Uti Home Remedy!!!

Updated on November 06, 2010
M.V. asks from Del Rio, TX
43 answers

does anybody know any good home remedy's for a urinary tract infection? iv'e been having mine for about 3 weeks and i dont have any insurance so i cant afford to go to the doctor right now. so im wondering if anybody knows some home remedys that might help with curing or aleviating some of the symtoms that come with it.

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So What Happened?

thankyou all for your many sugestions i will take them all into consideration, Thankyou so much for your conserns as well, i have not been to the doctor yet. I tried cranberry juice and lots of water, and it seemed to work. /also i had hot showers and released extra urine that would stay inside and that worked as well. nobody had suggested that but i tried it and it worked. all thought i might have to see a doctor anyways because it seems as if the symptoms might be coming back. Thankyou so much godbless!!!

Featured Answers

C.S.

answers from Medford on

If its mild, you can take cranberry tablets to help flush it out with TONS of water. I mean TONS!!! I get them often and can usually ward them off in the early stages without medical attention.

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H.M.

answers from Phoenix on

A doctor my mum had in England told her to drink about half tsp of baking soda in a glass of water. It changes the pH and fixes it. I've always done this at the first sign of a UTI and it's gone away every time. I don't know if it would work this late but is probably worth a try. Good Luck!

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M.L.

answers from Tampa on

My dad recently sent me an article that says Alka Seltzer has been proven to clear up UTI's, although it is not marketed for that. I haven't tried it yet. Hope it clears up soon!

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S.C.

answers from Dallas on

SInce it has been going on for three weeks you need to go and have it checked out and be on antibiotics the UTI can move into a kidney infection and damage the kidneys. Since you do not have insurance find an adult clinic
in Plano ADULT CLINIC AT ST. MARKS ###-###-####
Location: 1100 W. 15th, #209-210, Plano, Texas 75075
Services: Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm, sign up list at 7:00am
They may have moved down the street but the phone number I belive is still good or
new nonprofit clinic for the poor that opened Wednesday in a west Plano medical towerThe West Side Clinic, a joint venture of St. Andrew Methodist Church, Presbyterian Hospital Plano and the Collin County Adult Clinic, is designed to fill the needs of all Collin County residents who, perhaps, have been recently laid off or have struggled to find the job. Those aren't the only needs they serve, the clinic says. The clinic will treat people by appointment only, charging $20 for an initial visit and $15 for follow-ups. It's not an emergency clinic.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews...

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

can you go to the minute clinic at your local drugstore and pay cash? Or an urgent care center? Don't leave this untreated b/c if you suffer any kidney damage then you will really be in trouble without insurance. It's worth it.

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M.J.

answers from Houston on

AZO - these are magic pills you can buy at any drugstore. And lots and lots of water and pure cranberry juice like the posters said below. You can flush this out yourself without prescription meds - just keep drinking!!!

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A.M.

answers from Detroit on

Please do not take Cathie C's advice. A urinary tract infection is in your urethra, not your vagina. I don't think I would insert boric acid in my vagina anyway, but, nonetheless, inserting something in your vagina will not cure your urethra. They are two separate parts of your body. Also, Cystex and the other "orange red" pills do NOT contain a small amount of anitbiotic. That doesn't even make sense. Antibiotics can only be obtained with a prescription, and "a small amount of antibiotics" doesn't help anyone. Those pills only ease the pain and do not cure at all. If you do take them, follow the directions carefully. You can only take them for three days. After that it could damage your kidneys.

Also, cranberry juice helps prevent uti's. It doesn not cure them.

You really should find some way to go to the doctor. Use one of the overcounter tests to confirm that have a uti first, if you want to, but if you really do have one, see a doctor. They have to be treated. It can become a bladder infection and then a kidney infection. If you think treatment for a uti would be costly, imagine treating a kidney infection!

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

How on earth have you been able to go 3 weeks. I have had them a few times and within the day have been in the bathroom in tears! Go to a cvs minute clinic, get the script, most drug stores offer decent affordable prices on their generics. You need antibiotics if you have a uti before it spreads to your kidneys and bladder. In the future drink a lot of cranberry juice to help prevent (it will not cure it) another one.
edited: cranberry juice has NOT BEEN PROVEN to treat a uti.

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B.

answers from Augusta on

Cranberry Juice and water.
And AZO makes a natural cranberry remedy I found mine at CVS.
http://www.azoproducts.com/products/azo_cranberry

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D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

If you don't have insurance you might be able to go to your local health dept and pay on a sliding scale based on # of people in your household and income. A lot of stores also now have free antibiotics with a prescription. I'd check into that. You might need to make sure that's what is really going on. The one time (knock on wood) that I had one there was no way I could have gone 3 weeks like that.

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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda always works for me. it's disgusting and you may have to drink it once a day until it clears up. i'm not sure how well it works after 3 weeks though. i've been getting uti infections about once a year since i was a kid and got them more often after i had my first child. now i take cranberry pills at the first sign of one and they clear right up and i don't have to do the baking soda thing.

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M.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi, I know it is the 6th of Nov. Just now checking emails. but i hope you got treatment or found some home remedy. For the next time, Elderberries help. You can find it at your good health food store. Natural and works.

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L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I've had 2 doctors tell me that it is NOT necessary to treat every UTI with antibiotics, if the symptoms are such that you can tolerate them. I get UTI's also, and often the only symptom I get is a distinct smell to my urine. As others suggested, drink lots of fluids, and drink 100% cranberry juice (as opposed to cranberry juice cocktail - NOT the same thing), at least 4 oz. each day, preferably more until the infection is gone, then 4 oz per day to keep them away. The Azo tablets that you can buy over the counter will help with the symptoms of the UTI if you are having pain or burning during urination.

I am assuming you've had them before, and know the symptoms... otherwise, you really should get checked, in case it would be something else. But if you're like me, you know without question when you have one.

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D.M.

answers from Dallas on

Regular Alka-Seltzer (not the cold formula)

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Cranberry juice! Pure cranberry, not fruit juice. It will be expensive, but cheaper than a doctor visit and meds. Go to the organic section of the store, stay away from the juicy juice stuff. Drink it as much as you can stand, maybe two glasses a day for a week and it should go away.

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E.L.

answers from Dallas on

You can try a supplement called D-Mannose. It is basically just a sugar, but it has a different molecular structure or something than table sugar. It will bind with the e. coli bacteria, prevent it from sticking to the inner of your bladder, and then if you drink lots of water it will flush out the bacteria.

BUT, although the majority of UTI's are caused by e. coli, about 10% of them are NOT so if you don't see almost immediate improvement then please go to the doctor or a clinic. Untreated UTI's can lead to kidney failure. They are not something to mess with.

Also, the Azo medicine that has been recommended by many commenters here does NOT cure the UTI. It numbs your bladder so it numbs the pain but the infection will keep getting worse. Saying that Azo cures UTI's is like saying if you take enough Advil that will cure a broken arm. The point is that Azo will make the symptoms more bearable until the antibiotics kick in.

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H.B.

answers from Waterloo on

I too like many others have heard cranberry juice and lots of water helps. just be careful because sometimes a UTI can spread to a kidney infection, which sometimes requires hospitalization. Rare, but can happen. Hope I dont scare you, just look up the symptoms of kidney infection and watch out for them Good luck!!!

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

Along with 100% cranberry juice definitely try Olive Leaf extract. It is a natural antibiotic. I would get the Barlean's brand that is in liquid form (costs about $13-$14) at Natural Grocer's or I'm sure Whole Foods or Central Market probably carry it as well. I would double the dosage until your symptoms get better. It works great on viruses, flu, colds etc. as well (great stuff to have around).

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

I fully understand wanting to treat it with out going to the Dr!!! Since you have had it for that long you might have to though. I would try cranberry juice and pills. If you do any of these home remedy and it does not clear up soon please go to the Dr before you end up in the ER. I had one and did not realize it for several reasons and it went into my kidneys before I knew I even had it. That landed me in the ER and that bill was much higher than just a Dr visit. Good luck and God Bless!!!

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M.O.

answers from Chicago on

Cranberry juice does help to relieve symptoms but is not a cure. Anything you do may make you feel better but it will not be cured. You need to see a doctor before it goes into your kidneys. Hospitals have a percentage of patients they treat that cannot pay. You might be better off going to a treatment center which is much less expensive than an ER. Also, call a doctor and see if you can arrange to pay fee over a few months.

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R.C.

answers from Dallas on

I recommend drinking cranberry juice and taking cranberry capsules. Drink lots of water. The only thing that completely gets rid of a bladder infection for me is a antibotic from the doctor.

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C.P.

answers from Jackson on

Go to the doctor now! My sister left her UTI untreated and almost lost a kidney after the infection spread. Do you have an ob/gyn or other doctor you know well? Sometimes they will call in a scrip for you. Get it treated before you get in serious medical trouble!

