7 Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are painful and uncomfortable. We don’t have to feel that while waiting for the pills to work. Follow these at home tips on how to be comfortable.

1 in 2 women will get a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), and once you get a UTI, you are likely to continue getting them as you will be more susceptible to them. Women are also more likely than men to get UTIs, and many women find it hard to get on with their daily lives when they have a UTI. Here are tips and tricks on how to ease the pain and discomfort of having a UTI.

What is a UTI?

Paper with urinary tract infection and pills

If you don’t know what a UTI is, then you are very lucky. A UTI is an infection that happens in the kidney, bladder and/or the urethra, and it is excruciatingly painful and uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms?

You know you have a UTI when you feel an intense burning while urinating or you struggle to urinate despite the constant feeling of needing to do so. You will also experience back and abdominal pain, along with sweats and chills. In addition, your pee will either be cloudy yellow, dark, bloody or just strange smelling.

What causes a UTI?

The causes of UTIs range from sitting on cold stones or being in cold weather without a coat to wiping incorrectly (always wipe from front to back never back to front). Another cause is sex. Additionally, if you use a lubricant, then you are even more likely to get a UTI, so always urinate after you have sex to lower these chances. Read on to find out how to ease the discomfort and pain at home.

See a doctor

close up of patient and doctor prescribing medication

If you have a UTI, it is crucial to see a doctor as you don’t want the infection to get worse and more serious. The doctor will make you pee in a cup to make sure that you have a UTI, and then they will give you antibiotics.

Hydration is key

Drinking lots of water is vital. The water flushes out bacteria and actually gives you a higher chance of urinating with a lot of urine coming out. Drink water all day, every day, when you have a UTI; you should not be without water at hand.

Drink and eat things at your own risk

In the end, it is up to you if you choose to consume things such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate, anything with citrus, carbonated drinks or spicy foods. All of these irritate the lining in your bladder, which will make you even more uncomfortable. Similarly, wearing jeans or anything tight and restrictive in the crotch area is a no-go with a UTI; leggings or pajama pants are the best option as are cotton panties.

Apply heat!

Close up of woman belly with hot water bottle in bed

Staying warm is very important, and heating pads really help. Using a heating pad on your stomach will help to reduce the inflation and cramping, which will give you much-needed relief.

Pee as often as possible

Every time you feel like peeing, do so. The issue is that you will be running to the toilet left, right, and center, so if you just went to the bathroom and feel like you have to pee again, don’t go right away, but do go frequently and whenever you feel the need to so. The sooner you get rid of the bacteria, the better.

Baking Soda + Water = Friend

One teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water does not sound appetizing, but this will help to ease your discomfort. You only do this 1-2 times a day. Since baking soda is an alkaline substance, it neutralizes or decreases the burning sensation you feel when you pee.

Drink parsley water

Parsley in water

Parsley is a diuretic, and when consumed with water 1-2 times a day, it will help to draw all the sodium out for your kidneys, which will then flush the fluids, salt and bacteria out of your body and will let you pee. By doing this, you will speed up the recovery.

Drink good ol’ traditional cranberry juice

It is important to drink cranberry juice that has minimal sugar and is as close to being real cranberry juice as possible. The bacteria that causes UTIs have fimbria (hair like spikes) that attach themselves to the lining of the urethra. The acidity from the cranberry juice makes it harder for them to stick to the lining.

UTIs are not fun. They are excruciating, uncomfortable and get in the way of life. A UTI is not up there on the top 10 most severe ailments, but it still is not something that should be suffered through.

There are various methods on how to be more comfortable when you have a UTI. The methods mentioned above are the most effective methods that are also the easiest and most conventional to do.

It is important to rest and also avoid having sex while you have a UTI. It is also important to see your doctor for medication, and if you run out of pills but still have a UTI, go back and talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If you have any more ways to ease the pain and be more comfortable during a UTI, feel free to share!

About the author

Christian Harris

Dreamer, and then a liver of dreams. I love music, exploring, and living life to the fullest. I'm interested in fashion, makeup, life, exercise and so much more.

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