How to Get Rid of a UTI Without Medication

Co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD

Last Updated: December 19, 2022 References

UTIs (Urinary Tract infections) can be a real bummer. It is characterized by the urgent need to 'go' but little to nothing coming out. Urination may be painful or itchy. Urine can be cloudy and foul-smelling. In serious cases, this may include severe back pain and fever. Women are more likely to get UTIs than men, and can be intertwined with a yeast infection (double bummer). This article will focus on dealing with a UTI without the need for antibiotics, and relies heavily on natural remedies and prevention. If cranberry juice and drinking lots of water haven't helped, read on. This method is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or has strong taste aversions. If you are on medication, please do research on drug/plant interactions beforehand.

1

Stay hydrated.

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Drink lots of water!^{[1]
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2

Try to avoid antibiotics.

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It may even make future infections resistant to antibiotics and make women more susceptible to yeast infections.

3

Take Vitamin C twice a day.

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Adding some Vitamin C to your daily routine can help prevent UTIs from returning.^{[2]
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Scott Tobis, MD
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Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}

4

Practice good hygiene.

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coli, which can come from your digestive system. Sexual activity, from the constant movement, can push this type of bacteria into the urethra. Always make sure your privates are clean from the front to back. ^{[4]
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Harvard Medical School
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Go to source} Washing the genitals with water (or an intimate cleanser) and washing your behind with warm soap and water in the shower will help immensely. Baby wipes after using the bathroom can be used too.

5

Pee after having sex.

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^{[5]
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Harvard Medical School
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Go to source} Many people claim this interferes with 'cuddle' time, but you can cuddle after going to the bathroom. This is the single most overlooked and ignored step that prevent UTIs more than anything. Explaining this to your partner can ease any frustration, and they should be able to understand.

6

Drink Neem leaf tea.

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Neem leaves can help flush your system of bacteria and fungus. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add Neem leaves. This will brew a strong, bitter tea that is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.^{[6]
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Research source} Add D-mannose capsules or powder and drink several glasses throughout the day. You should be urinating quite a lot due to the high fluid intake, and both should flush bacteria out of the bladder and urethra.^{[7]
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Scott Tobis, MD
Board Certified Urologist

Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- Put a few ice cubes in the pot to cool down the tea, since you will want to start drinking it immediately.
- The neem tea has a very bitter taste, and is highly unpleasant to drink because of its bad taste. If you can, try to drink the rest of your tea in the pot throughout the day. If needed, drink water in between if the taste is too strong.
- You can't really overdose on d-mannose since it is a naturally derived from cranberries. It is recommended that you take 3-4 capsules every hour or so.

7

Contact a doctor if symptoms don't subside.

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If you don't start feeling better within 4 to 6 hours, see your primary physician or OB/GYN as soon as possible. In serious cases, UTIs can lead to kidney infections, so it is imperative to treat the problem swiftly.^{[8]
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National Health Service (UK)
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Go to source} If all else fails, you can find your nearest Minute Clinic at a local drugstore and they should be able to prescribe you antibiotics. Last resort: go to the hospital if none of these options are available.
- If you have symptoms of fevers, shaking chills, vomiting, feel faint or very lethargic, seek medical care immediately.^{[9]
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Question

Will a UTI go away by itself?

Scott Tobis, MD
Board Certified Urologist
Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology.

Scott Tobis, MD

Board Certified Urologist

Expert Answer

Sometimes the body’s immune system can resolve a urinary tract infection (UTI) without antibiotics, and there are some steps one can take to try to resolve a bladder infection. Staying very well hydrated can help to flush out the bladder.

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How can I avoid future UTI?

Scott Tobis, MD
Board Certified Urologist
Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology.

Scott Tobis, MD

Board Certified Urologist

Expert Answer

Supplements containing D-mannose can help to reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections, though supplements are less likely than prescription antibiotics to clear an active infection.

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