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Have you ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI)? The symptoms are unpleasant, to put it mildly. First, you may feel a tremendous urge to pee. And when you do urinate, the burning sensation can be unbearable. So, there you are. You have to keep running to the bathroom and each time you dread the burn. Sometimes there is pelvic pain along with the burning. And when you see pink or red urine you know you are bleeding. Get thee to a physician promptly! And if you have fever and chills, make that double fast. Once you have had one UTI there is a good chance you will end up with recurrent urinary tract infections.
Overcoming Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections:
Recurrent urinary tract infections cause a tremendous amount of pain and frustration. An estimated 25% of women treated for an initial infection develop a second within six months. Within the first year of an infection, as many as 70% of women will have another one. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat these UTIs. As a result, some women may end up taking several courses of antibiotics each year.
Researchers now suggest that although the antibiotic eliminates the bacteria from the bladder, it doesn’t get rid of those in the intestines (Nature Microbiology, May 2, 2022). As a result, once the treatment is finished, the bacteria once again migrate to the urinary tract and cause more trouble.
Frequent antibiotic use decimates many other types of bacteria in the gut, though, and women with recurrent UTIs end up with less diverse microbiota. Specifically, they are often missing a group of bacteria that tamp down inflammation. The result is increased inflammation in the gut, the blood and the bladder. More inflammation appears to make women more susceptible to repeat infections.
Anything that women can do to prevent infections would be good for them and would help against antibiotic resistance. Luckily, women may now have options besides taking antibiotics for months. The senior researcher is investigating non-drug approaches such as probiotic foods, fecal transplants and a natural sugar called mannoside. All of these hold promise for re-balancing the microbiota.
A Non-Antibiotic Urinary Antiseptic Makes a Difference:
A study in BMJ offers an alternate approach (BMJ, March 9, 2022). The medication methenamine is a non-antibiotic urinary antiseptic. Doctors have prescribed it for more than a century to treat urinary tract infections.
In the new study, investigators randomly assigned 240 women with recurrent UTIs to receive either methenamine hippurate or antibacterial drugs such as trimethoprim, cefalexin or nitrofurantoin. The trial demonstrated that the non-antibiotic preventive treatment was just as effective as antibiotics. Given the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, methenamine may offer a viable option for women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
Water for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections:
An earlier study showed that a simple lifestyle change could make a difference in the number of infections a woman might experience (JAMA Internal Medicine, Nov. 2018) The participants in this study were women who had recurrent urinary tract infections and who normally drank less than six glasses of water daily.
The investigators randomly chose half of the women to continue with their usual water-drinking habits. The other half were asked to double the amount of water they drank.
During the next year, those who increased their water consumption had, on average, 1.7 urinary tract infections. Those who had not increased their water intake had 3.2 infections on average.
The authors of this study offer this convincing observation:
“This study is the first randomized clinical trial to evaluate increased hydration for prevention of recurrent cystitis in women. We demonstrated that increasing daily water intake over a 12-month period resulted in an approximately 50% reduction in frequency of cystitis recurrences and a similar reduction in use of antimicrobial regimens… the beneficial effects observed using water, which is safe, inexpensive, and does not select for antimicrobial resistance, are substantial and important.”
Women who are able to drink two or three liters of water daily may have less trouble with recurrent UTIs and should therefore need fewer antibiotics.
Share your own story about dealing with UTIs in the comment section below.
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Jon
If UTIs are caused by an STD, the STD has to be diagnosed and treated.
Diana
After menopause, and a hysterectomy due to Fallopian tube cancer, I began having recurring UTIs. I tried every “natural” remedy I could find, to no avail. The only way to get rid of them was antibiotics, which I hated. Then I suffered a bout of PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica), an autoimmune condition which took months to resolve, and which has a high relapse rate. In an effort to prevent a relapse of the PMR I started taking LDN (low dose naltrexone), which is basically an immune system booster. A happy side effect was no more UTIs. That was five years ago.
I make my own LDN from 50 mg. tablets (it’s very cheap), and take 4 mg every night before bedtime (should be taken at night for best effect). LDN has a salubrious effect on many, many conditions. I’ll never be without it.
