|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

UTI Home Cure

A urinary tract infection is a painful infection that can affect any part of your urinary tract---the urethra, bladder or kidneys. While an infection in the bladder is merely annoying, if it spreads to the kidneys, a UTI can become quite serious. Women are at more of a risk of developing UTIs than men. Antibiotics are required to treat UTIs, but there are some steps you can take at home to reduce symptoms and prevent further infection.

  1. Symptoms

    • Most often, symptoms of a urinary tract infection develop quickly. You will feel a strong urge to urinate, and when you do urinate, it will probably burn. You will also need to make more frequent trips to the bathroom, where you pass very little urine with a weakened stream. People with UTIs will sometimes notice faint traces of blood in their urine or a foul smell emanating from the toilet. Your urologist can diagnose bacteria in your urine with a simple test.

    Home Remedies

    • While you wait for the antibiotics to work, there are some steps you can take at home to cut down the pain associated with your UTI. Drinking plenty of water will help dilute your urine and assist in flushing bacteria out of your system. It is important to avoid citrus juices, alcohol and caffeine while you have a UTI since all of these things can irritate your bladder and make you feel the need to urinate more often. If you are feeling discomfort or pain in your bladder, placing a heating pad on your abdomen can help alleviate these symptoms.

    Prevention

    • Once you've had a UTI, you will not want the infection to recur. There are some simple steps you can take at home to prevent that from happening. Cranberry juice contains properties that fight infections, so having an occasional glass can help you ward off a second round. After you urinate, wipe from the front to the back if you are a woman. This will prevent bacteria from the anal region from migrating to the vagina. After you have sex, try to empty your bladder as soon as possible to flush out any bacteria. You should also drink a full glass of water following sex.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles