12 home remedies for UTI prevention and treatment

In this article:

• Wipe correctly
• Wear cotton underwear
• Don’t douche
• Switch soaps
• Change menstrual products frequently
• Apply heat
• Hydrate
• Urinate often
• Eat more garlic
• Eat less sugar
• Supplement with probiotics
• Invest in a bidet
• UTI medications
• FAQs

In this article

• Wipe correctly
• Wear cotton underwear
• Don’t douche
• Switch soaps
• Change menstrual products frequently
• Apply heat
• Hydrate
• Urinate often
• Eat more garlic
• Eat less sugar
• Supplement with probiotics
• Invest in a bidet
• UTI medications
• FAQs

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an unwelcome guest that brings burning, pain, and frequent urination. While prescription antibiotic medications can treat UTIs quickly, many people also find relief from their UTI symptoms with simple home remedies. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular home remedies for UTIs.

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12 home remedies for UTIs (urinary tract infections)

The average UTI can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week. While some UTIs will go away on their own, more severe or frequent UTIs require medical attention. With antibiotic treatment, many people start to feel relief within a couple of days. For mild UTIs, home remedies may help alleviate symptoms, and/or prevent infections from developing. 

The following are some of the most common home remedies for UTIs.

1. Wipe correctly

One of the best ways to prevent UTIs at home is to stay as clean and dry as possible. Wiping from front to back after urinating or a bowel movement will help keep bacteria from entering the urethra and traveling up the urinary tract.

2. Wear cotton underwear

Wear underwear made from breathable fabrics like cotton to ensure that the urethra stays as clean and dry as possible to prevent bacterial entry. Wearing clothing that’s too tight can block airflow to the urethra. Without airflow, bacteria can gain entry and breed an environment that allows the development of a UTI. Wearing clothes made from synthetic fibers like silk or nylon can trap moisture, allowing bacterial growth.

3. Don’t douche

The presence of any bacteria in the urinary tract does not mean the presence of infection; “good” bacteria is present and is important for maintaining a healthy equilibrium. In addition to “bad” bacteria, douching can eliminate this “good” bacteria and change your body’s pH balance. Ultimately, this may allow the “bad” bacteria to flourish. The vagina cleans itself via discharge. You can wash the vulva with fragrance-free soap and water. 

4. Switch soaps

Your bubble bath, body wash, and other cleaning products could be the culprit to your UTIs. Use sensitive formulas that are dye-free and fragrance-free. Those with very sensitive skin can simply clean with water.

5. Change menstrual pads, tampons, or cups frequently

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is important to change menstrual products regularly. This is because bacteria and fungi are attracted to trapped moisture. Changing these products regularly can help you stay dry. Also, use unscented menstrual products, as scented products can cause skin irritation and affect the pH balance. 

6. Apply heat

Having a UTI can cause discomfort or pain in the pubic area. A heating pad or hot water bottle can help soothe pain in that area. Making sure the temperature isn’t too hot and that the heat source doesn’t directly touch the skin will prevent any irritation or burning. Taking a warm bath may sound like a logical solution to relieve UTI pain, but most healthcare professionals advise against bubble baths because they can cause irritation and lead to infection. If you do take a bath, eliminate the soap and suds and limit the amount of time you soak. Better yet, opt for showers instead.

7. Hydrate

One of the best home remedies for UTIs is to drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of water helps flush bacteria out of the body. Harvard Health recommends that the average healthy person drink at least four to six cups of water daily. While many swear by cranberry products such as cranberry supplements or cranberry juice, research is mixed, and scientific evidence does not support it. If you do want to try cranberry juice, choose unsweetened cranberry juice, as sugar can contribute to infection. 

8. Urinate often

Experts note that holding urine can increase the risk of urinary tract infections as well as other problems. Drinking lots of water (as noted above) and peeing at least every two or three hours is recommended. Making a habit of urinating before and after sexual intercourse will also help minimize the amount of bacteria that enters the urethra. 

9. Eat more garlic 

Consuming garlic is a great way to boost your immune system, and garlic is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. One of the compounds in garlic, allicin, has antimicrobial properties that have proven to be effective at killing Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Stick to eating garlic, though—don’t try to apply it in or around the affected area. 

10. Eat less sugar

“Diet can be huge in the prevention of UTI since it is caused by a bacterial infection,” says Sarah Emily Sajdak, DAOM, a doctor of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in New York City. “Bacteria love sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more you’re feeding the infection.” Experts suggest trying tips like drinking plenty of water to avoid cravings and substituting fruit for candy, enjoying a small portion of dark chocolate when cravings strike.

