Home Remedies for Bladder Infections
When germs invade the urinary bladder, an inflammation develops that creates an assortment of uncomfortable symptoms. A bladder infection causes irritation and pain all across the board, especially when it comes time to relieve yourself. Getting this form of urinary tract infection treated is vital to the healthy balance of your body because once the infection spreads to the kidneys, serious complications may arise. Irreversible damage may occur.
What is a Bladder Infection?
A bladder infection (often referred to as cystitis) first develops when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra, which is the tube that allows urine to exit the body [1]. The bacteria latch onto the bladder wall and start to increase in numbers. When it comes to cystitis, many types exist. A few include:
a) Bacterial Cystitis:
Serving as the most common form of the infection, bacterial cystitis is often transmitted from the bowel through the urethra leading into the bladder [2]. Coliform bacteria are responsible for this kind of inflammation and infection.
b) Interstitial Cystitis:
This form of infection is quite painful and not that easy to pinpoint. It also does not involve any sort of foreign organisms that cause your discomfort.
c) Hemorrhagic Cystitis:
This bladder inflammation is known to cause hemorrhaging and most often occurs within patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
Symptoms
Bladder infections can affect an individual at any age. For example, if you notice new patterns of bedwetting in your toddler (also called enuresis), you should consult your doctor whether or not this is a result of urinary tract infection. Additional bladder infection signs and symptoms include:
a) Urination Problems:
Bladder infections often bring about the strong urge to frequently urinate, yet only produce a small amount of urine. When urinating, an individual may experience a burning sensation.
b) Blood in Urine:
Sometimes traces of blood appear in the urine. This symptom is referred to as hematuria.
c) Urine Appearance Changes:
Upon examining your urine, it may appear cloudy, as well as give off a strong odor.
d) Stomach Pressure:
In the lower abdomen, you may experience a feeling of pressure.
e) Fever:
Some individuals exhibit a low-grade fever when suffering from a bladder infection.
Causes of Bladder Infection
Knowing the causes of bladder infection may help you avoid some of the triggers associated with this condition. While many of the listed causes are unavoidable, a few circumstances are preventable when establishing healthy habits and personal hygiene. Below you will find the main causes of cystitis:
a) Kidney or Urethra Infection:
If you are experiencing an infection in the urethra or kidneys, cystitis may follow. Infections in the vagina or prostate gland have also been known to trigger a bladder infection.
b) Kidney Stones:
Besides infected kidneys, if you suffer from stones in the kidneys, inflammation or irritation may arise in the bladder.
c) Urine Retention:
If you wait too long before relieving your bladder, you could cause irritation or inflammation.
d) Constipation:
Severe bouts of constipation have been known to result in a bladder infection.
e) Cancer-Related:
In the case of hemorrhagic cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder develops when one is undergoing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Diagnosis
When visiting the doctor to speak upon possible signs of bladder infection, you will be expected to surrender a urine sample. Your physician will then test the sample to conclude whether or not you show blood, pus, or bacteria within your urine. If bacteria are present, you will most likely be treated for cystitis.
Risk Factors
It’s just a plain, simple fact – some people are more susceptible to developing a bladder infection than others. For example, women tend to suffer from this painful condition more than men. One of the main reasons includes the length of their urethra, which is shorter than male urethras. This means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel before reaching the bladder. Below you will find additional cystitis risk factors:
a) Sexual Intercourse:
Women who engage in frequent sex (especially with multiple partners) will also increase their chance of cystitis. This is because the bacteria that causes the infection is constantly being pushed further up the urethra. Diaphragm use also serves as breeding grounds for bladder infection bacteria.
b) Pregnancy:
Women undergoing hormonal changes due to pregnancy have an increased chance of developing a bladder infection.
c) Blocked Urine Flow:
If the flow of urine is blocked, a bladder infection may develop. Common causes of these circumstances are often enlarged prostate (leading to male bladder infection) or a stone in the bladder.
d) Immune System Changes:
Increased risk of bladder infection occurs when other conditions are present, such as cancer or diabetes.
e) Bladder Catheters:
The prolonged use of these tubes may lead to cystitis, which is a commonly seen in the elderly, as well as patients suffering from a chronic illness.
Home Remedies for Bladder Infection
When it comes to choosing one of the strongest homeopathic treatments of cystitis, you should know that the diuretic effect cucumber juice possesses is known to work wonders. Three times per day, mix one teaspoon of honey with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to one cup of cucumber juice [3]. Below you will find additional home remedies to consider for bladder infection:
a) Cranberry:
Cranberry juice, extract or pill supplements are known to flush out the bacteria causing a bladder infection. Did you know that this home remedy might also be used to treat a dog or cat with a bladder infection?
b) Drumstick Flowers:
A great herbal remedy for bladder infection includes a teaspoon of the fresh juice from drumstick flowers coupled with ½ a glass of coconut water. This remedy should be taken twice per day.
c) Radish Leaves:
Consume one cup of radish leaf juice for two weeks to treat a bladder infection.
d) Spinach:
Mix equal parts of fresh spinach juice with coconut water (about 100 ml each) to treat cystitis. It is the nitrates and potassium within these ingredients that create an effective and safe diuretic.
e) Hot Water:
The pain associated with a bladder infection can be eased when immersing the pelvis in hot water.
f) Cold Compresses:
Applying cold compresses to the stomach are known to relieve the congestion within the pelvic area, as well as increase the healing of the skin. When using this home remedy, make sure you do not overly chill the skin.
g) Lemon:
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to 180 ml of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool and sip 60 ml of this concoction every two hours, starting at 8 am and ending at noon [3]. This home remedy has been known to subside the burning sensation, as well as cease the bleeding associated with cystitis.
h) Sandalwood Oil:
When it comes to bladder infections, sandalwood oil has been known to act as a great home remedy. Take five drops of the oil during the onset of the infection, eventually working your way up to 10-30 drops.