Mary
I drink 100% cranberry juice. I’ve never had a UTI.
Joseph
I was the caregiver for my mom for the last 14 years of her life until she passed due to negligence of the local hospital. She had recurrent UTIs more than 20 times yearly until prescribed methenamine. During the last 4 years of her life she only experienced 2 UTIs. The drug had no side effects & was miraculous for her.
Sharon G
For 3 or 4 years I struggled with recurrent UTIs. I tried many things, many of them listed in the comments already. Some helped a for a while, but the thing that finally stopped the UTIs: a urologist, and a friend told me to stop using soap around the urethra (the urine opening). I didn’t listen to my friend, but later when the urologist recommended not using soap I gave it a try, and it worked. The urologist also recommended to pat dry instead of wiping after urination.
Marilyn
I have never had a UTI since taking high-dose cranberry supplements.
Shirley B
What about using cranberry juice for UTIs? That was what our doctors told us to drink way back when I was young (before antibiotics were invented!), and it really worked.
Jana
Install a portable bidet on your toilet, and use it, especially after sex! Eliminated all my UTIs.
Mary
I’ve been able to prevent UTIs by using cream of tartar at the 1st sign of discomfort. This is an old folk remedy that a nutritionist shared with me. I’ve passed it on to several friends, and it always works like a charm.
HANNAH
I have become a believer in D-mannose I am a senior over 65 and sexual activity usually resulted in a UTI, but a friend suggested mannose, and I had none. Peeing immediately after sex helped prior to finding out about mannose, but was not foolproof.
Margaret
I suffered from frequent UTIs for several years and had severe negative reaction to Cipro that my doctor ordered.
While drinking cranberry juice seemed to be helpful (and certainly couldn’t hurt), what really did the trick was switching to showers and giving up my beloved bubble baths. My doctor recommended this several years ago, and I have been UTI-free since then!
Marilyn
I had many UTIs over the years, one that needed hospitalization. Antibiotic treatment left me with gut issues that worsen. I read about using cranberry capsules at bedtime. Took awhile, and it helped end the UTI cycle; took much longer to restore my gut health.
Angie
At the first hint of a UTI, I start taking D-Mannose. I also increase my water intake and take oregano oil. Works for me.
Sandy
I’ve found two simple actions which totally prevent UTIs for me and both address common causes of UTIs: 1) always wipe from front to back and 2) Always pee immediately after sex.
John
My wife had a severe UTI about 5 years ago and was hospitalized for five days. After she finished the antibiotics, she started taking a cranberry pill morning and night. She has not had an infection since. She still takes the pills we mail order.
Janie
500 mg vitamin C daily has been an effective preventive for me, as it is a urine acidifier.
Bonny
I tried so many things, and nothing was helping. I finally decided to shower instead of bathe. The Dr. didn’t think that would help. It did!!! I was getting UTIs about every six weeks; so far it’s been over 4 months!!
Leslie
Never had one, but I drink 2 quarts of water a day; so do the math.
Virginia
My Urologist prescribed methenamine. It causes urine to become more acidic. Almost immediately I began to have increased acid reflux which got severe until I stopped methenamine. I found only one study noting this.
Marie
I take D-Mannose every day. I haven’t had a UTI in four years since starting on it. I used to get at least two or three a year before.
Chris
I found about that 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a full glass of water works great. Drink every few hours. Immediately feel better. Best remedy I have found.
Mary
I stopped drinking caffeinated coffee. No more UTIs.
Karen
My doctor prescribed Mandelamine for a 90-day suppression therapy. He said that having so many UTIs destroys the protective lining in the bladder. This antibiotic restores the lining. “Like putting the Teflon lining back on your pot” is the way he put it. Have never had another UTI!
Tammy
Please, please, please ask to be screened for bladder cancer if you are having recurrent bladder infections.
In my experience, women are notoriously ignored by their physicians unless they specifically ask for a cytology test. Consistently having blood in your urine is not NORMAL.
Bladder cancer does NOT just affect men!
