Bacteria cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), so doctors usually treat them with antibiotics. Other tips for managing UTIs include staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and trying cranberry juice and probiotics.
People often want to know whether there are non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs. Below, we explore seven evidence-based home remedies for these infections.
- For reducing bacterial growth: UTIs and hydration
- For releasing toxins: UTIs and urination
- For a natural antibacterial drink: UTIs and cranberry juice
- For lowering pH: UTIs and probiotics
- For improving immune function: UTIs and vitamin C
- For improving wiping technique: UTIs and wiping
- For reducing microbial risks from sex: UTIs and sexual hygiene
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in the United States. They are especially prevalent in females, with 2022 research showing that
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections.
Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:
- E. coli, which causes up to
90% of all bladder infections - Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus
- Klebsiella pneumonia
Risks of using antibiotics
While antibiotics can usually treat UTIs quickly and effectively, they can cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects and complications.
For instance, older research suggests that about
Other potential side effects of antibiotics
More severe risks of using antibiotics include the following.
Creating stronger strains of bacteria
Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research, several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, show increasing drug resistance.
The
If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, a person should take them exactly as they instruct.
Damaging helpful bacteria
The body contains populations of bacteria and other microorganisms that help with bodily functions. The
Research supports the use of some home remedies for UTIs. Some have been part of traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.
To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try these approaches.
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water can help
Water helps the urinary tract organs efficiently remove waste from the body while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.
Being hydrated also dilutes the urine and speeds its journey through the system, making it harder for bacteria to reach and infect the cells that line the urinary organs.
There is no set recommendation about how much water to drink daily — people’s needs differ. However, on average, adults should drink
2. Urinate when the need arises
Frequent urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
It also reduces the time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the tract, limiting the risk of them attaching to and infecting these cells.
Urinating as soon as possible after the urge strikes
3. Drink cranberry juice
Cranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery.
2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and more research is needed regarding which type of cranberry product and which dose is most effective.
The authors write that cranberries contain polyphenols that may prevent Escherichia coli bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract.
Cranberries also contain antioxidants with
There is no set guidance about how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI. To prevent them, a person might drink around 400 milliliters of at least 25% cranberry juice every day. However, more research is necessary to determine how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI.
4. Use probiotics
Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria.
In particular, probiotics in the Lactobacillus group may help treat and prevent UTIs, according to some older 2017 research. They may do this by:
- preventing harmful bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells
- producing hydrogen peroxide, a strong antibacterial agent, in urine
- lowering urine’s pH, making conditions less favorable for bacteria
Also, people who take Lactobacillus supplements while they take antibiotics may have reduced antibiotic resistance.
Probiotics exist in several products that contain dairy, are fermented, or both, including:
- yogurts
- kefir
- some types of cheese
- sauerkraut
People can also take probiotic supplements, usually as capsules or a powder mixed into water or other beverages.
Learn more about the best sources of probiotics.
5. Get enough vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that
It also reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria. It can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.
However, little quality research indicates whether consuming more vitamin C can prevent or treat UTIs.
According to limited research, taking other supplements alongside vitamin C may maximize its benefits.
A 2021 review of natural remedies for UTIs stated that it could control the symptoms. Additionally, an older 2016 study examined data from 36 people with recurrent UTIs who took vitamin C, probiotics, and cranberry supplements three times a day for 20 days, then stopped for 10 days. They repeated this cycle for 3 months. The researchers concluded that this could be a safe, effective way to treat recurrent UTIs.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that females ages 19 and over consume at least
6. Wipe from front to back
UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can cause infections.
After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus, for example.
7. Practice good sexual hygiene
Some sexual intercourse
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal to vaginal sex
- ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs
UTI supplement options
Read our full Uqora review, which focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.
The following table compares the UTI treatments mentioned in this article.
| Method | How it works | |
|---|---|---|
| Drink water | drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day | hydration may make it harder for bacteria to infect the urinary tract |
| Urinate | urinate as soon as possible when the need arises | may help flush the bacteria from the urinary tract |
| Drink cranberry juice | around 400 milliliters of 25% cranberry juice | may prevent bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract |
| Probiotics | consume probiotic food or supplements | may make the urinary tract less favorable for bacteria and produce antibacterial agents |
| Vitamin C | consume vitamin C supplements | may work alongside antibiotics to maximize their benefits |
| Wipe front to back | wipe from the urethra toward the anus | prevents feces from gaining access to the urethra |
| Sexual hygiene | • urinate before and after sex • use barrier contraception • wash genitals before and after sex • wash genitals and change condoms when switching from anal to vaginal sex • make sure all partners are aware of current and past UTIs | may help reduce the risk of UTIs |
If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.
Can I treat a UTI without antibiotics?
Yes, people can treat a UTI without antibiotics, and sometimes UTIs go away on their own. However, most at-home treatments are most effective at preventing UTIs and may not get rid of the bacteria causing a current UTI.
People can try drinking cranberry juice, taking vitamin C supplements, or trying probiotics to prevent and reduce the reoccurrence of UTIs. People should be aware that they may still have a UTI even if their symptoms go away.
A person should speak with a doctor about the best UTI treatment for them.
Can UTIs go away on their own?
However, keep in mind that there are risks to leaving UTIs untreated, such as the infection spreading to other parts of the body.
What happens if a UTI is left untreated?
Going without medical treatment does carry some risks. For example, nearly
A randomized trial also showed that kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, may develop in about 2% of females with untreated UTIs.
Is it safe to treat UTIs without antibiotics?
Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics.
By some estimates,
Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. These are some factors that can make the infection complicated:
- changes in the urinary tract or organs, such as a swollen prostate or reduced flow of urine
- species of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics
- conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV, cardiac disease, or lupus
Most people develop a UTI at some point, and these infections are more common in females.
Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care. Researchers are increasingly looking for ways to treat and prevent UTIs without antibiotics.
Several long-standing home remedies may help prevent and treat these infections.
Anyone who may have a UTI should speak with a healthcare professional before trying to treat the infection themselves.