Bladder Infection Prevention
In order to reduce the risk of developing a bladder infection, you might want to adhere to some of the preventive measures associated with this condition, such as:
a) Drink Plenty of Fluids:
Beverages, such as cranberry juice and especially water have been known to thwart the development of cystitis. Patients taking blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin) should refrain from consuming large amounts of cranberry, which could trigger bleeding [4].
b) Urinate When Needed:
If you need to urinate, don’t hold it in. Whenever you have the urge to relieve yourself, you should listen to your body in order to avoid bacteria from sitting too long in the bladder.
c) Healthy Hygiene Habits:
After a bowel movement, it is important to wipe from the front to the back to avoid spreading the bacteria that causing infections in the vagina and urethra.
d) Take Showers:
If you have a tendency to develop infections, you might want to forego the luxuriating bath and take a shower instead.
e) Gently Wash:
You should also get in the habit of gently washing about the vagina and anus. The use of strong soaps and harsh bathing habits have been known to increase the risk of developing an infection. Delicate skin is a portal for the spread of bacteria. For women, it is also suggested to avoid the use of perfumes or deodorant sprays in the vagina area, which may prove too harsh for the skin.
Resources
Bladder infection, also known as a UTI Urinary Tract Infection. If you get this or feel like you have signs of this, such as burning when you urinate, dark urine, lower abdomen pain, feeling the need to urinate more often, or feeling as if you have a full bladder and only a teaspoon full of urine comes out…go to the Doctor!!! This is not something for home remdies! If left untreated it can move into your kidneys! I have spoken to my Dr. about this! Drinking cranberry juice regularly can help minimize your risk of getting a UTI, but it in most cases can NOT treat it! It can treat it in rare cases; if you catch it in the first or second day of infection, you can drink a few glasses of cranberry juice and it may treat it, but most do not have any sign until the 3rd or 4th day….some even have it longer before having any signs. Once it has reached the 3rd day you need antibiotics.
Drink a cup of cranberry juice every night before you go to bed and this will more than likely prevent you from ever having a bladder infection!
right,best thing if you cant get to shops is hot bath,plenty of water,first glass with half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in as this neutralizes the acid in the urine,tastes disgusting but works! Paracetamol and hot water bottle on your tummy.you can get a mixture from your chemist called mis-pot-sit(store in your medicine cabinet),they will make it up for you or buy cysts remedy. Don’t drink tea or coffee at all when you have it,as it will make it worse and if symptoms persist you will have to go to the doctor.and in future have a wee straight after you have sex helps to flush out germs.
Just do whatever the doctor says.
Haha, do whatever your doctor says????? I have lupus (for 5 years now), and if I had listened and did whatever my doctor wanted, I would be on 12 meds at least right now. Hahaha. Yes, listen to doctors, but use your head too. Prevention is the best medicine, there is a place for medicine when prevention is not possible. But meds are OVERused severely. I’m not a whack job conspiracy theory guy, but you really need to question what doctors say or you’ll end up a medicated mess. There are so many things that can be corrected without meds, even for people with lupus. Of course, visit a doctor if you have a problem. Just be prudent in the meds you consume. Prevention is the cure, doctors are the safety net.
For example… when I “junk out” on the weekends and eat garbage like McDonalds, BK, or just a bowl of lard, sugar filled ice cream, guess what, my bladder burns. It is stupid for people to eat like this, get a burning in their bladder, then take meds to keep eating like a slob, then take more meds when those don’t work or because they need more meds to counter the side effects of other meds.
doing whatever the doctor tells you may at times do you more harm, being most practice medicine via pharmaceutical companies, too many antibiotics can assist in breaking down your bodies own defense and help to create infections. I have had lots of antibiotics due to bad lungs and while I was on them developed an infection.
True take caution when kidneys are involved.
Have to strongly agree with Dave. All doctors do these days is prescribe pills that actually make our immune system weak and unstable among other things. They only mask the symtoms instead of treating them. Why would they want to cure you anyway, the drug industry is a multi-million dollar industry and if they cured you so easily they’d be broke. So many conditions can simply be cured by herbal and natural remedies but instead people are brainwashed in taking all these meds and ruining their mental and physical states. True, not all natural cures work for everyone,obviously you need to do some research, but rather that than putting all these poisions into your body.
Please read this article for mummy’s infection
I have had bladder infections for years and years and the doctors gave me all kinds of antibiotics – never really got rid of it. Then my girlfriend suggested taking more Vitamin C (I never took any in the first place….) and I started taking 1000 mg in the morning and 1000 mg at night. Guess what – never had another bladder infection ever since. My body was missing Vitamin C! I guess it's the natural remedy for bladder infections. If you are a hopeless case like I was – try that!
Cranactin is a vitamin supplement that I have been taking for about 9months. It is a god send to me. It has Vitamin C, Cranberry extract and probiotics. It is about $30 for 180 pills and I take one in the morning and one at night. I used to get 4 to 5 bladder infections a year, since I have been taking Cranactin I have not had one. I am also on Elmiron for my IC. It is very expensive but it works. I know it doesn't work for everyone, I guess I was lucky. I am still having painful intercourse problems, which is awful for me and my fiancee. Any suggestions anyone? I don't know about any of you but my Urologist is awful and I can not get any useful information out of them. Thanks and good luck everyone!
Jessica, have u heard of Matia Brizman. She is a specialist in IC and uses herbs, supplements and diet very successfully . Her website is http://www.icama.org
i need some some advice with may bladder infection,ive seen a docter 3 time and still having problems.Any advice.
I am currently researching and have found the following remedies I am currently taking the follwing: 1 -2 tablets daily of cranactin & goldenseal,then I drink at least 2-3 cups of water with 2 tsp baking soda w 2 tsp non filtered apple cider vinegar added.
I am also cutting down consumption of alcohol, caffiene and white sugar as this seems to make the urinary tract or bladder infection symptoms reappear. I feel I am not experiencing symptoms as I was 2 days prior..I intend to follow this for a week…if anything talk to a specialist at one of your local health food stores…they can offer their expertise and knowledge to any ailment…
I used to be a chronic UTI sufferer, I was tired of going to the doc & emergency care facilities. I was on suppressive therapy for a while, ordered by a urologist.( A low dose of antibiotic every night) Of course I didn’t want to build up an antibiotic immunity!
I went to my family doc one day, and he told me to drink a gallon of water everyday. I was ANGRY. Well, I did it anyway. I don’t believe I ever actually had more then the daily recommended water intake (64 oz.) But..It worked.
Well I stopped by and read this because it’s the second day now and I’m sure. Never had a problem before, and now I thought I’d try to dispell the problem myself before a trip to the doctor. Thanks everyone for the home remedy suggestions.
Any one here notice that the people who insist you see a doctor provide no facts, knowledge or reasons… just mindlessly go to your doctor, while, most of the homeopathic’s share real experience and provide suggestions along with reasons for their suggestions? Just an observation.
But hey, if your Tina Marie, and you’ve gone 4 days with the burning I’ve got, then yea, you probably ought to go see a doctor and not take things into your own hands since, well… enough said.
uva ursi its found at health food stores, It will get rid of uti, kidney, etc it was used before there were antibioctics it works best when your urine PH is alkaline You do this with a spoon of baking soda and water (YES GROSS) but it works with out going to the doc.
At the first sign of a bladder infection, I boost up the vitamin C,if I dont have time released I take 3 1000mg tablets a day and take apple cider vinager pills, drink alot of water and within a day or 2 it is gone.
Colostrum capsules ,from Health Food Store, work well to fight infection and I take 2 caps at least 4 times a day at the start of a bladder or any other infection. I also give this to my son, grandkids and dog when needed during an illness or infection.
Also, I find the brand with lowest sugar in Cranberry juice and dilute it some with water. Blueberry is the next best juice for bladder irritations but also dilute as it too has high sugar count. I drink these throughout the day until the condition seems corrected.
Both watermelon and cornsilk teas are good to flush out the kidneys/bladder. Marshmallow root tincture (from health food store) is very soothing and calming to the bladder and I always take it under the tongue, where it absorbs quickly, or add a few drops to a good herbal tea or cup or water water.
I take 2 Ester C caps morning, noon and night….ester c is easier on the stomach than regulard vit.c. I have only 1 cup decaf. coffee in a.m. and no wine or alcoholic drinks until condition is remedied.
Get a chart or book (from internet , health food or book store) that shows the reflexology pressure points on the soles of feet and palms of hands. Gently massage these spots on the feet and hands to help break up the congestion in the bladder/kidney areas and then drink lots of water to help flush these toxins from your system.
I have fibromyalgia so try to have reflexology done on my feet at least twice a month and you can feel, when those spots are being massaged, if they are sore or hurt and then I know to immediately to start my routine before the bladder infection actually kicks in so am usually able to use the above remedies and get it stopped very quickly. A good reflexologist is a” diamond in the rough” and can help you to relax, when stressed, and help to gradually detox your system, which helps immensely if you have fibro, arthritis, anxiety, and many, many other conditions.
Many massage therapist have been trained in reflexology and if you haven’t tried this it’s well worth doing at least once. One leaves a session feeling calm and overall much better. I live in Az. and find most therapist charge aprox. $50 for a one hour session or you can split a session with half massage and half reflexology…..absolutely the most wonderful treat you can give your body!!
Acupuncture is good for bladder/kidney problems as well as many other health issues. Years ago I had walking pneumonia for about a month and doctor couldn’t get it to clear up so I tried acupuncture and the lungs were clear and pneumonia gone after 2 sessions!
Hope these suggestions help some of you gals.
Well, i’m 16, and have suffered from UTI’s for about 2 years.All docters prescribed was trimithorperin, which woked the first 2 times, then after that,they kept prescribing it and it wasn’t working! I found i got them more frequently if anything, so i tried drinking more water and cranberyy juice everday, i dont get the infections as frequent, and even better, i recently found i love orange juice, and the extra vitamin C has done wonders,i haen’t had an infecton in 4 months!
N-E body ever have the feeling that your bladder is pulsating like right after you urinate, thus feel like its going to drop! OMG. AAUHH!!
OMG!! I cant believe there are people on here saying drs over prescribe medications and to question drs. yes its good to question on bigger issues like lupus or other major diagnosis, and getting second opinions are great. but seriously your talking about a bladder infection!! the dr is NOT trying to scam you or mislead you here…its small potatoes!! it is a simple, clearly black or white test, either you have an infection or you dont. you should NEVER wait to treat a bladder infection or try home remidies because they WONT work! you need antibiotics to kill the infection!! I agree that antibiotics are over perscribed for coughs and colds but never for this!! if you do not seek treatment promptly, the infection will spread, up to your kidneys, and trust me from experience it SUCKS!! its horribly painful, you cant stop pukeing, and a kidney infection can PERMANETLY SHUT DOWN YOUR KIDNEYS!!! as for antibiotic use decreasing your immune system, this is unproven, but if it were true, it would be with use over a VERY long time. It has no effect on your immune system to use antibiotics for a few days to a few weeks (in rare cases) for treating a urinary tract infection
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you suspect you have a bladder infection, see a doctor…I promise they are not trying to make extra money by prescribing antibiotics, they are one of the oldest type of drugs, theyre cheap. You NEED antibiotic treatment, home remidies will not work, they will just let the infection get worse and spread. prevention is a great idea for any illness, for example, wiping front to back, peeing after sex, keeping your neither regions clean. But it will not prevent all bladder infections.
Again, not promptly treating a bladder infection can let it spread to your kidneys, and even one kidney infection can PERMANENTLY SHUT DOWN YOUR KIDNEYS!! in which case you would need dialysis and a kidney transplant.
-A Registered Nurse who has had both UTI’s and kidney infections.
IF U HAVE A UTI OR BLADDER INFECTION WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. YOU NEED TO SEE A DR. BECAUSE IF LEFT UNTREATED FOR TO LONG YOU CAN GET REALLY SICK. I KNOW CAUSE I DID. THE INFECTION WAS BAD AND IT WEAKEND MY IMMUNE SYSTEM AND I ENDED UP WITH A VIRAL INFECTION AS WELL. WHICH I HAD TO BE ONE LIKE 3 MEDS 4X DAILY FOR LIKE 2WKS.
BUT TO PREVENT A INFECTION…. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER DAILY TO CLEAN YOUR BODY AND ALSO DRINK PLENTY CRANBERRY JUICE, APPLE JUICE WORKS TOO BUT NOT AS WELL AS CRANBERRY. I DRINK LIKE 3 JUGS OF CRANBERRY JUICE A WEEK AND I HAVENT HAD AN UTI INFECTION SINCE. BUT THE FIRST FEW DAYS YOU WILL HAVE TO PEE….. ALOT!!!!
Im 27 and have repeat bladder infections… I go to the doctor and they prescribe me sulfa med. A week later i feel symptoms again go back to the doctor and they prescribe the same antibiotic.. I tell them i dont think that it works on me. I just finished my prescription a week ago and feel symptoms.. anyone know of an antibiotic i can tell them to try?? I am so tired of having them
THANKS
I’m 32 & get bladder infections at least twice a month ever since I had a hystorectomy 6 yrs ago. I drink so much water a day I think I’m going to grow gills soon. I don’t drink pop, coffee, tea or anything other than water & cranberry juice. I’m so tired of this, it’s interfering with my life as well as the lives of my family. I’ve been to the doctor & specialists so far nothings working. I’m looking for advice from anyone, I can’t keep going on like this. If anyone could help I’d be forever greatfull.
I agree that seeing your doctor is important, and if you have recurrent infections, ask to see a urologist. However, after having UTIs on and off for four years, many different antibiotics (often back to back), many medical procedures and a surgery (urethral diverticulitis), then having it all come back again only to be told this time it is not the same thing, it’s just something I’ll always experience on and off, I’ve decided to go the natural route. Why put antibiotics in your system only to have the infection return the day after you’re finished?! I’ve been very frustrated by how little doctors can do, unless you’re a standard case. I find naturopaths and homeopaths (good ones) look at the whole you. The best solution I’ve found so far is goldenseal for fighting an infection already in progress (every infection so far gone in two days max.) That said, I am researching how to naturally solve why my body does this so I can stop it.Until then, goldenseal is the next best thing as far as I’m concerned.
I had a lot of UTIs in my 20’s and now in my 50’s am experiencing that again. I have taken antibiotics, with unpleasant side affects, and the UTI returned, so I consulted a naturopath who has prescribed Cranstat Extra (urinary tract support) and D-Mannose (a powder taken in water). I usually take a teaspoon of pure cranberry concentrate in water every morning (no sugar) and drink at least a half gallon of water a day. Then I recalled that years ago I would make a bladder tea from a natural remedy book by Joy Gardner: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add one tablespoon echinacea root. Simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons yarrow flowers, 2 teaspoons bearberry (uva-ursi), 2 teaspoons cornsilk (from Indian corn), and 1 teaspoon juniper berries. Steep for 15 minutes in a covered container, then strain. Store unused portion in the refrigerator. If you cannot obtain or cannot use 1 or 2 of these herbs, increase the other herbs, and the tea should still be effective. Drink 1 cup a day for a week. This is a very effective tea for treating bladder infections, however is you develop a fever or symptoms do not subside you should consult a physician. Also symptoms of burning urine, frequent urination, and pain in the bladder can also indicate many other serious illnesses/disease such as STDs or kidney disease. A good rule of thumb is to use allopathic medicine for diagnosis, then depending on the severity of the diagnois make a decision about the course of treatment. Naturopathic treatment can be preferrable, correcting the root of the problem vs. treating the symptoms with drugs. If the problem/deficiency, etc. is not corrected, the illness/symptoms often reoccur. Good luck.
