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Uqora is a biotechnology company that sells products designed to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). An aim is to reduce the need for treatment, which usually involves antibiotics.
This article looks at Uqora’s products, including their possible health benefits and side effects. It also explores other UTI prevention strategies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Uqora has been in business since 2015. It is a natural supplement that aims to help and prevent bladder infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs), reducing the need for antibiotics.
The
Uqora’s products do not treat UTIs. The company developed them in collaboration with physicians and urologists to help prevent these infections.
It urges anyone with any UTI symptoms to consult a healthcare professional.
The
- frequent urination
- pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- cramps in the lower abdomen
- feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Uqora products:
Pros
- The products may help prevent UTIs.
- They are gluten free, and some are vegan.
- The subscription plans and bundles may save money in the long term.
- Children can use the products with a doctor’s approval.
- The company offers free shipping within the United States and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- The products may be costly.
- Other probiotics with similar functions may be less expensive.
- The products may not stop UTIs from developing.
- They may not be suitable for everyone.
Uqora products may have minimal side effects, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies the company’s ingredients as “generally recognized as safe (GRAS).”
In online reviews, some customers who have had repeated UTIs report having no recurrences since using Uqora products. Most of the company’s testimonials come from women aged 21–70 years.
The company has a Facebook group where customers can post their reviews and talk with others with similar experiences. Some customers say that they appreciate the support of the group and that the company’s customer service representatives were helpful and responded quickly to requests.
Some people found the product ineffective but they state that the company allocates full refunds without any difficulties.
Other less favorable reviews from the company’s website report that some products leave a bad aftertaste that lingers for 20–30 minutes. Others say that the products are too expensive.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Uqora 1.5 out of 5 stars based on two customer reviews and it gives them an A+ rating. The BBB does not accredit Uqora.
Each of Uqora’s products costs around $30. The company sells some in bundles and has a discount program for students. A customer may be able to save up to 35% with a subscription.
All of its products are gluten free, and some are vegan-friendly.
Uqora has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if a person is not satisfied, they can return the item and request a full refund.
Below, we describe specific products in more detail.
Target
| Cost for 10 packets | $30 |
|---|---|
| Cost for 20 packets | $55 |
| Cost for 30 packets | $75 |
Target is a drink mix that Uqora says may suit sexually active people and others who may need extra support in preventing UTIs.
For example, a person might drink it after sexual activity, exercising, sitting for long periods, or during times of added stress.
It offers the following dosage recommendations:
Those not sexually active: Purchase 10 packets and drink one packet every 3 days.
Sexually active people: Purchase 20 packets and drink one every 3 days, and immediately after sex.
For maximum support: Purchase 30 packets of Target and drink one each day.
The product has a pink lemonade flavor.
Suitability
This product may best suit those who have difficulty taking capsules and those who are sexually active.
It is vegan-friendly and gluten and antibiotic-free.
When to consider Target
The company recommends taking Target regularly to cleanse the urinary tract and help prevent infection, particularly after sexual intercourse.
Control
| Cost | $30 for a 60-count bottle |
|---|
Uqora says this product cleanses the biofilm and strengthens the bladder wall. Biofilm is the collection of bacterial cells that attach to the bladder wall.
Active ingredients include curcumin, green tea extract, D-mannose, and black pepper powder. Control is no longer labeled as a vegan product because its vitamin D comes from the lanolin oil in sheep’s wool.
The company recommends taking two capsules a day and each bottle contains a 1-month supply.
Suitability
Control best suits a person experiencing high levels of day-to-day stress, which can affect hormones. It may also work well with Uqora’s other products, as all three medications complement each other.
It is also gluten and antibiotic free.
When to consider Control
This product may suit a person who has reoccurring urinary tract infections and wants to prevent try and prevent them.
Promote
| Cost | $30 for a 30-count bottle |
|---|
Promote is a supplement that contains probiotics. These are live microorganisms that
This product contains health-promoting bacteria that naturally live in the vagina to help rebalance the vaginal microbiome.
Suitability
Promote may suit all women, as the microbiome within the probiotic releases acids that maintain healthy vaginal bacteria. This not only benefits those prone to UTIs but promotes general good health within the vagina.
This product may also suit those following a vegan diet, and those with gluten intolerance. It is antibiotic-free and a person can take this product alongside other probiotics.
When to consider Promote
The company recommends this product for all women due to the general benefits to vaginal health. However, it is recommended in particular for those who have reoccurring UTI’s, to help prevent them.
Learn more about probiotics for vaginal health here.
On Uqora’s website, people can also purchase a UTI emergency kit and cleansing wipes at an additional charge. These wipes are free from allergens, alcohol, and sulfates.
