Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an extremely common - and uncomfortable - medical condition, with more than 400 million cases occurring each year. These infections happen when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urinary tract. This leads to symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
While UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, cranberry products such as cranberry juice and cranberry supplements have been talked about as a home remedy for years. But is there any truth to this theory? Is cranberry juice an effective treatment for UTIs, and can it help prevent one? Read on for answers, along with fast UTI treatment options and tips for UTI prevention.
Can cranberry juice treat a UTI?
No, there is no evidence to support that cranberry juice or other cranberry products are an adequate treatment for UTIs.
This myth likely stems from the fact that cranberries have antibacterial properties. They contain special substances called proanthocyanidins (PACs) that may stop bacteria from sticking to the lining of the bladder and urethra.
Unfortunately, these antibacterial properties are not strong enough to kill the bacteria causing the infection. A UTI typically requires prescription antibiotics to eliminate these pathogens.
Can cranberry juice help prevent UTIs?
Yes and no. If you suffer from recurrent UTIs (defined as having two or more UTIs within a 6 month period, or three or more UTIs within a year), some research suggests that cranberry juice and cranberry pills may help prevent these infections.
One 2021 study compared the effects of high and low doses of cranberry extract on women with recurrent UTIs and found that women who took a higher dose were less likely to develop UTIs. Another analysis of 10 different studies found that cranberry products (juice and tablets) significantly reduced UTIs for women with recurrent UTIs over the course of a year.
However, there’s limited research to suggest that cranberry juice is effective at preventing UTIs in people without recurrent UTIs.
Still, cranberry juice is a fluid, and studies show that drinking lots of fluids can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract, which helps to prevent UTIs and reduce UTI symptoms. If you are drinking cranberry juice for UTI prevention, make sure that you’re consuming unsweetened cranberry juice. Sweetened cranberry juice contains sugar, which can actually feed the bacteria that cause UTIs. Pure cranberry juice, on the other hand, is sugar-free.
When should you not drink cranberry juice?
While drinking cranberry juice is generally harmless, there are certain situations where it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few reasons why drinking cranberry juice might not be good for you:
If you have kidney stones
Cranberry juice is high in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones or are at risk for developing them, it may be best to avoid cranberry juice or consult with your doctor before drinking it.
If you’re on certain medications
Cranberry juice can interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. This interaction may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or other side effects. If you are on blood thinners, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before including cranberry juice in your diet.
If you have gastrointestinal (GI) issues:
Cranberry juice can be quite acidic. That acidity can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea or acid reflux, especially in individuals with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing GI conditions.
How to get rid of a UTI ASAP
While cranberry juice can’t cure your UTI, prescription antibiotics can help get rid of a UTI quickly.
The most common antibiotics for UTI treatment include:
Book a visit with your primary care provider right away if you feel UTI symptoms coming on, even if they’re mild. This can help to prevent complications and health conditions caused by untreated UTIs, like kidney infections, bladder infections and sepsis. You should also talk to your provider if you notice back pain
However, if you can’t see a doctor right away for an antibiotic prescription, you can also use over-the-counter UTI medicine for symptom relief. While OTC UTI medications won’t cure your UTI, they can help alleviate pain and burning from urination.
Tips for preventing UTIs
UTIs can occur for many reasons, some of which are beyond our control. Menopause, genetics, pregnancy and certain medical conditions can all make someone more susceptible to UTIs. However, there are a number of ways to reduce your risk of UTIs.
Keep the genital area clean
Regularly washing with warm water and mild, unscented soap can help remove bacteria.
Avoid using diaphragms, vaginal sponges, and sex toys
If you are at high risk of UTIs, consider other birth control methods or sexual practices that are less likely to introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Don’t disrupt your vaginal pH
Spermicide, douches, and harsh scented cleansers can throw off the natural balance of bacteria and pH in the vagina, increasing the likelihood of infection.
Wipe front to back
Women should always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the anus from spreading to the vaginal and urethral areas.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
Urinate after sexual intercourse
Some providers recommend peeing after sexual intercourse to help clear bacteria that may have entered the urethra. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), this practice is not backed by clear clinical evidence and is only anecdotal. However, it’s also unlikely to cause you harm if you do it.
How Sesame can help
Dealing with a frequent urge to pee, burning or pain while urinating, or another UTI symptom?
You can book a same-day video UTI visit on Sesame for fast, convenient relief at an affordable cash price. No long waits, no in-person appointments, and no insurance needed.
During the call, your provider can discuss your symptoms with you and prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. Your UTI medication can then be picked up at a pharmacy of your preference, often within the same day. Don’t wait to treat a UTI. Schedule a visit on Sesame and start feeling better right away.