I have had a few bladder infections over the years. The first when I was very young and sexually active. My mom refused to take me to the dr. for that very reason. My grandma treated my symptoms by limiting me to drink water and cranberry juice only. The infection did go away after a couple of excruciating days. And every time since, whenever I’ve felt it coming on, I increase my water intake and keep the infection at bay. This has worked for me.
Now, my daughter has a bladder infection from wearing her panty-liner all day and overnight (of which I was unaware) and I had her drink water and cranberry juice (100% juice) but it hasn’t seemed to help her, maybe because she didn’t bring it up until it was a full-blown infection. Even though I do not put much faith in doctors and she didn’t want to go at first either, I’m going to have to take her now because I can’t stand to see her in pain.
So, each of us is different. I think as someone said before, if after a day or two of the home remedies, they don’t seem to work, you should probably see a doctor. Chances are you won’t be able to get an appointment until a couple days later anyway. Might as well do what you can until the doctor can see you.
In some cases those symptoms may not be a UTI in fact, they can a yeast infection. If you have most of the symptoms above and vaginal discharge that’s thick yellow or white you probably have a yeast infection thus, you should go see an especialized doctor to treat the infection.
Wow! There are so many suggestions on here.
I am suffering with a bladder infection at this very moment. I’ve been drinking lots of water and cranberry juice, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I was going to make an appointment with my doctor, and then we got some snow and ice and they were closed, but I will definitely give them another call when they open back up in the morning.
I’ve heard that beer will flush it out of your system too. I’d like some opinions on this. Has anyone heard the same thing?? Agree? Disagree?
Thanks!
I had experienced some burning with urination as a child and then as an adult I got one every two months for 2 1/2 years after being dx with hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis in my early thirties. The doctors just kept pushing pills every 2 months with no solution-no feeling for my immune system, contrary to what some of the people on here are saying, being hugely effected from too much antibiotic usage. I was killing my immune system with them. My body became so broken down that if I became simply stressed I got a uti. Couldn’t drink cranberry juice (I always used unsweetened or added stevia) because it exacerbates arthritis. Tried Uva Ursi, manna, bladder wrack, drinking lots and lots of water, cutting most sugar out, and then finally EUREKA!!! I discovered PH Balance. This is the crux of the uti problem. If the ph is out of balance being too acidic (can also be too alkaline but highly unlikely) then bacteria and viruses flourish in the body. I started drinking a freshly squeezed lemon in a little warm water everyday (which I don’t like but it is the most alkaline forming food for our body contrary to people thinking it is acidic–it is outside the body but inside lemons and limes burn into alkaline ash–however-oranges are highly acidic. I also eat asparagus, lots of alkaline forming vegetables, little sugar (I grew up eating sugar regularly and it has been the source of many health problems for me). Lookup “holistic ph balance” in google and you will find a list of foods. As for the damn doctors, I would have gnarled hands, still be having uti’s and constant sickness if I simply relied on their much of the time bad advice. One doctor before I was dx with Hypothyroidism told me the reason my hair was falling out was because I was getting older and I was only 31!! It is a classic sypmtom of the disease. Another told me that I needed to get my mind of myself and have a baby–1 1/2 years later he tells me that I need to immediately get to an endocrinologist because I had SEVERE Hypothyroidism!! They let it get so bad instead of believing me–pushed antidepressants instead! I told another I had been taking probiotics and the rude “B” told me in the snottiest authorative voice “probiotics have absolutely no use in the gynecological community”. I have been studying holistic medicine on my own since I was 20–PH Balance of the body was my Eureka. Hope this helps someone who is in need–don’t let drs push you around-they see you 10 minutes and go on with their life you have to be your own advocate–seek out good holistic doctors or nutritionists. If you start to feel a little itch in your pelvis, heat, fever, tiredness, strong urine odor, dry eyes–please get yourself to the doctor–you don’t want to fool with it but some of the people on here misinterpret others who are giving prevention advice as if they shouldn’t use antibiotics when needed. Western doctors are good for broken legs and acute infections etc.. but for body maintenance they are not. PH BALANCE is Key!!
I had a bladder ifection on christmas eve and i went to the doctor and recieved medication that helped instantly i also got something called azo that is an over the counter medicine, it turns ur urine oraange but it helps then pain when you urinate until the infection clears.
Unfortunatly I just started feeling the infection coming back today, a week after the first infection it is so miserable! I’ve written down everyones remedies and will try a few, but anyone else is major pain get azo it is only about 6 dollars you can find it at any store and you take it 2 pills 3 times a day
I have ever only had one bladder infection and I let it go too far because I was scared it was an STD or something, I had never had either before so I didn’t know the symptoms. I went to the doc and it was a viral infection.
Now, within the past week I began having pain during intercourse, which really kills the mood and it put a huge damper for me and my fiancee as we are trying to have a second child. I didn’t think anything of the pains other then maybe my period was coming or possibly it was just the frequent sexual activity. I didn’t have this pain before when I had a UTI so I thought none of it. However, tonight I went to the washroom and I couldn’t get rid of the urge to urinate, I have been up nearly all night now because I cant urinate at all hardly and when I do there is blood in it. So as for home remedies, they may work, but I think they would work much better if you see your doctor first. The doctor can give you some medicine and you can help the process along by drinking cranberry juice or taking vitamins and such.