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

Cranberry Juice definately clears it up & Yogurt to ease the symptoms. However there is a place in Irving (downtown off of Irving Blvd) called "Years to your Health" that has ALL NATURAL HERBAL stuff and specifically a combination of natural herbs for whatever ailments you have, and yes one for UTI. It used to be a house made into a business that has been there for years. AND everything I've purchased there works! It has been a life saver...really. I hope you'll take the time to go there, you would be amazed at how much stuff they have and knowledge of what you need for whatever you have! I hope you get to feeling better soon!

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J.H.

answers from Dallas on

The health food store sells something called UTract that I take at the first sign of a bladder infection. Cranberry juice is good as a preventative but the acid in it can really irritate an already sensitive bladder. At this point, I recommend getting on antibiotics.

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M.T.

answers from Dallas on

acidophilus (probiotic that is in yogurt) + super cranactin (strong cranberry supplement from Whole Foods, etc) + echinacea/goldenseal supplement .. . . These things stop the bacteria from adhering to the walls of your bladder. You can get similar symptoms from a yeast infection. . these should help with that as well or you may want to make sure you do not have one of those.

Oh! And drink alot of water and cut out the sugar from your diet for a bit.

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

Get a bottle of empty capsules from the pharmacy. Fill them with Boric Acid. Insert one capsule vaginally twice a day. Mine was gone in 4 days.

Also, there is a drug called Cystex or something like that - they are red tablets....over-the-counter. They have a small amount of antibiotic in them and stop the pain almost immediately. There are also some tiny dark reddish-brown tablets (I get store brand) that are excellent for the pain. They turn your urine orange. But they work GREAT.

Good luck!

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L.I.

answers from Dallas on

I have many experiences with UTIs. It is imperitive that you go to the doctor! The AOZ over the counter treatments are great for easing the treatments, but they will never ever make it go away. Go to your nearest planned parenthood. They treat UTIs. They charge on a sliding scale and work with those with no insurace. It will cost a little money, but won't be too expensive - you can even call and ask in advance how much it will be so you will be prepared - but you must go. They will give you antibiotics, which you must have for this to go away. If you have had this for 3 weeks you must be in agonizing pain and discomfort. I know how hard it is when you don't have insurance - I've been there, but something like this doesn't just go away - you must have the proper type antibiotics. They will give you a urine test to see if you truly have a UTI - please be sure and tell them you have been taking over the counter stuff if you have, because this can affect the test and give a false negative - I've had this happen before, though since I had so many in the past I knew exactly what was going on. I have since learned to go get the test, get the antibiotics, then get the over the counter AOZ to ease the pain. Its okay - you didn't know, and its a common mistake - just be sure and tell them or they may not think you really have an infection! Please go though - Planned Parenthood is a good organization that got me through many UTIs, pregnancy tests, and birth control befrore I had insurance - they will help you. Good luck and I hope it goes away soon and you feel better. GO TODAY!!!!

L.M.

answers from Dover on

I have heard that cranberry juice helps but have never experienced it myself. Outside of that, I only know of antibotics.

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C.H.

answers from Dallas on

Edited addition:
After seeing a Dr. oz show on TV talking about UTI's, the one thing he added was Vitamin C (presume 1,000 milligrams). (Also, there is a UTI test in the drug store that costs about $10 to ensure it isn't something else.)

A sulpher antibiotic (Bactrim) is what is usually prescribed but can be bad for anyone who is sensitive or allergic to it.

Gonig after symptoms: Use those over the counter red colored pills called Axo Standard. They will turn your urine orange and you might want to wear a pad to keep that off your panties. This isn't a cure.

Drinking lots of water, tons and tons. Drink Cranberry juice, helps fight it off. If you hate that, perhaps you can use a Cranberry mixed juice.

Your local Supplement place or Whole Foods Market may have someone that can recommend what to take that's more herbal or holistic.

Be wary if you check online as I'm sure everyone wants to sell you something. But pay more attention to those that aren't selling something. Also, if you don't see symptoms go away, there might be a big disadvantage to ignoring it. Especially if there is a little bleeding involved.

If you were elderly, it could cause lots of temporary mental problems.

Good luck.

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D.R.

answers from New York on

cranberry concentrate works most of the time for me, but only if i catch it right away, like the first day. i think 3 weeks is way too long, you are going to end up with real problems, you are lucky you havent already. i would go to a clinic or whatever and get an antibiotic. if you end up in the hospital with a kidney infection, its going to cost you way more than that and is dangerous as well. if you have a history of them and a regular doc, they may even call a prescription in for you without a visit, my doc does, and usually it only takes a few pills for it to clear up. good luck.

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

that azzo stuff works really good. Your pee will be bright orange but it definitely takes the sting out. Then I drink a lot of cranberry juice as well. Also, alka seltzer is supposed to work well too.... they both work for me.