Debbie
I haven’t had a UTI since the 90s, but my go-to treatment for an active infection was drinking 100% pure cranberry juice, no sugar added, just plain bitter tasting juice. I would have a couple ounces every hour throughout the course of a day, and by bedtime most of the major symptoms and discomfort had dissipated. I continued this regimen until my system was cleared of infection, usually in a day or two. I have also developed a meticulous perineal hygiene routine using baby wipes daily after visiting the bathroom.
Pat
I have had UTIs for over 50 years. I have read everything I can get my hands on and tried everything out there with no luck except for low-dose antibiotics. There may be some of us for which there is no answer but antibiotics. I was determined to get off them, but apparently I cannot. The research on pH of urine is mixed; some say it should be more alkaline and some more acidic. Much more research needs to be done on this, and it is simply not there. The same treatments are used that were in use 50 years ago.
Joanne
I found that taking D-Mannose once a day has completely stopped UTIs. I started taking it twice a day for 6 months and then reduced it to once a day. This was two years ago at the start of the pandemic. I didn’t want to see the doctor so often or take antibiotics.
I read the advice of Mary below, and that also helps.
Mary
I have tried many things for recurrent UTIs. I’ve had the best results by using diaper wipes after defecating. First wipe with toilet paper front to back. Then wipe the anterior perineal area with diaper wipes. Then wipe the anal area until there is no residue left on the toilette. I also use d-mannose before and after having sex.
Marcia
Methenamine does not cure UTIs. It is given after a course of antibiotics to prevent future UTIs. It actually increased my Candida symptoms.
I stopped getting UTIs when I begn using Methylene Blue drops. A normal dose of 1% Methylene Blue is 10 drops in water night and morning. I only use 2 drops night and morning. It’s very effective. It also has stopped my candida symptoms. You have to drink it with a straw so that your teeth don’t turn blue.
Terry Graedon
Both methenamine and methylene blue work. A combination works best. Here’s the link to the study:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33365282/
J
Was told by a urologist years ago that there was a study that showed 2 brands of yogurt reduced UTIs. Only remembered one of them & that’s Activia. Have used it once a day & it’s helped a lot!
Gone from several UTIs a year to around one if that.
G
In the 1970’s I attended “suntan university” in Florida (am a native New Yorker), and I had a wet bikini on all the time. I began being plagued by UTIs. The prescribed antibiotics always gave me a yeast infection. It was a ridiculous cycle. The infections had gotten so bad that my left kidney was damaged, which I did not know until later. No doctor mentioned a wet bikini because, being a college student and given the times, it was assumed I was enjoying the lifestyle.
I decided to try natural prevention and treatment. I began taking massive amounts of cranberry supplements and a lot of quality water at the earliest sign of (even potential) trouble. I stopped wearing underwear. I also take super lysine+. I have not had a problem since I can remember but I am ever mindful of precautionary measures and hygiene. kidney damage is irreversible. Take care of your body.
Ann
In my teens and early 20s I used to get a UTI a few times per year. Finally, a nurse mentioned that I should wear 100% cotton underwear – no polyester. I also avoided wearing pantyhose and tights. Cotton is breathable and won’t trap moisture and bacteria against your body the way polyester will. Also stopped wearing underwear to sleep, unless you have to (period, incontinence). I am now in my 50s and have had only 2 UTIs in the last 30 years.
Barbara
DRINK POST-COITAL WATER: When we were first married I got a couple of UTIs (terrible!) Then I started drinking 2 glasses of water after intercourse. It makes you urinate which flushes/rinses the ureter. Thankfully, I never had another UTI again.
Penelope
Cranberry supplements 3 times a week solved the problem for me.
Kathleen
After too many UTIs and a change in doctor, a different strategy was used. Estradiol, vaginal cream was ordered. You put a pea size dab of this on the Urethra once every twenty-four hours. A chemical change takes place forming formaldehyde, if I understand this right. It kills bacteria at the opening of the Urethra. Over a year out, no further UTIs.
John
My first wife had recurrent UTIs due to having to be diapered while suffering from Alzheimer’s. D-Mannose powder added into her food, daily, stopped any subsequent infections. What a godsend that was!
Mary
I had severe and recurrent UTIs in my 20s that were treated with antibiotics. Finally, a urologist recommended a procedure to remove scar tissue from the inside of my urethra. It involved viewing the urethra with a scope and then inserting acid to burn away the excess tissue. Very painful for several days afterward.