I get bladder infections every other month and the best antibiotic I’ve ever gotten was Leviquin 500mg. (I think thats how it’s spelled)and I buy Azo for the pain. The antibiotic works within 2 days. However you want to take all of it! The Azo takes the pain away while I’m waiting for the meds to work. I grew immune to all the other meds so this seems to be the only one that helps me! Hope this helps for anyone that need it!
In July 2009 I was diagnosed with a UTI – had a new job, stressful, and was not taking care of myself. Went immediately to my OB-GYN, where the Nurse Pract. diagnosed an e-coli bacterial infection and subscribed MACRODANTIN antibiotic. I took it for a week. The infection went way, but returned. Over the last 5 month, the Nurse Pract. continued to prescribe MACRODANTIN as it seemed to take care of my symptoms – at least on a temporary basis. In retrospect, I should have gone to a urologist instead of having the same antiobiotic prescribed repeatedly – very stupid on my part.
In any case, I was taking 50MG daily of MACRODANTIN as a “maintenance” antiobiotic to prevent further UTI’s. I had no prior bad side effects from this drug (that I noticed), and did not hesitate to take it. However, I had several days of “wheezing”in my lungs, and determined that I was coming down with a bronchial infection or cold. I kept getting worse, coughing and feeling lousy, and went to the Urgent Care. The doc determined I had a bad case of bronchitas. I told him I was taking Macrodantin, but he didn’t comment. He seemed concerned after listing to my lungs, $600 worth of tests, gave me a Z-Pak (more antiobiotics!) and I went on my way. Several days later I was MUCH worse, wheezing, coughing until I threw up, and not sleeping at all. I was told that sometimes these infections have to “get worse” before getting better. Right.
After six weeks of being terribly frustrated and progressively more ill, (missing work and not sleeping) wheezing, coughing, not breathing well and sick to my stomach – I checked my PDR book (on a whim) for a description of MACRODANTIN. You guessed it! This drug has SERIOUS side effects related to lung functions, and I was furious! I was mostly angry at myself for not looking up this drug when my symptoms started – but I had no idea an antiobiotic would cause lung problems that can be FATAL. So, the daily 50mg of MACRODANTIN I was taking was making me horribly ill!
In any case, I QUIT this drug immediately, and after 5 days, am much improved. I am not yet sleeping well do to “wheezing”, and will have to check with another doc to see if I have any permanent lung damage. Am I angry at the Nurse Pract. that prescribed this drug long term? You bet!
DO NOT TAKE MACRODANTIN for UTI’s, as it is a dangerous drug! My pharmacist admitted this, and suggested that I go to Vitamin Cottage and get CRANSTAT Extra to protect my urinary tract and take a Probiotic to get my immune system back in order. If you get a very serious UTI, see a doctor – but don’t take MACRODANTIN! I am very suspicious of western medicine – they just write out a prescription for your illness, never get to the root of the problem, and send you on your way! You must be your own best advocate, and don’t take any antibiotics unless absolutely necessary – and, check your Physician’s Desk Reference for side effects of any drug before taking them! LIVE AND LEARN!!!
I’ve never had a UTI before until I developed my UTI after having a hysterectomy and bowel repair a few days ago. I had been catherized 3 times after surgery because I couldn’t urinate, the last time was so painful. (I never want to go through that experience again for sure).
I was prescribed by my doctor Sulfamethoxazole with Trimethoprim. The muscle pain side-effect was unbearable. I had to stop taking the prescription after the 2nd dose. I have been drinking 5-6 16 0z glasses of water since to try to clear it up and am going to try some of the home remedies. Anything has to be better than the muscle-pain I have now. I read on another web site that Echinacea and goldenseal helps. Since I have those already in my cupboard. I’m going to give that a try also.
FYI-occasionally if your bladder is really irritated, cranberry can actually make things worse. I’ve suffered for years from recurrent UTIs and finally had a doctor that suggested ditching my preventative cranberry regimen for awhile. Doing that appears to have helped break the cycle for awhile for me. Also, I have had some success following the dietary restrictions for IC when I have an infection. I don’t have IC, but the dietary advice helps the pain a lot when I have a UTI and my system is irritated (or just plain MAD!).
for interstitial cystitus drink aloe vera juice twice a day 4 oz.
I’ve had UTI’s repeatedly for over a year now. When I first feel one coming on I take Cranberry supplement pills (which are in-expensive, I just get them at wal-mart) and drink plenty of water and/or sugar-free cranberry juice since the sugar just adds to the problem for me. The AZO pills are really helpful also.
For sexually active people make sure you urinate before and after sex for a preventative step. Take some azo cran pills for the pain and drink plenty of water and cran juice. My doctors helped me a couple times that i’ve had bladder infections but every time seems like it takes longer and longer for the antibiotic to work, and actually the last time it felt like it came back the day after i was off the med. Which is pretty much the most depressing feeling ever. I take the cran supplements now 2-4 a day and they’ve helped immensely. Oh yea and if you find you’re prone to getting UITs cut caffeine and extra sugar out of your diet. Caffeine can bring one on for me if i just drink a dr pepper.
I believe that i may be experiencing a uti, yes i had this light painful pressure below my abdomen but did not think it to be a UTI until i did some research. come to find out that the light pain i was recieving was right at my bladder, I have been taking cranberry fruit pills, vitmin c tablets, eating fruits and veggies, and laying off the alcohol and coffee and soda. whats wierd is i dont urinate painfully and i pee frequently but its always normal. anyway its seems to be subsiding. kinda scary cause i did not find out til three or four days later. has anyone else had this happen before? and if so do i have anything to worry about even if it seems to be dissapering. please feel free to give me any imformation that you think would be of any help
My UTI is associated with sexual intercourse. Specifically after having a hysterectamy I’m more prone to these problems. I drink cranberry juice on a daily basis and lots of water. I don’t believe in using anti-biotics if I can help it. I do find that paying close attention to hygine and using a comdom helps quite a bit. And stay away from taking baths. And ladies, It’s O.K. to run around in a house coat or short shift dress with no bottoms on. Fresh air is good.
I’m speaking as a Male who has been doing intermittant catheterisation for over 5 years. Owing to an enlarged Prostate, and my reluctance in having an operation, my bladder muscles packed up. Consequently I’m totally dependent on Catheters for passing any urine.
An Ultrasound test showed that I was (previously) still retaining 800mls of urine even after passing water. Although my blaader was holding that amount all the time, I never had a single infection until I started catheterisation. My first infection was E-coli, which really made me feel ill, but antibiotics cleared it completely. Thankfully I never had it since. Then I had a Staphylococcus infection. Being ‘low grade’ I felt OK, and it was again dealt with by antibiotics.
After thatI went for 2½ years infection-free, and believed that it would continue forever, until I started getting Coliform infections about 3 or 4 times a year. How I get them is one of life’s great mysteries which I really would like to know the answer to. I feel somehow ‘guilty’ in getting them, a kind of failing that I’m doing something wrong.
Sorry but I don’t have any home remedy tips. As a nurse previously said, I wouldn’t like to have a kidney indfection. At the first sign of cloudy urine I go to my GP immediately, and I’m back to normal after 2 days.
If you have had constant problems with what you think is a bladder infection and multiple sessions of antibiotics (from a urologist who needs more training!)and you have been through menopause-find a urogynecologist or a female urologist. I had atrophic vaginitis that was remedied by estradiol cream and not a bladder infection at all! I took antibiotics needlessly for nearly a year before this diagnosis and am now sensitive to most of them!
The answer for many of you is D-MANNOSE. Get the powder, not the capsules. Wellnesspartners.com is just one supplier. They sell it under the name UTISlip. You can research d-mannose on line and see how absolutely wonderful it is. No negative side effects. I have been bothered with bladder infections off and on for forty years. The last round of antibiotics did not clear up my infection. I started taking D-mannose (actually recommended by my doctor!)and the infection is totally cleared up. You owe it to yourself to at least research it.
d-mannose is really very helpful. I also bought (from http://www.dmannose.co.uk/ ), tried and got amazing result.
My dad is having side ffects due to drug Norvasc, he is having water retention. Doctors r not saints. I hope thunder and lightening falls on creaters and prescribers of such drugs. They are killing humanity.
Hi everyone,
I have had kidney infections all my life until I started drinking cranberry juice. I started when I was pregnant, because after a second flare up of kidney infections i refused to take more antibiotics. So i started drinking cranberry juice and that was 10 years ago and I will swear by it. I have had had not 1 infections since and before I would have at least 5-6 a year.
I’m 20 years old, and I’m having my first bladder infection. I didn’t know what it was until yesterday–it’s been going on for 5 days now. I don’t know what to do, and I don’t have medical. any suggestions?
i looked for bed wetting but you had nothing. it sent me to this topic. my 15 yr old daughter still wets her self at night and we have tried everything. please help
Hey people, it’s liz again…just serfing the remedy site, haha. Honestly, if you are seriously ill with a UTI please don’t relie on random inputs of people on this site. I know this is NOT what you want to hear, but..GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!
-liz =]
I have a bladder infection, I never get them! I use to think I had them a long time ago but kept going to the doctor and they kept saying it wasn’t one. turns out it was PID (Pelvic Inflammatory disease) feels a lot like a bladder infection. The problem I have is any antibiotics I take cause a yeast infection. I have to have surgery in 2 days for a collapsed Vaginal wall, along with that my Bladder has collapsed aslo. I believe thats why I have this. The problem I have is I don’t want them to put the surgery off because of it so I am going to listen to a few of you and try the cranberry pills, the golden seal and Vitamin C. I am also drinking tons of Cranberry juice. I believe after my surgery they will have me on antibiotics anyway. I wanted to tell some people I read that went to the doctor and were undiagnosed. A PID can go undetected. It is when your uterus gets inflamed and blood comes out of it into the body cavity which causes a lot of the pain and also can lead to Endometreosis which is what happen to me. After my first daughter was born I tried to have another baby, I wanted them 2 years apart, it took a long time to get pregnant for me anyway since I got pregnant instantly with my first on my honeymoon. It took over a year. They are 3 years and 3 months apart. Anyway, be careful, If you feel like you have a UTI or Bladder infection and the doctors say you don’t, more than likely a PID. Not sure if there are home remedies for that. I had to have a Hysterectomy a few years after my daughter was born because the Endometreosis caused me to bleed all the time with severe pain. now because of the Hysterectomy My Vaginal wall has collapsed along with my bladder and other areas of my body down in that area have herniated. But most people with a Hysterectomy do not have this issue but it is possible since your organs have nothing to hold them up anymore. Intercourse was very painful during the PID so maybe a couple of you might want to look into this since I read there was painful intercourse and I’m not sure if Bladder infections cause that. they might but mine doesn’t cause pain. after the removal of my Cervix Intercourse was 100% less painful. With Endometreosis it is very hard to become pregnant. so if you have signs of PID for a long period of time please get it checked out before you lose your chance to have a child. Thank you all for your help I hope it all works, abby
Bedwetting tip – Take a B-complex before bed. My son takes Shaklee brand and it did the trick for him. He faithfully takes it every night.