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V.V.

answers from Houston on

Please be careful. I remember in college I had a UTI, but didn't realize it until I ended up in the hospital with a kidney infection and needed a shot of antibiotics right away. Luckily I didn't have kidney damage.

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A.B.

answers from Atlanta on

You need to go to the doctor. In most states the ER can't refuse treatment to anyone so just go and tell them your name is Jane Doe.

Get some antibiotics before this becomes much more serious.

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R.N.

answers from Dallas on

Hi hoodmama,

I totally understand your frustration and pain with UTI's! The way I could get rid of uti's(not kidney infections) is I would use cranberry pills from walmart, you can look in the vitamins department for those and i woould drink cranberry juice which starts taking care of the pain pretty fast once you drink a full glass of it. Make sure when looking for cranberry juice that it has high cranberry juice content...like it will say 30% and so on, the higher the percentage the better. The juice takes care of the burning feeling when voiding and the uncomfortable sensation. It helps a lot! It's like a natural painkiller for uti's. I have deafeated many uti's with this regiman but if you continue to have symptoms about 4 days after taking cranberry pills and juice then you will have to see a doctor or go to the er and be prescribed antibiotics since there is some uti's that are so bad that antibiotics are strongly needed and it would be the only way to get rid of it. Urinary Tract infection can and will turn into kidney infections at some point if it persist. I've had these as well and it's extremely painful. Watch for signs such as consistently high fever(101+), lower back pain on the sides of your back(this is where your kidneys are located), nausea, vomiting, burning when voiding, frequency & urgency of voiding, sweats, chills, all over body pain. You basically feel like you have the flu REAL bad. I ran almost 106 with every kidney infection I've had so you know it can be extremely dangerous. At that point you have to go to the er and stay for more than likely days. I just want you to be warned just in case nothing works for you and you start feeling worse. I'm not a doctor, I am just speaking from personal experience. I hope that everything gets better for you sweetie and that you can get rid of this soon and be out of pain & discomfort. I know your pain, it's aweful. If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate messaging me anytime :). Feel better soon!

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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

Apple cider vinegar does not fight infections. This is folklore.

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P.H.

answers from Dallas on

I'm pretty sure there aren't any home remedies for an existing UTI. I think antibiotics are the only thing that are going to treat that. If left untreated it can turn into a kidney infection. I'm sorry to hear about your situation with no insurance, but you really need to make this a priority and get treated.

side note: If you are having pain when urinating, Cranberry juice is to prevent UTI's and can cause more pain with an existing UTI because it is making your urine more acidic.

E.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hoodmama4,

Please go to the doctor! Even if it is one of those "CareNow" places - the walk in clinics. If you have had this for 3 weeks, chances are it has moved to your kidneys... You need to get it taken care of with antibiotics!

Until you get there, take "AZO" pills, drink cranberry juice, and take ibuprofen. Those will help, but not heal.

Get there ASAP!

M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

Wal-Mart offers a generic UTI drug for all of $5. If you had a doctor in the past, call them and explain that you know you have a UTI. See if they will send a script in to Wal-Mart for you. UTIs are VERY serious, so I suggest trying to get a prescription somehow.

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V.B.

answers from Dallas on

Cranberry juice and drink a lot of water all day to flush your kidneys, etc. Also cranberry suplements and watermelon helps a lot.

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

I had a really bad UTI when I was pregnant and the doctor told me to get the pure 100% cranberry juice. It is usually thick and you take 2 oz. of the cranberry juice and mix it with 2 oz. of water and drink this every hour and you will feel relief soon. Apple Cider Vinegar also fights infections. You can take pills now. I would suggest a cranberry pill each day for prevention.

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C.S.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried cranberry juice?

E.S.

answers from Asheville on

Is there a Health Department nearby? Cost is little to nothing from what I hear. Cranberry Juice is not a cure but it does change the Ph of the contents of the bladder. This can alleviate the symptoms and cause the bacteria to die. Yes this kills it, but it doesnt work every time. And it doesn't work at all if you use juice cocktail instead of 100% cranberry juice or concentrate. The only thing I know that works for sure is antibiotics.
Good Luck I don't know how you have lasted this long without screaming!

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A.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had a uti go undiagnosed when I was pregnant and ended up in the hospital with a severe kidney infection that completey ruined my left kidney and almost killed me. It needs to be taken care of right away. The Azo otc will take the symptoms away but will not cure it. Drink alot of 100% cranberry juice and water to flush out bacteria until you can see a doctor. You really need the antibiotics to cure it before it causes worse problems.

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