9 ways to get rid of a UTI

How to get rid of a UTI

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, occur when micro-organisms like germs and bacteria find their way into your urinary tract - the system of organs and tubes that create and dispense urine - where they multiply and cause an infection.

Both men and women can get UTIs and the causes can be different for both sexes. However, the risk is much higher in women, who are made more vulnerable to UTIs through the mechanisms of sexual intercourse, the menopause, and other biological factors.

If you believe you have the symptoms of a UTI, you should see your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics, which are generally considered the most effective UTI treatment.

This said, there are several other methods to help you get rid of a UTI - or help to prevent them if you're someone who repeatedly experiences UTIs and the irritation and discomfort they bring.

Two experts share their recommendations for combatting UTIs. Alongside these methods, painkillers can also help to ease your pain temporarily.

Medical ways to treat or prevent UTIs

Antibiotics

Dr Paul Ettlinger, GP at The London General Practice, explains that antibiotics are the main medical UTI treatment.

"Antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic prescribed to you will depend on the type of bacteria causing your UTI. Some are taken orally and some via IV - a needle or tube that's inserted into your vein."

This is generally the most effective medicine for UTIs¹, but it's not always the right option for everyone. Your doctor could recommend that you wait to see if your UTI clears up without antibiotics, and likewise if a course fails to alleviate symptoms, you may be recommended to hospital for further tests.

For women - vaginal cream

This cream helps to prevent recurrent UTIs in postmenopausal women that are caused by a drop in their oestrogen hormone levels. It works by topically applying oestrogen to the vagina, which in turn increases the presence of lactobacillus - a beneficial bacteria that helps prevent UTIs². You can now buy topical oestrogen from your pharmacy.

For men - alpha blockers and Cialis

For men, UTIs may be caused by an enlarged prostate. This common condition can make emptying your bladder harder, increasing the build-up of bacteria and the likelihood of UTIs.

Dr Ettlinger recommends alpha blockers, which aid bladder emptying and urine flow by relaxing the muscles of the prostate gland and bladder neck. Alternatively, Cialis is an oral medication that increases blood flow to the prostate, in turn improving lower urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. By aiding urine flow, it stops the build up of bacteria and can therefore help reduce the chances of getting a UTI.

Supplements to treat or prevent UTIs

D-mannose

Laura Southern, nutritional therapist at London Gynaecology, suggests that supplements of D-mannose can be very useful: "This is found naturally in cranberries and is a type of sugar that is thought to prevent E-coli - the most common UTI-causing bacteria - from taking a hold in the urinary tract. It's sold in a powdered form and the usual dose is about 1-2g per day."

She adds that small studies indicate that taking D-mannose may be just as effective as antibiotics in treating UTIs⁵. This makes D-mannose a promising alternative UTI treatment that doesn't increase your risk of antimicrobial resistance. Many doctors are now recommending these to their patients. As this is a sugar- those with diabetes or who are at risk of diabetes need to be careful- consult your doctor first before taking them.

Probiotics

To treat a recurring UTI problem, you might wish to invest in probiotic supplements. Studies of the urinary microbiome - the colonies of healthy and harmful bacteria that live in the urinary tract - reveal that there are significant differences between the bacteria found in people who get UTIs and those who don't³.

Laura Southern, nutritional therapist at London Gynaecology, says that women may take probiotic supplements to help colonise the vagina with the right strains of bacteria. "This can support the vaginal microbiome, ensure the pH is the optimal level to prevent bacterial growth, and therefore help prevent UTIs."

Although a relatively new research area, in recent years there have been promising results for probiotics as a preventative method against recurring UTIs⁴, as well as a UTI treatment that can accelerate recovery time.

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Lifestyle tips to treat or prevent UTIs

Hydration

One of the simplest home remedies for UTIs is to drink plenty of water so that you pee regularly throughout the day and don't feel thirsty. According to Dr Ettlinger, dehydration causes concentrated urine, and this can lead to bacteria build-up and infections such as UTIs.

Eating well

The weaker your immune system, the more at risk you are of UTIs. Southern explains what you can eat and avoid to help prevent UTIs:

"Include lots of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and utilise a mix of cooking methods to maximise vitamin absorption. For example, you could be adding fresh, dark-skinned berries at breakfast, eating an orange-vegetable soup at lunch, and then a lightly cooked stir-fry with lots of bright colour vegetables at dinner.

"Sugar, alcohol and ultra-processed foods can increase inflammation and this can make UTIs worse. Try and focus on a whole-food diet that's as minimally processed as possible."

Peeing after sex

This is an important prevention tip for those who get recurring UTIs. Peeing soon after sex helps to flush out any bacteria that was introduced during sexual intercourse. Women are more prone to intercourse-related UTIs than men because bacteria introduced to the vagina has a shorter path to travel to the urethra - the tube leading to your bladder.

Genital hygiene

While these won't clear up an existing infection on it's own, getting into good hygiene habits can also help to prevent UTIs:

• When you go to the toilet, wipe from front to back.
• Go for a wee after sex.
• If you use incontinence pads, change them regularly.
• In general, ensure your genital area is clean and dry.

Further reading

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Urinary-tract infections.
2. Rosenblum: Update in female hormonal therapy: what the urologist should know.
3. Akgul and Karakan: The role of probiotics in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
4. Wirth and Moon: Do probiotics reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections in women?
5. Wagenlehner et al: Why d-mannose may be as efficient as antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections.