Do Natural Remedies for UTIs Work?

If you’re currently experiencing the telltale signs of a urinary tract infection – burning when you urinate, dark or discolored urine, abdominal or low back pain – you may be wondering if you can cure this without seeing a doctor. Read on to see why you should always consult a physician before beginning any type of self-treatment for UTI.

By Dr. Brian Raybon, MD, FPMRS — October 1, 2019

Do You Have a UTI?

UTI symptoms like the ones we just mentioned can be worrisome. If you’re not 100% sure of your diagnosis, it can make treating your condition a bit like pin the tail on the donkey. It doesn’t make sense to start trying out treatments if you don’t have a diagnosis.

To properly diagnose a UTI, you need a urinalysis test to see if an infection is indeed present. This means a trip to see your doctor.

Do Natural Remedies for UTIs Work?

Simple UTIs are most often caused by bacteria, namely e coli. For this reason, an antibiotic prescribed by a physician is the best course of treatment for a urinary tract infection.

You may have read online about drinking lots of water, pure cranberry juice, special teas or taking supplements like vitamins and herbal remedies.

All of these natural remedies may be somewhat helpful for your overall urinary tract health but cannot cure infections on their own.

Natural remedies can help alleviate some inflammation and general detoxification, but for infections caused by bacteria, they simply are not enough.

If you suffer from chronic or complicated UTIs, you may need medical treatment that goes beyond antibiotics. It is possible to contract infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is also possible that the infections are a symptom of another health condition or a structural abnormality in your urinary tract.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms. Bacteria won’t eliminate itself. So, when an infection is present, it’s only going to continue to worsen if left untreated. This can lead to serious consequences over time including added stress on your kidneys and bladder. Don’t delay seeking help for symptoms of a UTI.

How Advanced Gynecology Can Help

If you’re currently experiencing UTI symptoms, contact a patient care coordinator to make an appointment as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms and believe this to be an emergency, please visit an emergency room or dial 911.

At Advanced Gynecology, we are here for you with dual board-certified urogynecologists who specialize in the treatment of a range of women’s health conditions including urinary tract infections. Schedule an appointment today or call to request more information.