Haven’t had a UTI in the 36 years since then, thank God! I have a bias, obviously, for identifying the underlying issue, and addressing it, instead of limping along and using medication as needed.
Tipper
Make sure you are getting plenty of Vitamin A. A is needed by mucus membranes. I had recurrent infections, until I boosted my A. Never had one since.
Georgia
Texas
I began having cystitis at age 19. By age 35, I had cystitis about every six weeks, I.e., except when on antibiotics. My urologist decided on a surgery wherein he made a small vertical incision in the urethra and permanently stitched a flap open so that the urethra would not collapse again. Haven’t had a single problem since he did this – 34 years ago!
Flora
Texas
I need help on how to take D-Mannose. I bought it, but do not know how, etc. to take it. Mine is 500 MG. Please help with how much to take, when, with meals or not, etc. Instructions on bottle say to take three capsules one to three times a day. Please help with missing parts of instructions for taking.
RS
FL
I read about D-Mannose. You need the powder form. You put one teaspoon in a cup of water, stir , and drink. It’s a sugar that eats the E.coli in the urine. Take it several times a day and a couple of days until you have no more symptoms. I tried the pills as that is all our health store carried. It helped, but I finished the bottle and still had problems.
Belinda
Grand Rapids, Michigan
After a urologist advised me to order Ellura super cranberry capsules on the web & take one a day, my seven yearly bladder infections decreased to one or two. But when a bladder infection did strike, I suffered from unbearable leg cramps from taking the antibiotics Levaquin, Cipro & Keflex which were prescribed. Then a super doc prescribed Monurol! And it worked like a charm, with no noticeable side effects. Just dissolve a packet in water, drink it & in a few days, no more bladder infection! Have since learned this is the medication many doctors in Europe swear by for bladder infections.
laura b
Georgia
d-mannose is the answer! just a few days of taking it will repair and replenish the bladder environment, to help discourage growth of bad bacteria. using antibiotics only makes matters worse in the long run; along with the bad bacteria, the antibiotic also kills the good bacteria.
Flora
Texas
Please give dosage, strength of the D-Mannose, how many, how often, take with meals?, etc. Thank you so very much. The D-Mannose I bought is 500 MG. Please help.
Mary
Kentucky
I take two 500 mg capsules 3 times a day with lots of water with or without food. I agree, however, that the powder form works better and faster for me. 1 teaspoon stirred in water with or without food 3 times a day. It is barely sweet, practically tasteless.
Cathy
Arkansas
I noticed that many mornings, on awakening, I could detect some dampness in my underclothes after sleep, and so I started daily putting on fresh unders just as soon as I wake up, even if I’m not ready to bathe or shower right then. Since I started this, it has noticeably helped to reduce the number of UTIs I have experienced.
Poppy
Chico, CA
I almost completely stopped eating added sugar. That is, I might have some if it’s in a restaurant salad dressing, for example, but I’m learning to choose oil and vinegar. I might have some at Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving. I do eat intrinsic sugar. After I almost completely stopped eating added sugar, I stopped having UTIs. I had had them for about 45 years. (Our sex life has happily rolled right on.) I have found it much easier to quit added sugar entirely rather than just try to reduce it. It makes the whole thing so simple. Within a few weeks of quitting, my threshold for a sweet taste plummeted. Even good celery can taste slightly sweet to me now. (Hard to believe, no?)
Patricia
Oak Grove, OR
Am I the only person with a ureatheral caruncle? It is when your urethra turns to the outside of your body, leaving you open to germs. After years of bloody UTI’s I was referred to a urologist who took one look at my anatomy and said: “You have a caruncle.” They are, in part, a consequence of no estrogen. The treatment has been premarin cream. I have done well on it but when I have weaned off it, the UTI’s have come back. A nice side effect of the cream has been no more hot flashes.
Someone
Ia
Try drinking half your body weight in ounces of filtered water throughout the day, and don’t allow yourself to become thirsty. Water only, not coffee or sodas!
