Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Home remedies, UTI causes, and Prevention

Let’s dive into a topic that most of us women are way too familiar with: urinary tract infections (UTIs). It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, they’re super common—especially for women. But what exactly is going on when you get one, and how can you handle it like a pro? What are the remedies for UTI? Cranberry juice? Antibiotics? 

First of all, if you think you could have a urinary tract infection, take a breath. Even if you do, it isn’t the end of the world. There is treatment available to you. Your doctor will be able to help you, whatever the cause of your UTI. Again, UTIs are super common. We ladies are just up against it sometimes! So if you could have an infection, it’s important to talk with your doctor to resolve that UTI quickly!  Let’s talk about what causes a urinary tract infection, and how you can get back to feeling your best. 

What Causes UTIs?

UTIs happen when bacteria, most often E. coli (yeah, the same kind you hear about in those food recalls), get into your urinary tract. Don’t freak out; it isn’t as scary as all that. And there are remedies for UTI. But a urinary tract infection can happen for a few reasons, like:

– Sexual activity: Having sex can sometimes introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.  

– Some kinds of birth control: Certain types of birth control (like diaphragms and contraceptives with spermicides) can up your risk for urinary tract infections. If you aren’t in a committed, monogamous relationship like marriage, consider postponing sex for now. 

– Female anatomy: We women are prone to UTIs because of female anatomy — we just have shorter urethras, and bacteria doesn’t have to travel far to reach the bladder.

– Backtracking: Wiping front to back is your best friend here — gotta keep those bacteria in check.

– Douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area: These products can irritate the urethra.

– Weak immune system: If your body’s defenses are down, you’re more prone to infections.¹

If you’re worried that you’ve caused a UTI, it’s important to get it taken care of. A bladder infection is annoying and uncomfortable. But if it turns into a kidney infection, it can become a serious issue!¹

The truth is, UTIs happen to tons of us women. Even those of us with awesome hygiene and health routines still get them. Sometimes things just happen. It isn’t necessarily your fault. But whatever the cause, don’t sleep on treatment! Check out the symptoms so you know what to look out for, and how to get treated. Let’s get your glow back.

UTI Symptoms to Look Out For

So, how do you know if you’ve got a UTI? Some of the classic symptoms include:

– Feeling like you’ve gotta pee all. the. time. Even if nothing’s coming out.

– Burning sensation when you do pee (this one is the worst!).

– Cloudy or smelly urine.

– Pelvic pain or pressure.

It’s also worth noting that UTIs can be more common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and physical shifts that slow down urine flow. And fun fact (or not-so-fun): some STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can have similar symptoms to UTIs.^{1, 2} And needing to pee all the time can be an early symptom of pregnancy.³ So, if you’re unsure whether it’s a UTI, pregnancy, or an STI, it’s definitely worth getting checked out. Talk with your doctor if you think it’s an STI. ThriVe offers no-cost STI screenings and pregnancy tests—so you can get answers .

Remedies for UTI

When it comes to treating a UTI, antibiotics are usually the go-to. But there are also some natural remedies you can try (ever heard of using cranberry juice?) alongside the treatment plan you get from your doctor:

– Water, water, water: Drinking a ton of water helps flush out the bacteria. Skip the coffee and soft drinks, though. These can irritate your bladder and make you need to pee more.

– Cranberry juice: It’s not a miracle cure, but some studies suggest it might help prevent UTIs from coming back. Cranberry juice. Remember that one!

– Herbal supplements: Some people swear by herbal treatments. But always check with a doctor before trying new supplements!⁴

Preventing UTIs

The best way to deal with a UTI is to avoid getting one in the first place, if possible. The best remedies for UTI are prevention! Here are some simple tips:

– Stay hydrated: Water is your bestie for keeping everything flowing smoothly.

– Practice good hygiene: Clean yourself properly, and remember the golden rule: front to back!

– Avoid irritants: Stay away from products that can cause irritation (sprays, douches, scented powders)

– Delay having sex (for now): Sexual activity tends to lead to more UTIs. Taking control of your future by delaying sex is a way to avoid many risks — from STIs to unplanned pregnancy.¹

When to See a Doctor

When it comes to UTIs, seeing a doctor is crucial. If your UTI symptoms don’t get better with at-home remedies right away, if they get worse, or if you feel like you’re dealing with UTIs way too often, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. 

If you’ve been sexually active and think your symptoms could be something else, ThriVe offers STI testing and pregnancy tests at no cost. 

At the end of the day, UTIs are no fun. But you don’t have to let them get in the way of feeling your best. The remedies for UTI and the prevention are simple: drink your water, stay clean, and listen to your body. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to get the care you need! You deserve it.