Dealing with a UTI can be one of the worst experiences in life. The pain, burning, and frequent trips to the bathroom can make anyone restless. This infection is more common than you may think. According to research, 60% of women and more than 12% of men experience a UTI at least once in their life.
When faced with a UTI, many doctors are quick to recommend antibiotics. Unfortunately, many people hesitate to take them due to allergic reactions or life-threatening complications. But that does not mean that someone who does not take an antibiotic must suffer with the pain till it withers away.
Here are some of the most effective tips that can help you get rid of a UTI without using antibiotics.
Take Probiotics
Bacteria is not always the enemy. Good bacteria are called probiotics, and they can help you treat your UTI by restoring the health of your urinary tract. It helps lower the urine's pH to make the conditions less favorable for bad bacteria to stay.
You can find probiotics in natural food such as yogurt, cheese, kefir, and sauerkraut. Healthcare specialists also recommend regular intake of probiotic supplements for UTIs that may be available in a capsule or a soluble form.
Maintain Sexual Hygiene
Sexual intercourse is one of the common causes of a UTI. Bacteria and other microbes can make their way into the urinary tract and cause the infection. The best way to avoid this problem is by maintaining good sexual hygiene.
One of the most common recommendations is to urinate before and after sex. You may also want to consider a barrier to contraception, such as condoms, to reduce the chances of an infection. Of course, it is also important to ensure that you wash your genitals before and after engaging in sexual activity.
Do not forget that communication also plays a vital role in sexual relationships. It is best to have a chat beforehand to know about any past or current UTIs.
Wipe Front to Back
One of the most common mistakes, especially by people with a female urethra, is wiping back to front after urinating. This practice can create an easy path for bacteria from your rectum to access your urethra. Once it is there, the bacteria can make its way to your urinary tract organs to cause an infection.
Therefore, relying on the right wiping techniques is better to prevent bacteria from entering your urethra. Instead of wiping back to front, wipe front to back or use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the front and the back.
Drink Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is one of the most effective treatments for UTIs. People who use cranberry juice get rid of their UTIs quicker than those who don’t. They contain antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties to give you some relief.
You can start with a 400 ml cup of cranberry juice every day. You can also ask your doctor for advice on adjusting the quantities.