Rox
CA
Having a UTI is not the same as cystitis. Cystitis symptoms are similar to UTI, except there is no infection. I thought I had recurrent UTI’s. The dr kept giving antibiotics, with no improvement. When urine culture were done, no infection was present. I finally went to urologist. For me, oranges, orange juice, highly acidic fruits, and caffeine were triggers for inflammation. Strangely, cranberry juice is ok for UTI, but not cystitis.
Isabel
Florida
Pure cranberry juice mixed with water. I sip on it all day.
Penelope
FL
Cranberry pills, 3x a week are the answer for me!
Carol
Florida
My gym told me to wash in the shower daily with Johnson’s baby shampoo. I haven’t had a UTI since.
Heidi
Moro IL
ALWAYS- empty your bladder after sexual activity to allow the flow of urine to wash out any bacteria introduced during sex.
Johnnie
Fl
I was having several UTI’s/yr. I started drinking more water and cut soda’s out completely. I also remember how females should clean themselves. Front to back to keep from contamination of stool. I also purchased a bidet, used all over Europe, not so popular here, but they are wonderful, mine gives me a choice of water temperature, front or back, and amount of pressure. I have not had an UTI since! Johnnie
Jean
Chapel Hill, NC
D-Mannose is the real deal. If I ever feel like a uti might be coming on, I take a half teaspoon of d-mannose powder in water and that takes care of it. Also drinking water, and not a lot of sweets.
Lorijane
Birmingham, AL
The best advice I’ve come across for avoiding UTI’s is to use a bidet or to shower after you have a bowel movement. Women are very susceptible to e-coli contamination due to their anatomy. And since 90%+ of UTI’s are caused by e-coli, you’ve got to be vigilant about cleanliness. D Mannose is also invaluable for keeping bacteria from adhering to your bladder. Doctors are now being advised to avoid prescribing Cipro for uncomplicated UTI’s, thank god.
Janeen
Texas
I was on a trip overseas and couldn’t get any medicine. I could however get all the dried cranberries I wanted. After eating a large bowl two days in a row my symptoms were gone. I get them a lot on trips and will now take more precautions.
M
Philippines
For about 3 years, starting in my late 50s, I would get UTI every quarter. Doctors would put me on antibiotics but I’d get UTI 3 months later. I was even in a hospital overnight for observation and tests. Nothing worked. They said it wasn’t interstitial but rather caused by bacteria and a urethra that had changed due to age. Then I read a website run by an RN (link has been misplaced) that recommended vitamin C pills to make the bladder acidic. So, I started taking 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg at night and it’s been 2 years since my last UTI.
Patricia D
Quebec (QC)
Why is the issue of biofilms in the urinary tract not addressed here? – It is well-documented that biofilms are one of the main reasons, if not THE main reason, why UTIs “recur”: in fact they never went away – the offending organism was simply in hiding. No discussion on UTIs is anything like complete without addressing the issue biofilms and biofilm disruptors.
Pat
MI
Get checked for celiac disease! Recurrent of any kind of infection could mean celiac is a possible culprit. I was diagnosed in my 60’s and had one nasty UTI after another. When the gluten was eliminated, so were the UTI’s. I’m almost 72 and haven’t had one since!
Bernadette C
Southeastern PA
A couple of years ago I had 2 UTI’s within a period of a couple of months. I’m pretty sure they were caused by antihistamines. My eye doctor had recommended taking an antihistamine each day, whether I needed it or not, to prevent itchy eyes during seasonal allergy time. I think the antihistamine caused urinary retention, which let to the UTI’s. Now I’m careful with antihistamines and take the smallest amount, and only as needed. Also I try to be aware when I might be experiencing urinary retention. Also I do take a cranberry pill that also contains a probiotic, Vitamin C and calcium. Knock on wood, I haven’t had a UTI since. Also I want to add I had reactions to Bactrim and Cipro: anxiety and insomnia.
Laura
New York, NY
I’m almost 80, in good health and haven’t had any UTI issues until now. I’ve had a chronic cough/lots of mucous for about 15 years – tried everything but nothing has worked. In the last year, the constant coughing has caused “bladder leakage” with every cough! Tried all the diapers and pads, but hate them and find I get a discharge after using them. Saw a new product, Poise Impressa, a tampon-like item that acts as a bladder support, which comes in three sizes (1, 2, or 3).
