Key Takeaways

When it comes to UTIs, there are plenty of home remedies rumored as effective; maybe you’ve been taught to drink cranberry juice or read somewhere that eating more garlic will provide relief from urinary issues.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of pervasive myths regarding UTI home remedies with little to no research that supports their effectiveness; in reality, it’s essential to see a medical provider to properly diagnose and treat a UTI.

Home remedies alone, including increased fluid intake, or drinking cranberry juice, do not effectively resolve active UTIs, and in many cases, may have very little impact on urinary health at all.

It’s important to understand exactly what occurs in the body when experiencing a urinary tract infection. UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly by a bacteria called (E. coli); when this bacteria enters the urinary tract, it quickly multiplies.

As the amount of bacteria grows, the urinary tract becomes infected and the immune system responds with inflammation to help fight the infection. 

This inflammation response can cause irritation which is what leads to the many uncomfortable symptoms associated with a UTI.  Common symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain. 

If left untreated, infections can lead to other serious complications in the bladder or kidneys, such as kidney infections, and in rare cases, sepsis or even death.  That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a UTI. 

Attempting to treat a UTI at home is not an effective solution for eradicating and curing the infection. It’s vital to see a doctor to confirm a UTI in order to properly diagnose and treat your condition, as well as rule out possible complications. 

The reason professional medical guidance is imperative is because bacterial infections like a Urinary Tract Infection require UTI antibioticintervention. 

However, there are at-home solutions you can use to find relief in the interim. Our UTI Emergency kit can help tide you over until you can see a medical professional. This bundle includes UTI Test Strips, UTI infection control, and UTI pain relief.

• A strong, constant or recurring urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Only urinating small amounts
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine, which can appear red, bright pink, or brown
• Pungent urine
• Pelvic pain
• General malaise, with fever, chills, or body aches

Because these symptoms can be true of other urogenital health issues, proper diagnosis of a UTI is key. If you think you have a UTI, do not try to resolve it at home with natural remedies.

Maintaining urinary tract health doesn’t need to be complicated. There are many things you can do regularly to keep your urinary tract healthy and thriving. Consider the following tips for improving your overall urinary health: 

1. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is vital for optimal urinary health because it helps flush toxins and bacteria from the urinary tract and promotes regular emptying of the bladder.
   
   
2. Maintain Healthy Hygiene: Basic hygienic practices can help prevent infections and urinary health problems. We know you’ve heard it plenty of times before, but this a friendly reminder that you can practice good urinary hygiene habits by wiping from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria. You can also try keeping genital areas clean by washing daily with gentle, pH balancing products.
   
   
3. Practice After Sex Care: To help reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urethra practice post-sex hygiene care by urinating immediately after sex. Peeing after sex isn't always enough for everyone, but urine is our first line of defense against bacteria.  be sure to monitor for symptoms so you can quickly detect aUTI after sexand receive prompt treatment. If you're peeing after sex and still getting UTIs – you're not doing anything wrong and you may be dealing with recurrent UTIs.⁠
   
   
4. Don’t Hold Your Bladder: When you feel the need to urinate, don’t delay. Holding in urine, along with not fully emptying your bladder, can lead to an increased risk of infection.

In 2016 I had 8 UTIs. I was miserable and desperate for a way to get ahead, but was repeatedly told there was little I could do. This experience inspired me to start Uqora. Built in collaboration with doctors & scientists, Uqora makes UTI relief products and proactive urinary tract supplements so you can finally get ahead. No matter where you are on you're urinary health journey, Uqora is here for you. We're so glad you've found us!