What Are The Common Causes Of Utis
Your urinary tract is normally free of bacteria. If bacteria enter the tract and multiply, they can cause a UTI. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing an infection:
- Infection with common bacteria in your gut, usually from faeces can contaminate your urinary tract
- Being sexually active increases the risk of bacteria moving around the genital area and entering the urinary tract
- If you have weak pelvic floor muscles your bladder might not empty completely, which can lead to an infection
- Women with diabetes are at increased risk of developing a UTI since the sugar in their urine may cause bacteria to multiply
Other Ways To Prevent Cystitis Coming Back
If you keep getting cystitis, there is some evidence you may find it helpful to take:
- D-mannose a sugar you can buy as a powder or tablets to take every day
- cranberry products available as juice, tablets or capsules to take every day
Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar. If you’re taking warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products.
Page last reviewed: 11 February 2022 Next review due: 11 February 2025
If You Are Passed The First Trimester Or Are Not Pregnant
Take a short course of encapsulated extract of Uva Ursi while temporarily stopping the cranberry which blocks its effect. Dosage recommendations are 1-2 capsules, 400-800 mg tablets, or 1 dropperful of liquid tincture 3-4 times per day up to 3-5 days. You can also make your own herbal infusion by adding a handful of the leaves of Uva Ursi to a glass canning jar filled with water, brew for a few hours, strain and drink. Dr. Aviva Romm advises drinking it hot or cold ¼-1 cup every 4 hours, increasing the dose depending on the severity of your symptoms. For bladder pain, spasm, and cramping, she recommends 1-2 dropperfuls each of Cramp Bark and Wild Yam tincture every 2-4 hours the first 24 hours, then every 4-6 hours for the next 24 hours. You can also take oil of Oregano 1 capsule three times daily to treat the infection.
Don’t Miss: How To Test To See If You Can Get Pregnant
Can A Urine Infection Affect My Pregnancy
If you have a kidney infection when you are pregnant, you can feel very unwell. If left untreated, it may also cause problems such as early labour and/or a small baby. A kidney infection is uncommon but may develop as a complication from a bladder infection or from a urine infection. There may be no symptoms at first .
Read Also: Where Can I Get Antibiotics For A Tooth Abscess
When To Visit A Doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any kidney infection symptoms, including fever, chills, abdominal pain, painful urination, or blood in your urine. They can begin testing to determine if you have a kidney infection or other medical condition contributing to your symptoms.
Early treatment is essential, as an untreated kidney infection can cause damage to the urinary system and may put your baby at risk of being born premature or underweight.
Read Also: When Is The Most Common Time To Get Pregnant
Uti During Pregnancy With No Symptoms
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. And if the bacteriuria isn’t treated, your chance of developing a kidney infection may be as high as 35 percent. However, with adequate treatment your risk goes down dramatically.
To find out whether there’s bacteria in your urinary tract, your practitioner will collect urine at your first prenatal visit and send it to a lab for testing, whether you have symptoms or not. If this initial urine culture is negative, your chances of developing a UTI later in pregnancy are small.
If the culture is positive, you’ll be treated with oral antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy. Taking the full course of antibiotics, usually for a week, should clear the infection.
After treatment, you’ll be tested again to make sure the infection is gone. Repeat urine cultures should be done regularly throughout your pregnancy to make sure you don’t have another infection. If the bacteriuria recurs, you’ll be treated again and likely be put on a continuous low dose of antibiotics for the remainder of your pregnancy to prevent another recurrence.
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection
UTI mainly occurs due to the following reasons:
- Cystitis: It is one of the most common causes of UTI. It mainly happens due to sexual intercourse when the harmful bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract cause infection in the bladder. Though, sometimes, females can also develop cystitis without having intercourse.
- Urethritis: When the harmful bacteria are pushed back in the urethra, urethritis occurs.
- Traces of blood with urine.
Don’t Miss: How Early Can Symptoms Of Pregnancy Show
Apple Cider Vinegar Is One Of The Best Home Remedies For Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics
How to cure a uti without antibiotics. Uti natural treatment protocol of effectiveness. And that is the key. It prevents bacteria to grow in the urinary tract.
Is sold in two forms. A powder which you mix into a glass. Aromatherapy is an alternative approach that can help treat the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
For taste you can add lemon juice or honey to it. Drink plenty of water. Take two teaspoons of acv and mix in one glass of water.
It started taking me 2 3 rounds of different antibiotics to get complete relief from the infection. You might be able. There is not sufficient evidence however to support the use of herbal supplements as a treatment for urinary tract infections 2.
