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, cranberry pills, and cranberry supplements have been talked about as a home remedy for years. Read on to learn how cranberry juice can help with UTIs, along with fast, proven ways to flush out an active infection.
Exploring the connection between cranberries and UTIs
Cranberries contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins (PACs) that can stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and bladder. Since UTIs are caused by bacterial overgrowth in those areas, researchers believe that cranberry products that are high in PACs may be able to help prevent these infections.
Evidence supporting the effectiveness of cranberry PACs is mixed. Some studies have found that PACs reduce the recurrence of UTIs, while other studies have found little or no impact. However, because there are some studies that show benefits, the American Urological Association allows providers to recommend the use of cranberry products for women with recurrent UTIs if it makes sense for the patient.
Cranberry products may help prevent UTIs
Some research shows that cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs in people who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (two or more UTIs within a 6-month period, or three or more UTIs within a year).
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 2024 analysis found that women who drank cranberry juice had a reduced UTI risk by 27–54% compared to those who drank a placebo or who had no treatment.
While research is still evolving, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged the potential benefits of using cranberries for recurrent UTI prevention. As of 2020, the FDA allows companies to make the claim that, despite limited and inconsistent evidence, certain cranberry products may help prevent recurrent UTIs in healthy women.
Choosing the right cranberry products for UTI prevention
There is no guarantee that cranberry products will help prevent recurrent UTIs. However, if you are choosing a cranberry product, you may want to consider the following factors before making a purchase:
- Check the PAC content: Look at the product label and make sure that it specifies the amount of PACs per daily serving, aiming for 36-72 mg. A 2023 Cochrane review of 50 studies found this PAC amount to be more effective than placebos at preventing recurrent UTIs.
- Avoid added sugars: Many cranberry products, especially juice and gummies, contain added sugars. Sugar is not beneficial for UTI prevention because it feeds the bacteria that can cause UTIs in the first place. Sugar also makes your urine more acidic, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive.
Before taking any new products or supplements for UTI prevention, you should discuss them with your healthcare professional; cranberry juice can interact with medications that are metabolized by the liver (like aspirin, warfarin, and other blood thinners).
Can cranberry juice treat an existing UTI?
No, cranberry juice cannot treat UTIs that have already developed. Even though the PACs found in cranberries have antibacterial properties, they aren’t powerful enough to kill existing bacteria.
If you think you have a UTI, keep in mind that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements every day will not cure an active infection. You’ll need to talk to a healthcare provider and likely start on antibiotics.
How to quickly treat an existing UTI
Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a combination of antibiotics and self-care to flush out your UTI as fast as possible.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics work by eliminating the bacteria that are causing your UTI. The most common antibiotics for UTI treatment include Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Levofloxacin (Levaquin), Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Be sure to continue taking the antibiotics until they are gone (even if your symptoms reside) to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
- Self-care: Drink lots of fluids to help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract. This helps to prevent UTIs and reduce UTI symptoms. If you are drinking cranberry juice, make sure that you’re consuming unsweetened cranberry juice (sugar can feed the bacteria that cause UTIs.)
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.
At-home UTI prevention tips
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 these infections. However, there are several 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 and vaginal sponges. 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 is important for overall wellness, but it also 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.
- Consider a daily probiotic: Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can help maintain the right balance of bacteria within the vagina, especially if you’ve recently taken antibiotics or if you struggle with recurring UTIs.
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, no surprise bills, 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 within hours at a pharmacy of your preference. Don’t wait to treat a UTI. Schedule a visit on Sesame and start feeling better right away.