Ordered a “sizing kit” and began a trial with the lowest/smallest (1). It was uncomfortable, but I tried it for about 4-5 hours, which is well below the maximum suggested time of 8 hours. When I extracted the “tampon” it was very pink in color. I’m not sure if it was pink to begin with, or it caused some internal bleeding. The next day I had all the symptoms of a UTI. Don’t know if this should be reported somewhere – it’s a great concept and many reviewers say “it’s the best.” If the product could be made in a size smaller than 1#, I’d try it again to avoid bladder leaks and wearing those awful plastic briefs/pads.
TERRY/JOE: Has any info crossed your desks about this great, fairly new product? Thanks so much for all that both of you do for our health!
Karen
Frisco, TX
I started getting one bladder infection after another in my mid sixties. My mother was cursed with this same thing and ended up with damage to her bladder as a result. I am allergic to many antibiotics and cannot take vitamins as I will get kidney stones within a week to ten days of taking them.
I started on Estrace vaginal cream in my sixties, am now seventy six and have only had two bladder infections in all these years. I use it once a week and if I miss taking it for several weeks (which has only happened a couple of times) I inevitably get a bladder infection. It is a prescription, but it completely changed my life.
Terri
WV
The D-mannose is a life-saver! After recurring UTI’s, I found this “wonder drug”. I suddenly began having UTI’s about 5 years ago, and after the first one, they seem to be back to back, and were always treated with antibiotics. After using the D-mannose at the end of the antibiotics, that ended the cycle.
I was told that even with antibiotics, a small amount of bacteria can “hide”, and then “jump out” later, which is where the D-mannose comes in. The bacterial bind to the sugars, especially using the treatment dosage, which is a number of capsules following by drinking lots of water a few hours later, then moving on to the preventative dosage.
It is completely safe, even for diabetics. I have suggested this to friends and family, including a cousin who was stuck in the cycle of UTI, antibiotics, UTI, repeat, and my 85 year old mother who was also stuck in the cycle and all reported success! One word of caution: if you have a full blown UTI, it is imperative to treat the infection with antibiotics, then follow with the D-mannose heavy initial dose and then preventative.
D-mannose will not cure an infection. Also, in the case of my mother, my allergist/DO gave me the formula she had come up with after many years of not being able to stop the UTI cycle, especially for “older ladies”, who may fall short of proper hygiene, due to other health issues, mobility, etc. which is contributing factor. She found that it was necessary also to treat with an antifungal vaginally, as bacteria often migrates from urinary tract to vagina, and causes problems again.
Diane
Houston
Same thing. Never had UTIs until mid to late ’60’s, for whatever reason. Am now using compounded Estradiol twice weekly, (if I remember), and so far so good.
Cheryl
South Carolina
D-Mannose powder works amazingly well. I used to get UTI infections regularly. Haven’t had one in more than 10 years since finding out about D-Mannose. This powder (or capsules) stirred into water and consumed sticks to the bacteria better than the bacteria sticks to the bladder wall.
Most UTIs are caused by e-coli bacteria. This D-Mannose will knock it out. I keep a bottle on hand all the time. Had it a long time and have not opened it yet. Look it up. Do your own research. Great stuff!
Elle
CA
I take d-mannose powder and a combo ester c + cranberry pill daily and utis are a thing of the past. Also important to supplement estrogen to prevent them, this can be done locally to prevent systemic side effects.
PM
Mt Vernon WA
D-Mannose seems to be working well for me!
Marty
Houston, TX
I suffered with recurrent UTIs for 17 years. This was likely triggered by adhesions from a C-section. After trying everything I could get my hands on, I finally discovered D-Mannose and never had another UTI. It can be taken as a preventative or can be used to treat a full blown UTI.
I used it as a preventative for several years before the inflammation finally completely died down. Now, I use it only when I feel that twinge. I always have some on hand and I never pack a suitcase without it.
My husband uses it daily and it seems to help with his BPH (benign prostate enlargement). How sad that doctors refuse to tell their patients about this. When I have mentioned it to doctors, they simply dismiss it. Those 17 years of repeated antibiotics have severely damaged my digestive tract. This could have been avoided if I’d known about D-mannose earlier.
Louise
Indiana
Take showers, not baths!
Juli
Just a thought, as a nurse:
As we age we become less agile. Twisting our backs becomes more difficult. I’ve found many ‘older’ women find it hard to wipe themselves front to back after voiding using the method of reaching around behind themselves.
Also, I’ve found people tend to take fewer showers as they age as well. I cannot tell you how much dirt I have wiped away from just an arm in order to start an IV on people who have access to showers, but are not showering. Since the alcohol wipes I use to clean the area before starting an IV are white, it is very obvious how much dirt is there. I know fear of showering is a big problem as well – no judgment here. But if the arms are that unclean and so easily washed………
It’s possible to wipe front to back from the front. It’s possible some UTI’s are caused by fecal matter entering the urethra if this procedure is not followed.
I’ve read articles where bidets are very helpful as well – they wash away and help keep the entire area clean. So maybe a bottle like the new moms use? To squirt water on these areas after voiding?
Louise
IL
Women who have a problem wiping front to back should try this: Step 1 Pat dry (blot) front area and buttocks if wet. Step 2 Wipe back only (anus) without continuing
forward. And yes, I use a new mom bottle to clean further.
Clara
Wv
I’m definitely going to try the dmannose because I’m having urinary tract infections and I can’t seem to get straightened up in this sounds wonderful thank you
Chris
East Northport NY
I had my first, and only UTI at age 59 after playing a lot of tennis, and probably not drinking enough water. I had started to run a fever. We were new snow birds, and the few doctors I called would only see established patients. I googled holistic remedies for UTI, and colloidal silver came up. I went immediately to the health food store and took my first dose in the parking lot. I felt relief quickly and within 24 hours, it was gone!!
Sharon
MD
I, also, have turned to D-Mannose after becoming discouraged with traditional medical treatment which included many antibiotics, and then GI problems, which I strongly suspect resulted from the frequency of the antibiotic use. I now take D-Mannose daily and have not had a UTI since.
Susan
Virginia
I have just had a bad run of UTIs. The things I found helped the most were Cranberry with D Mannose, Acidophilus, drinking apple cider vinegar diluted in water, drinking baking soda dissolved in water (probably the #1 help over-all), and over the counter Miconazole. I am allergic to almost all antibiotics except Cipro, but that caused foot issues so I won’t take it. Takes longer to heal than if you take prescription medicine but these work–thankfully!
Patricia
North Carolina
Thank you for the tip. How much ACV and baking soda do you drink dissolved in water/day?
Betty
Wisconsin
I’m 85 and have had bladder infections twice in my life. Both times, same cause: I ate the wrong thing (tomatoes!!) and had uncontrollable diarrhea. Both times the proximity of diarrhea gave me bladder infection. No more summer tomatoes from the garden, no more bladder infection! It did take me two times to ‘get the message.’
Jean
GA
After many UTIS and many rounds of antibiotics, I had my bladder stretched. Have not had a UTI since. It’s been several years. The procedure was easy and painless. It was covered by my insurance.
Ann
New Jersey
I was on antibiotics every couple of months for recurrent UTIs for a couple of years. I drank water, cranberry juice and took AZO cranberry tablets. None helped. The urologist wanted to conduct a stretching of my urethra witch I was not on board with. Finally an article in prevention magazine recommended D-Mannose 500 mg every day. It’s available in the health food store. Since I started on that regime, I have been UTI free. In fact, I stopped taking them after about 6 months (which was the recommendation) and I still am UTI free after a year.
Betty
Greensboro NC
At 84 never had a UTI until last spring and since then had “repeated” ones. Finally went to a urologist & he said quit going to the “urgent care” places as their lab work is not definitive: it will show bacteria every time and urine always has bacteria in it. A urology lab is set up to quickly define the entire make-up of the urine which then can be treated specifically. This does 2 things: treats the actual bacteria IF there is one. Often the “dip stick” lab test throws the patient into the antibiotic d’jour which does no good. in fact can develop ‘superbugs’ which may be resistant to anything.