I had cystitus for many years on and off. It was affecting me badly not just physiologically as I was waiting for it to return after each round of antibiotics. The simplest remedy in the world totally worked for me (and if I do get a twinge I take it immediately).
The secret is CINNAMON! Put 2 large desert spoons of cinnamon powder into a mug and mix to a paste with good quality honey. Heat milk and make a drink which is pretty nice. This knocks it for six – really – try it. I used it maybe 10 times over 3 weeks when needed and now don’t get cystitus. Strange but true. It simply stops the pain – and quickly.
My daughter has had uti’s since a small child and it made potty training hard. When we realized what was wrong- she doesn’t have the natural lining in her bladder- her urologist said a maintenence dose of antibiotic would help. She has been on low dose for 3 years with NO side effects. We have tried to take her off it 3 times and the infections come back. He said many times the onset of puberty fixes this. Until then we will keep her on this as the social and physical issues of pain and accidents are no good for a girl in elementary school. Medicine is not always the answer but sometimes it can be a good fix even long term. FYI- forcing liquids can sometimes backfire as they can irritate an overactive bladder. Find a Dr you trust and work TOGETHER to figure it out.
I have bad UIT alot, what I have tried and it work is cook 2 large sweet onions in about 2 cups water and let cool and drink the water it help every time. It is gone the next day Try It
I suffer from infections approximately once every three to four months and it is so horrible
I don’t have any home remedies to cure it I am afraid, honestly if I can’t treat it myself I do seek antibiotics from my doctor, however a brilliant way to ease the symptoms is the cystitus relief treatment you can buy in any supermarket, pharmacy and most cosmetic type stores, it is a sachet of powder which you mix into cold water, it is a 48 hour treatment but whenever you feel the symptoms drink some of this and within half an hour you will feel a million times better! Honestly! It eases the burning sensation and stops you wanting to wee every two minutes. I always have these sachets in the house just in case, because when sometimes they can’t treat the infection (though it has on occassions) it always eases the symptoms until you are able to get to a doctor or use your preferred treatment. They are very cheap and very, very effective. I must stress though, this doesn’t always treat the infection but it will always ease the symptoms and take away the burning sensation, worth taking even if it is just until you can find a full cure! For some though it isn’t neccessary after use. Most places have their own brand of this with the imaginative name ‘Cystitus Relief’ and as mentioned it is very cheap. I sound like I work for the promotions team here haha but I do swear by this product to give me quick relief and comfort 
Also… picked up some great ideas from people on here for the future!
Have had cystitis for years about 3-4 times a year and it is awful. I haven’t yet found a cure as despite using Cymalon or similar, it sometimes returns. I have had cystitis for the last 8 days and it is driving me mad. It makes me feel so low. I have a mug of the cinnamon, honey and hot milk as advised above by Rose,at my side right now, and have alsohad the usual over the counter Cymalon, to no avail this time. Antibiotics usually get rid of it, but it isn’t easy to get them because I always have to send a sample in first and it always comes back as ok, so it wastes time.(A week with cystitis is a long time) I am on long-term Trimethroprim although I don’t like doing that, but if I stop it, it all comes back. I have no tips….yet. I hope Rose is right, and if so, grateful thanks Rose.
I also have suffered with what I assumed was just typical UTI’s since I was in high school. At the first of this year, I starting having the symptoms again. The frequent urination, the pain with urinating, and even chills. Come to find out, I had a severe bladder infection. I went to the Dr. and got antibiotics for it, but I had a fever with it. I missed several days of work, because I could not get the fever to break. I rotated Tylenol and Motrin, and it started helping some, and I also used the AZO pills and drank lots of Cranberry juice, which really did not seem to help with any of the infections I have ever had. The AZO did not do anything for me with this one, and it’s not helping with the one I have now. So my suggestion to anyone who has insurance or the cash, please do go to see your Dr. Unfortunately, I don’t have either, or I would definately go see mine. I am having back pains with this one as well, but I have a kidney stone that the Dr. found 2 years ago, and I cannot pass it. I was under the assumption that I was trying to pass it, but I know now, it’s my bladder…
I’m the queen of UTI’s. I have suffered with these for years.
I would get one every few months and then it gradually got worse.
Now I get them EVERY time I have sex with my husband. Let’s just say it has not been good for the sex life!!! So damn frustrating. I tried it all- drinking lots of fluid, cranberry juice, wiping the right way, washing before and after, peeing before and after…….
Spent many times researching on internet as well. Finally I got fed up. I felt that tingle once again and new what was happening. Got on the interest again and read a very interesting suggestion about the cause being PH balance. Made so much sense and this person said to drink a half a glass of slightly (with water) diluted lemon juice. What could I lose, so I gave it a shot. I swear I could feel something happen immediately!!My urine, which was cloudy, cleared right up! I drank another before bed and continued doing that each morning and night. So far so good. No problems with peeing or pain or anything!! I have decided to start taking 1000mg of vitamin C twice a day. I am so screwed up from taking so many antibiotics that I am also working on my digestive tract by taking an active pro-biotic as well. I hope I can continue this and finally be rid of the misery of UTI’s. I will say this- if you feel like you still have any chance of infection- go see a doctor.
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