One ingredient in the Target and Control products is D-mannose, a naturally occurring sugar related to glucose. This is also present in cranberries, tomatoes, cabbage, and green beans, among other fruits and vegetables.
A 2021 study found that it may prevent recurrent UTIs and that a person can take it for this purpose. An earlier study, from 2016, looked at its effectiveness in 43 women with UTIs and found that it improved most of their symptoms.
Uqora warns that people should not take more than 8,000 milligrams (mg) of D-mannose per day. Research conducted in 2020 suggests that high doses can cause diarrhea and bloating.
Taking two Control capsules a day provides 600 mg. One packet of Target contains 2,000 mg.
This section describes who might take Uqora products and who should avoid them.
Men and children
Most of Uqora’s customers are female, but males have also found the products to be effective. Some may consider drinking Target following catheter use, for example. Promote can not be used by men as it is specifically for vaginal health.
Learn more about UTIs in men here.
Before administering Uqora’s products or any other new medicine to a child, check with their doctor.
Birth control and pregnancy
Uqora says that its products do not alter the effectiveness of birth control.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before purchasing any of Uqora’s products. There has been limited research into the ingredients’ effectiveness for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Learn about treating UTIs during pregnancy here.
Diabetes and other health conditions
Anyone with diabetes should consult a doctor before trying Uqora’s products that contain D-mannose, which is a form of sugar.
Older adults and people going through menopause
Uqora may particularly benefit older adults and people going through menopause, who may need extra urinary health support. Increasing age and menopause may increase the risk of infections.
Currently, Uqora only ships within the US and Canada.
Shipping and returns are free within the US. However, for customers residing in Canada, shipping and returns cost $8.
Shipping time
Within the US, the company advises that products should arrive 3–5 working days once a person places an order.
Once the order has shipped, a person will receive an email with tracking information.
Orders shipping to Canada generally take up to 2 weeks to arrive, however it can take up to 3 or 4 weeks, depending on customs.
The company does not describe whether or not it offers discrete packaging.
Refunds
A person can request a refund within 30 days of receiving their product. Once Uqora receives the returned product, they will contact the individual with confirmation that a refund is on its way.
Refunds should then show on a person’s statement within 3–5 working days.
The table below compares Uqora with three of its competitors:
| Uqora | Wisp | Simple Health | Hum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Products types | drink powder-mix, capsules, probiotics, wipes | antibiotics, capsules, probiotics, boric acid | capsules | probiotic capsules |
| Cost for individual products | $25.50–75 | $9–30 per month | $15 per month | $19.50–26 |
| Vegan? | some products, yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Subscription available? | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Free shipping? | yes | yes | yes | yes for orders over $50 |
Doctors may recommend the following medications and self-care strategies to people with current or reoccurring UTIs:
Antibiotics
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs. These medications can kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. One
It is crucial to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and not to share them with others.
People who take antibiotics
Prevention techniques and natural remedies
The
- urinating after sexual behavior
- staying hydrated
- urinating regularly
- not using sprays or powders in the genital area
Some people find that cranberry juice is a natural UTI treatment, but formal research has yielded mixed results. However, as a
A person should contact their doctor if they have symptoms of a UTI, especially if symptoms worsen.
- needing to urinate more often than usual
- pain or discomfort when urinating
- urine that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or contains blood
- abdominal or lower stomach pain
- feeling unable to fully empty the bladder
If a person has symptoms of an
Symptoms can include:
- pain in the sides or back
- a high temperature of 100.4 ºF or more
- shivering and chills
- confusion
- feeling nauseated or vomiting
Below are answers to some common questions about Uqora.
Can you buy Uqora over the counter?
These products are currently only available through the company’s website, though no prescription is necessary.
How long do the products take to ship?
After purchase, the order should take 3-5 business days to arrive. This excludes holidays and weekends.
Does Uqora really work for UTI prevention?
Two Uqora products contain D-Mannose. Evidence suggests that this ingredient can reduce the risk of UTIs.
How often can a person consume Uqora?
This depends on the Uqora product that a person is using. For example, individuals can take ‘Control and Promote’ every day, whereas they should take ‘Target’ only at specific times, such as after sexual intercourse.
Is Uqora covered by insurance?
Individuals can use their HSA or FSA to pay for all of Uqora’s products, except for its ‘Cleansing Wipes’.
Uqora offers a range of products designed to prevent UTIs. The company presents its products as alternatives to antibiotic treatment.
Customer reviews on their website are generally positive. Uqora offers a 30-day return and refund policy. It only ships to the US and Canada at the time of writing.
Anyone with symptoms that may stem from a UTI should contact a healthcare professional for guidance.