11. Supplement with probiotics

Probiotic coupons

Probiotics are supplements of “good” bacteria that help support a healthy gut and immune system. They can help keep harmful bacteria from flourishing and may help treat and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.  Some experts recommend trying probiotics, although results of studies are conflicting. 

There are many different types of probiotic supplements available for purchase at grocery stores or health food stores. If you’re interested in taking them for UTIs and don’t know which kind to get, consulting a healthcare professional is always a good idea. 

12. Invest in a bidet 

UTIs result from bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra, so thorough cleaning after using the bathroom is one critical step to prevent UTIs. A bidet is one easy and convenient way to keep yourself clean from fecal matter that might travel into the urinary tract and cause an infection. Just be sure to use it properly (such as making sure the water flows from front to back and does not enter the body), and keep the bidet clean and sanitized.

UTI medications

If home remedies aren’t helping your UTI, you may need an over-the-counter or prescription medication for symptom relief, such as Advil or Tylenol for pain, or phenazopyridine for irritation and burning. “Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn [provide] symptom relief,” says David Samadi, MD, the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. “There are also OTC medications such as AZO Urinary Pain Relief or Uristat tablets whose main ingredient is phenazopyridine, which can help reduce irritation in the urinary tract, but it won’t treat the cause.”

However, while natural approaches to preventing UTIs are reasonable to implement, the best way to completely eradicate a true infection is by getting an antibiotic prescription. Luckily, most uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with a short course of antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing bacterial infections within the body. Popular antibiotic treatment options for UTIs include: 

It’s imperative to take the entire prescribed dose of any antibiotic, even if you start to feel better. Stopping a course of antibiotics early might not kill all of the bacteria, which could cause antibiotic resistance.

When to see a healthcare provider for a UTI

“Always go to your primary care physician immediately if there is blood in the urine, if you have a fever, and/or low back pain with your UTI symptoms,” says Dr. Sajdak. “UTIs can move fast so it’s better to go to your PCP sooner than later.”

Although natural remedies can be beneficial for alleviating UTI symptoms and preventing recurrent UTIs, they are unlikely to be effective in treating the infection.

“If symptoms still persist after three days, then it is time to move on to antibiotics,” says Ivy Branin, ND, a naturopathic doctor in New York City who specializes in women’s health. “I often recommend a patient to see their doctor for a UA (urinary analysis) and a prescription for antibiotics just in case and to fill it if they have no improvement after three days.”

UTI FAQs

Why are females at a higher risk for UTIs? 

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in women, with approximately 40% of women developing a UTI in their lifetime. UTIs are more common in women than men due to anatomy because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Sexual activity can introduce bacteria from the rectal area into the urethra, as can the use of diaphragms for birth control. Spermicide application for birth control can offset the good bacteria that offer protection from overgrowth of bacteria causing UTIs. You can always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice on the best birth control method for you. Periods of hormonal changes, as seen in pregnancy and menopause, can also increase the risk of developing UTIs in women. 

Can UTIs go away on their own?

Most UTIs will require antibiotics, as true infections left untreated can result in more serious events like kidney damage. Documented UTIs should be managed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How long do UTIs last?

UTIs, when treated appropriately and promptly, can resolve quickly – within a few days, to be exact. Antibiotic courses for uncomplicated UTIs are usually very short, generally not requiring more than 3 to 5 days of treatment when caught early. Antibiotics, if prescribed, should always be continued for the duration dictated by your provider, even if you start to feel better before the course is complete. Inadequately treated UTIs could recur or result in the development of antibiotic resistance by the bacteria, making management of future infections more complicated. 

Are bananas good for UTIs? 

Bananas and other fiber-rich fruits and food may be helpful in preventing UTIs by aiding in proper bowel movements. Foods high in fiber can ultimately reduce the risk of UTIs by minimizing pressure on the urinary tract so that urine flows unobstructed and any present bacteria is flushed out. 

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

Leaving a UTI untreated can cause additional health problems. Bacteria can reach the kidneys and cause kidney infections and possibly permanent kidney damage. Untreated UTIs in pregnant women can also potentially cause early labor and low birth weight. A UTI left untreated can result in a more serious infection, called sepsis. Sepsis is a true medical emergency, and if not treated as such, can result in death. Seeking treatment for a UTI that isn’t going away—or one that keeps coming back—is important for your current and future health.