Helen
CA
I have had many infections of the urinary tract. It seems like after you’ve had one you are doomed for more. The biggest thing I have learned is not to take CIPRO or LEVAQUIN. They invariably turn up as effective when you have a culture and sensitivity test done, and your Dr. whips out her pen to write for one. Quinolones can cause more problems than they resolve.
Brooke
WI
You’re right to caution against fluoroquinolones. My nephew needed surgery after treatment with Levaquin, and my grandson narrowly avoided surgery. Dangerous drugs.
Brenda
Virginity
I blew out the tendons in my arms and shoulder taking Levaquin. Beware of this drug!!!
Gail Y
North Carolina
Beginning in my 40’s, I had MANY UTIs over a period of 30 years, but have them rarely now, as I have learned several important tips which have reduced the incidence of UTIs for me:
. Drink 8 glasses of water a day for general good health; but, in particular, drink a small glass BEFORE having sexual intercourse, and also a small glass AFTERWARD.
. Avoid caffeine (coffee/tea, colas), as it is a diuretic and takes water OUT of your body. I’ve noticed that it also inhibits my natural thirst, which compounds the lack of drinking water.
. Avoid public hot tubs!
. Move lovemaking to earlier in the day (mornings are always nice, especially if you are retired) or early evening so that there is plenty of time to drink and urinate a few times before going to sleep for the night.
. Be sure both you and your partner have washed your genitals and bottoms with warm soapy water just before making love.
. Always use a personal lubricant generously on both partners, making foreplay special; reapply before intercourse.
. Urinate right BEFORE and right AFTER making love.
My experience is that regular lovemaking is both physically and emotionally healthy. Your body naturally responds in a positive way. As a result, both partners are happy, thus improving caring/concern, trust, respect and overall marital health.
Marguerite
Denton, Tx
Taking a cranberry pill daily helps tremendously.
Judith
Kfar Sava, Israel
When I was a medical student, long ago, we were told that because a woman’s urethra is very short, it is easy for bacteria to travel back up. We were told to teach our female patients to make certain that they have some urine in their bladders when they have sexual intercourse and that they should void as soon as possible after intercourse, to flush out any bacteria in the urethra.
It seemed that those women who followed this instruction had far fewer urinary tract infections.
SJ
Colorado
Forty eight years ago I was plagued by UTIs. My GYN was intuitive enough to have me start taking probiotics, vitamin C and extra acidophilus with pectin. He advised me to limit my sugar intake and eat lots of veggies. It did the trick, I have not been bothered with any UTI problems in over forty years.
Sara
Virginia
See research by Jeffrey P. Henderson at the University of Washington (St.Louis). One of 2 factors: pH of urine. Better to be more alkaline.
About the only thing that has changed in urology in the last 50 years is the magazines in the office waiting room. There is almost no research. More and more women have recurrent UTIs. We need research in urology. Lots of it.
Anon
U.S.
The school in St Louis is named Washington University (WashU) … not trying to be pedantic, just trying to get people to the right source, because you’re absolutely right that WashU is very well regarded!
Gary D
Vero Beach, FL
As a pharmacist I would still recommend cranberry capsules especially a few days BEFORE traveling.
Sue
Indiana
I used to have frequent UTI’s.
Finally, I started drinking about 4 ounces of water with an Alkaline Seltzer tablet in it (generic brand). I also started taking cranberry pills daily.
The most important thing I learned was … after I finished urinating was to lean over. This finishes emptying your bladder. By doing this, I don’t even have to take the Cranberry pills anymore and haven’t had an UTI for a few years.
Mary
Sue,
I will try what you said worked for you. I can dribble for 10 minutes at night. If I don’t, I will need to get up sooner for another bathroom break.
Mary
Kathleen E.
Greenville NC
In May, I started out with a GI infection that escalated throughout June. The culprit may have been lettuce. Once that was cleared up, I found I also had a bladder infection. So many antibiotics! The bladder infection came back. I consulted Dr. Low Dog’s book and followed her recommendation. I found a capsule at my local vitamin store that met the recommendation of D-Mannose with cranberry. I took this twice a day until the bladder infection was gone,(no more symptoms) and now take the recommended daily dose to prevent any more UTI’s. It works!