To make matters worse the first round of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor rarely got rid of the infection completely anymore. Mix together some bergamot juniper fennel frankincense and sandalwood. Urinate when the need arises.
Once you feel that the pain will be taken care of. Drink water with baking soda. Drink this mixture once in a day for 3 4 days.
Urinary tract infection is commonly treated with prescription antibiotics. Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to help. Although most urinary tract infections can be treated effectively with antibiotics there are some alternative remedies that many people use 1 2.
Can You Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics 7 Home Remedies
3 Home Remedies For Uti Proven Treatment Without Antibiotics
Can You Treat Utis Without Antibiotics
How To Treat A Uti When You’re Pregnant
This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. This article has been viewed 2,205 times.
Unfortunately, urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are all too common during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your uterus can block the urethra, meaning it can’t drain as well, which can cause an infection. If you experience typical symptoms of a UTI, such as burning, painful urination, the frequent need to go to the bathroom, and cloudy, strong-smelling urine, see your doctor as soon as you can. You can treat the UTI with pregnancy-safe antibiotics. Taking steps such as keeping well-hydrated, taking supplements, and drinking cranberry juice can help prevent future UTIs.
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Depression While Pregnant
Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
The also says that sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- ensuring that sexual partners are aware of any current or previous UTIs
Can Pyelonephritis Be Prevented During Pregnancy
Its not uncommon to experience UTIs throughout your pregnancy, but pyelonephritis is less common, especially if your UTI is detected and treated early.
If your UTI comes back after antibiotic treatment, your doctor may recommend taking a small dose of antibiotics daily throughout the pregnancy to help prevent recurring infections.
Additionally, there are things you can do at home to help prevent a UTI or kidney infection while pregnant:
-
Drink a lot of water aim for between 64 and 96 ounces a day
-
Urinate when the urge arises, as holding in your urine could send more bacteria to the kidneys
-
Practice good sexual hygiene wash before having sex and urinate soon after
-
Wipe from front to back, as this helps prevent bacteria from the bowels from entering the urinary tract
Recommended Reading: How Does Depression Affect Pregnancy
Treatments For A Uti During Pregnancy
Staying hydrated
When you are pregnant, staying hydrated is important to the health and development of your baby.
Beyond prenatal health benefits, drinking water consistently can also provide benefits to your urinary tract health.
Studies show that drinking water and staying hydrated can help flush out bacteria and infection from the urinary tract.
Drinking cranberry juice
Cranberry can be consumed in the form of unsweetened juice or convenient supplement pills.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is a popular remedy for treating UTIs. A few studies suggest that cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs, but no research supports the idea that cranberry juice can cure or treat a UTI beyond easing some of the uncomfortable symptoms.
One study shows the ingredients in cranberry juice may help prevent infection-causing E. coli bacteria from collecting on the cells inside the walls of the bladder and urinary tract, which can reduce the risk of developing a UTI. Another study shows cranberry helps to stop bacteria from lingering in the urinary tract, which might help preventing infection, though more research is needed to confirm this holds true for people.
Research shows that cranberry juice does not put the mother and baby at risk when consumed during pregnancy. Studies suggest promising results from using cranberry juice to manage UTIs while pregnant.
Consuming ascorbic acid
Home Remedies For A Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy
Mahak AroraView more Gynecologist/ObstetricianOur Panel of ExpertsIn this Article
A woman may get a urinary tract infection when bacteria enter her urethra and cause an infection. A womans urinary tract can be a breeding ground for bacteria, more so during pregnancy. UTIs are common during pregnancy. When the uterus expands during pregnancy, its weight can partially block the drainage of urine from the bladder which might lead to an infection.
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of UTIs between the 6th and 24th week of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your doctor might suggest you urinalysis or urine culture to detect UTI during pregnancy. If the test results are positive, obviously you will worry as you should because it requires immediate treatment or else it might damage the kidneys. Consulting a doctor is a must but you can also try some home remedial measures to get rid of this infection. There are some natural remedies apart from the conventional treatment which can help prevent and treat UTI. But before we discuss natural remedies for UTI, lets acquaint you with its symptoms.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Pregnancy At Home
What Is A Natural Antibiotic
Ginger. The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017 , have demonstrated gingers ability to fight many strains of bacteria. Researchers are also exploring gingers power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower blood sugar levels.
Are Utis A Risk During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many changes occur in your body that increase your risk of developing a UTI, including changes to the make-up of your urine and immune system. As your baby grows, there is also an increase in the pressure on your bladder, which can reduce the flow of your urine and lead to an infection.
