. Bacteria may establish themselves and develop into a serious urinary tract infection (UTI). The most prevalent UTIs involve the bladder and urethra and mostly affect women. Here are the most common symptoms:

• Discomfort in your lower back, abdominal, pelvis, or flank.
• Your pelvis’s lower region is under pressure.
• Hazy, unpleasant-smelling urine.
• Incontinence of the urine.
• Frequent urination.
• Dysuria, or pain during urinating.
• Hematuria, or blood in the urine.

Additional symptoms linked to UTIs could include:

• Your penis hurts.
• Experiencing tremendous weariness.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Confusion or mental shifts. 

Treatment For UTIs

Seeing a doctor is the best course of action for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotics are necessary and a healthcare professional will choose the antibiotic that best combats the germs causing your infection.

Once you have been prescribed antibiotics, following the instructions on how to take them is crucial. Even if your symptoms subside and you begin to feel better, ensure you finish the entire course of antibiotics. The infection may recur and become more challenging if you don’t take all your medication.

Home Remedies for UTI

Home remedies for UTI are sometimes what people often tend to opt for UTI pain relief, primarily because they are non-toxic and don’t have many side effects. Some of the most common home remedies to treat urinary tract infections include:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

One of apple cider vinegar’s many health advantages is its ability to prevent UTIs. When taken consistently, either by itself or in combination with other foods like salad dressings, its acetic acid content can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Furthermore, increasing water intake during the day and adding a few drops of ACV may alkalize the body, improve kidney function, and eventually reduce the number of documented occurrences of unpleasant infections along the tubes between your bladders and urethras.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda neutralizes urine acidity and may reduce bladder and urinary tract irritation. One teaspoon taken daily with a glass of water can alkalize urine and ease the discomfort associated with urinary tract infections. Excessive consumption may upset the body’s pH balance, so it’s important to use it carefully.

3. Garlic

Allicin and other components found in garlic are effective antimicrobials. Consuming garlic regularly can help prevent the growth of bacteria that cause UTIs. You can add garlic pills or raw garlic to your diet. Some women can eliminate yeast infections that cause UTIs by placing a clove of garlic in the vagina overnight – though there are no scientific studies that have shown this to be effective. You are better off trying supplements or adding garlic to meals.

 Read More: Dysuria Treatment – 15 Best Home Remedies For Relief

4. Drink Water

Drinking a lot of water is one of the simplest yet most efficient ways to rid your urinary system of bacteria. Water encourages frequent urination and helps dilute urine, which helps flush out bacteria before they cause infection. Additionally, drinking enough water can lower the concentration of minerals and other pollutants in your urine, inhibiting germs’ growth.

5. D-Mannose

D-mannose is a simple sugar that adheres to Escherichia coli bacteria to stop UTIs. According to a 2020 review, D-mannose may prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder and causing infection. The best dosages and adverse effects require further investigation. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional before beginning D-mannose.

6. Cranberry Juice or Supplements

Although there has been slight and conflicting evidence, some people swear by cranberries to avoid UTIs. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which stop bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract’s lining cells.

Cranberry pills may taste better than sour cranberry juice. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional before beginning any supplement regimen. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate supplements containing cranberries, so they might not be right for you. Numerous factors, including dosage, frequency of usage, and interactions with existing drugs, might affect the results.

7. Urinating After Intercourse

Although experts have long taught it, they have never thoroughly investigated urinating after sexual activity. Sexual activity is known to introduce bacteria into the urethra. We also know that, even in the absence of the germs, it can irritate the female urethra. Although experts have never confirmed it, voiding your bladder after intercourse to get rid of microorganisms is beneficial and undoubtedly safe. 

Read More: 10 Home Remedies To Treat Frequent Urination- Total Natural Treatment

8. Probiotics

The urethra, which is part of the urinary tract, is one of the many areas of our bodies where these helpful microbes help restore the natural flora balance. Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria that cause illnesses along this system.

9. Take an Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever

Phenazopyridine, an ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like AZO, reduces burning, discomfort, urgency, and frequency of urination. If you are experiencing discomfort in your bladder, this pain reliever can help soothe it. Doctors also offer prescription phenazopyridine under brand names such as Pyridium. Be aware that this drug commonly causes urine to become orange.

10. Warm Compress

Putting warm compresses on the lower abdomen helps relieve UTI-related problems like cramps or stomach aches. The heat increases blood flow, which lowers inflammation and relaxes muscles. It also relieves burning when urinating.

Read More: What Does Cloudy Urine Mean? Cloudy Urine Causes And Treatment

11. Avoid Foods That Irritate Your Bladder

Bladder leaks can result from certain meals that irritate the bladder, such as citrus or highly acidic foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol. They can even worsen your UTI if you already have one. Be aware of these frequent irritants to avoid future bladder irritation and UTIs.

12. Vitamin C

In addition to boosting the immune system, vitamin C may also make your urine more acidic, which inhibits the growth of some bacteria and may help avoid UTIs. When you have a UTI, watch out that you don’t eat too many acidic foods because they could irritate your bladder, exacerbating your symptoms. It can help your entire body and is an excellent home cure for UTIs.

13. Uva-Ursi

Uva ursi, sometimes referred to as bearberry, has long been utilized as an herbal remedy for UTIs. It contains hydroquinone glycosides, which are antibacterial substances that help lower urinary tract irritation. Supplemental uva ursi is available over-the-counter in the form of tinctures or capsules.

However, it might be wise to speak with your doctor before taking large doses or using them frequently to be safe. It is because prolonged exposure can damage your liver due to toxicity that results from using these substances without the proper medical advice.

Foods You Shouldn’t Eat

Diet plays a crucial role in treating UTIs. If you are administering natural ways to cure urinary tract infections, it is necessary that you align your diet accordingly. The top foods that one should avoid while suffering from Urinary Tract Infection include:

• Drinks with added sugar or caffeine.
• Fruit juices with a high sugar content.
• Candy and desserts.
• Sugary cereals for breakfast.
• Artificial sweeteners.
• Spicy meals with chilies and jalapeño peppers.

 Read More: 17 Top Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

When to Seek Medical Attention for UTIs?

Although you can effectively treat minor UTIs at home, your body sometimes tells you when to see a doctor. If you have symptoms like a high fever, uncontrollable chills, intense stomach pain, or blood in your urine, it’s time to put self-care on hold and see a doctor right away. These symptoms could point to a more serious infection, including a kidney infection, which calls for immediate medical attention to avoid complications.

Another warning sign is recurrent UTIs. If your symptoms don’t go away after trying home cures or if taking antibiotics seems to have become a regular solution, get a thorough medical examination. Your physician can identify the underlying causes of recurrent infections, such as structural abnormalities or long-term illnesses.

Recall that getting medical attention when needed is essential for protecting your long-term health and well-being, not simply for solving the immediate issue.

 FAQs 

1. Is Urinary Tract Infection Contagious?

You cannot contract a urinary tract infection from another person since UTIs are not communicable. Additionally, if females wipe from back to front after having a bowel movement (BM), bacteria may enter and contaminate the urethral hole.

2. How Long Does Urinary Tract Infection Last?

A short course of antibiotics can effectively treat a typical urinary tract infection (UTI), which typically lasts a few days. Most symptoms improve within 24 to 48 hours of beginning treatment; however, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it may take a week or more to resolve fully.

3. Can I Rely Only On Home Remedies For UTI Treatment?

There are numerous ways to treat UTIs, from applying warm compresses to drinking adequate water. While some treatments eliminate the bacteria from the urinary system, others lessen symptoms like pain. Make sure you get medical help in addition to using home cures because they don’t address the underlying reason.

Conclusion

Home treatments can be revolutionary when it comes to treating mild UTIs. In addition to offering relief, these straightforward yet effective treatments allow you to take charge of your health naturally.

These treatments can alleviate symptoms and even stop recurrent infections but cannot replace medical attention in extreme situations. Knowing when to get expert aid can be crucial to safeguarding your health, such as in cases of high fever, blood in the urine, or persistent symptoms.

It’s always better to prevent than to treat. Pay attention to your body’s cues, maintain cleanliness, and drink enough water. Do you know a home cure that is secretly effective for treating UTIs? Please leave a comment below with your advice and experiences.

• July 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Ankita