No, Cranberry Juice Won’t Cure Your UTI: Here’s What Really Works

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely common, especially among women. In fact, data show as many as two in three women (60%) have at least one UTI at some point in life. 

UTIs happen when bad germs (typically bacteria) invade the urinary tract via the urethra, the opening that excretes urine. Unfortunately, these infections rarely go away on their own. In fact, without prompt medical attention, even a seemingly minor UTI can cause serious complications, like permanent kidney damage.

For this reason — and to help you feel better — our team at Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy offers targeted, patient-centered treatment to help manage UTIs and prevent complications. For most patients, that means reviewing your symptoms, taking a urine sample, and prescribing the right type of antibiotic to kill the germs and ease your symptoms, helping you feel better quickly.

While managing existing infection requires medication, preventing UTIs can be as simple as adopting a few lifestyle changes. In this post, our team reviews the important steps you can take to prevent UTIS and their complications, starting today.

Drink more water

One of the easiest ways to reduce your UTI risk is also one of the simplest: Drink more water. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to promote urination and flush germs out of your urinary tract. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol since these can dehydrate you. Skip sugary drinks, too.

Wipe yourself the “right way”

For women, wiping from front to back is essential. That's because if you wipe from back to front, you can spread bacteria from the rectal area into your urinary tract (or your vagina), setting the stage for an eventual infection.

Pee when you need to

It might be tempting to put off a bathroom break when you’re in the middle of something, but holding your urine in gives bacteria a chance to multiply. Ideally, try to urinate every 3-4 hours (about seven times a day) and any other time you feel the need.

Urinate after penetrative intercourse

For women, sexual activity (i.e., penetrative intercourse) can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection. Peeing as soon as possible following sex helps flush those germs out before they can cause an infection.

Be gentle with hygiene

Your urinary tract and genital area are home to millions of beneficial microorganisms that help fight off “bad” germs and maintain urogenital health. To maintain that healthy balance, it’s important to avoid deodorant sprays, douches, or heavily scented soaps, all of which can irritate the area and overpower helpful microorganisms. Warm water combined with a gentle cleanser are all it takes to maintain optimal hygiene in this area.

Skip the bath, and stick to showers

Relaxing in a warm bath sounds like a relaxing way to end your day, but it could also increase your risk of a UTI, especially if you're prone to infections. That’s because prolonged exposure to water saps your skin of natural protective oils, making it easier for infections to occur. If you really want a bath, keep it short and rinse well afterward.

Know the symptoms of a UTI

Because UTIs can lead to serious problems when left untreated, seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms is essential. That includes symptoms like:

• Cloudy or pinkish urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Lower belly pain or pressure
• Frequent and intense urges to urinate
• Low urine production
• Pain or burning when urinating

Early treatment can stop the infection in its tracks and prevent it from traveling to your kidneys or causing other serious problems.

What about cranberry juice for my UTI?

For decades, cranberry juice has been touted as a cure for UTIs, but does it really work? While evidence tends to show limited or no benefit associated with treating an existing UTI, recent data show that cranberry juice may play a role in helping prevent them. If you’re prone to UTIs, adding cranberry juice to your menu may be helpful.

Manage — and prevent — UTIs with targeted care

Using the right antibiotics and taking the entire course of therapy is essential for treating an existing UTI, and the earlier you begin treatment, the better. 

If you have UTI symptoms, don’t put off medical treatment. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.