UTIs can affect women whether they are pregnant or not. However, pregnant women are more likely to develop repeated or more severe infections. Up to 1 in 10 pregnant women will have a UTI but not have any symptoms at all.
You May Like: Is Ultra Filtered Milk Safe During Pregnancy
Are Utis Dangerous During Pregnancy
UTIs can rapidly progress to a kidney infection in pregnancy, which can be much more dangerous than a kidney infection in nonpregnant women, says Bartos. Severe infections can lead to respiratory problems and , which can then lead to preterm labor or even the need to urgently deliver the baby. Beyond a kidney infection, simply having a UTI during pregnancy appears to possibly be a contributing factor to low birth weight. Women who have a UTI in pregnancy also have a 1.31-fold higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, according to a meta-analysis published in September 2018 in the journal Medicine. Its thought that a UTI may alter a pregnant womans inflammatory response, which can spur preeclampsia.
RELATED: National Period Day Is October 19
Not All Urine Tests Are The Same
In the third trimester, well likely test your urine for the presence of protein or glucose, which can indicate high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Around this time, we also test urine for sexually transmittable diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can be transferred to your baby.
Neither of these tests will tell us whether you have a UTI. If youre experiencing UTI symptoms, please tell us so we can perform the appropriate test and begin treatment.
Also Check: How To Prepare Myself For Pregnancy
What To Do If You Get A Uti
If there are reasonable grounds to believe you might have a UTI during pregnancy your GP will test your urine and, if certain bacteria show up, will prescribe you a course of antibiotics these will be safe for you and your unborn child. Once you are taking the medication, symptoms should subside after three days or so. However, its important that you finish the course as prescribed.
In cases of the most acute infection, it may be necessary to receive a course of intravenous antibiotics and you may need to go into hospital for a short while.
How To Avoid A Uti During Pregnancy
UTIs during pregnancy are common, and with prompt treatment, arent usually a cause for concern for you or your baby. While many UTIs during pregnancy are caused by things out of your control, such as hormones and your growing uterus, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting a UTI during pregnancy. Try these tips:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Empty your bladder frequently and fully throughout the day
- Wipe front to back after urinating
- Wear cotton underwear that promotes airflow
- Wear loose, non-restricting undergarments and pants
- Keep undergarments clean and dry
- Wash your vaginal area with only water, no soaps or douches
- Urinate before and after intercourse
RELATED: What to do if you have recurring UTIs
The use of cranberry supplements and cranberry juice to prevent or treat UTIs is always a hotly debated topic among experts. Some studies have shown that cranberry products may help prevent UTIs, but cant treat them once they have started. Other studies havent found enough evidence linking cranberry juice or supplements to UTI prevention, and its possible that the amount of juice you would need to drink to reap this benefit would be unreasonable.
Also Check: How Soon Can You Know If Your Pregnant
Can I Prevent Utis
You can lower your risk of developing a UTI during pregnancy by:
- drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
- quickly treating any vaginal infection that may occur, including thrush or a sexually transmitted infection
Some women have also found the following tips helpful:
- urinate immediately after sex
- dont delay going to the toilet go as soon as you feel the need
- wipe from the front to the back after going to the toilet
- wear cotton underwear
Which Sleeping Position Can Cause Miscarriage
A 2019 review of medical studies suggests that sleeping on your back carries risks, but it doesnt seem to matter whether you sleep on your right or left side. These studies do have some flaws, though. Third trimester pregnancy loss is very uncommon. Therefore, there arent many cases from which to draw conclusions.
Recommended Reading: Does Big Lots Have Pregnancy Tests
Homeopathic Remedies For Uti
1. Aconitum apellus : this remedy is useful when there is a feeling of anxiousness both before and while urinating. It is also good for UTI-burning relief.
2. Belladonna: if there is a frequent feeling of urination along with cramps in the area of the bladder, accompanied by a very small amount of colored urine, this remedy is helpful.
3. Apis mellifica: this remedy can be taken if there is a frequent urge to urinate along with a burning sensation and soreness in the abdominal area.
4. Borax: this remedy is helpful to treat acute cystitis accompanied by pain in the bladder as well as urinary opening.
5. Chimaphila umbellata: if a person has to strain a lot in order to pass the urine, along with a scalding sensation, this remedy works well.
6. Staphysagria: this remedy is quite useful for women if cystitis occurs due to sexual activity. This condition may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the bladder even after urinating.
Apart from these, you can try some other homeopathic treatments, like Berberis Vulgaris, cantharis, clematis, lycopodium, equisetum, nux vomica, sepia, and sarsaparilla.
