The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
D-Mannose
Posted by Kiki (San Diego, CA) on 07/04/2009
★★★★★
I used to get frequent urinary tract infections and was tired of paying $100 to go to the urgent care clinic for another prescription for antibiotics. Then, I read about D-Mannose. It's not an antibiotic because it does not kill bacteria. It is a type of natural sugar that gets excreted through the urinary tract. The sugar prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract and flushes it away when you urinate. The instructions are on the bottle, but it comes in either tablet or powder form. You take it with a glass of water every few hours. You can use it as a treatment and also as regular prevention if you are the type to get it often. If you want more information, there is a ton on the internet. Many web stores sell it also. This simple treatment saved me a lot of money and a lot of suffering!
Mangosteen Juice
Posted by D (Oz, KS) on 06/28/2009
★★★★★
Mangosteen juice really seemed to help me, and other times drinking lots of water with lots of fresh lemon juice did the trick.
Antibiotics, Cranberry Juice
Posted by Sy (Scottsdale, AZ) on 06/28/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Question - 3 different occasions (2 at my Dr. office and once at home)I took a test with test strips to determined a UTI and they all came back positive. My Dr. has recently had my urine cultured but it came back negative.
HISTORY*** May 12,09 I got a UTI, not diagnosed by a Dr. but by knowing what it feels like. So, I started with an over the counter cranberry med. that has worked for me in the past. After a couple of days the UTI felt better but it was obvious I still had it. I then added pure cranberry juice to the remedy but that did not change a thing. I read on this website to try apple cider vinegar, so I started with the pill form ( I can not drink it) again it felt better but still did not cure the UTI. I then went to my Dr. 7 Jun 09. That is when I was tested for the first time at the Dr. office and the test came back positive. The Dr. put me on a 7 day antibiotics at the end of the 7 days I still had the UTI. Thinking it was all in my mind, 2 days later I took an over-the-counter UTI test and it came back positive. I then made an appt with my Dr. once again, the Dr. took another UTI test and it came back positive and started my on a 10 day antibiotic. In the mean time the Dr. had my urine cultured and to our surprise it came back NEGATIVE. I am still having pain and AT A LOSS!! CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME?
White Vinegar
Posted by Jo (Calgary, AB) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★
At about 2 am i woke up and had to pee.. so i went to the bathroom and releaved myself then got back into bed right away i felt like a still had to go really bad. i tryed to go again but i didn't have to. it felt like i had to go so bad that i could sleep. i have never had a UTI before so i didnt know what it was. i went online to see if i could find some answers. after reading some things from other people i relised what i had. one women posted to drink 2 tbsps of vinager in a glass of water 3 times a day. i though gross but anything to make this go away and let me get some sleep. i went to the kitchen through it together. it was gross but i got it down and went back to bed i actually got to sleep and about an hr later i woke up feeling like i had to pee again so i got up to try. well i did have to pee this time and when i was finish the feel i had to go was gone! i was so releaved and went to sleep right away. i got up in the morning and had another glass. i dont think its gone yet but im no longer unconfortable. i used white vinager
Apple Cider Vinegar, D-Mannose
Posted by Lynn (Laguna Woods, California) on 05/31/2009
★★★★★
I read on your site to try apple cider vinegar and also another cure called D-Mannose. Wanting to nip this in the bud I tried them both simultaneously. Worked wonders. You can get D-Mannose from any health food store as well as unfiltered apple cider vinegar. I put 3 Tbl. of the vinegar in 24 oz of water, added 1 tsp. of D-Mannose and so I wouldn't gag I used some liquid stevia to soften the vinegar blow. It actually tasted good and did the trick. I drank about 3 glasses of that throughout the day and that was all it took.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jasmine (San Francisco, California) on 05/30/2009
★★★★★
Coconut oil cured by urinary tract infection. I took only one tablespoon a day.
I used "___ Coconut Oil" from Whole Foods.
I had a urinary tract infection with moderate to severe symptoms for approximately one week, and then mild to moderate symptoms for two weeks thereafter. I wanted to avoid antibiotic medication at all costs, seeing as the effects of those antibiotics can be as problematic as the problem itself. (Don't get me wrong -- I understand that sometimes you HAVE to take these things. But in this case, I wanted to find a way around it).
I spent the first few days chugging cranberry juice and drinking water. This was pointless and did absolutely nothing. I even used unsweetened, pure cranberry juice which was terrible to drink. It probably works for some people, but not for me.
Then I tried some random supplement especially formulated for curing UTI's from Whole Foods with cranberry extract and d-mannose. This worked better, but still not enough.
Next, after reading the reviews on this website, I tried apple cider vinegar. This helped, and reduced my symptoms of the UTI by about 40%. However, if I forgot the ACV for a day or two, the UTI would come back.
The only thing that worked 100% was coconut oil. I took a single tablespoon each day. It helped tremendously and cured my UTI. I don't know if coconut oil will work for everybody, but for some reason, it worked incredibly well for me. Since I only took one tablespoon in the morning, I imagine it would work very well if they took two tablespoon, one in the morning and one at night.
So before you try using antibiotics (which can be ineffective, especially if the bacteria develop a resistance to the antibiotics) *TRY* coconut oil. Just go to Whole Foods and buy cold-pressed coconut oil.
Asparagus
Posted by CKirtz (Laguna Hills, Ca) on 05/27/2009
★★★★★
I get chronic bladder infections as well. I dont think many people know about this. I dont believe in natural remedies only preventatives but when I eat asparagus and have a bladder infection it helps so much. I greatly advise trying this remedy.
Avoid Alcohol, Drink Water
Posted by min54teresa (Fresno, CA) on 05/14/2009
I am currently trying to heal a bladder infection sans antibiotics. I have Hep C & try to avoid them as much as possible in an attempt to treat my system & liver as best I can. My bladder infections have always been a result of not drinking enough water daily, combined with alcohol (usually a celebration) & a 'frisky' husband. ... Enough with the celebrations already! Yes, I know alcohol is the worst for Hep C, but I allow myself to sin a couple times a year if for no other reason than to remind myself that I DO NOT need to. I've been on an over the counter paid med for a few days while drinking tons of distilled water. I only drink DISTILLED water for my Hep C & it helps. The OTC pain meds help, but the infection is still lingering. I just came upon this site & will be trying the alkaseltzer & ACV today. I'll write an update within 24 hours FYI.
Wish me luck kids!
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Kishore (London, Essex UK) on 05/04/2009
★★★★★
i have had recurrent uti as i am a diabetic. i read about the alka seltzer remedy on your site and tried it. Next morning my symptons had gone. can not believe it. Have been on antibiotics for weeks and having tried this simple remedy did the trick. Thank you
Watermelon Seed Tea
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 04/28/2009
★★★★★
Watermelon seed tea works for Bladder Infections. Just sprinkle about a half teaspoon in a mug and a cup of hot water. Take about 3 times a day, everyday until the pain is gone. Very effective. It has a bland taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cranberry
Posted by Kali (Kailua Kona, HI) on 03/24/2009
★★★★★
after using a notoriously harmful birth control for the first time in 4 years (my husband warned me, i didnt listen) i developed my first uti in 5 years! i was so upset and remorseful that i didnt listen to him. after 4 days of using this birth control i had a full blown uti. i was urinating blood clots and all. obviously i stopped using the birth control immediately. refusing to go back to the doctors (SINCE THEYRE THE ONES WHO CAUSED THIS!!!) i started drinking 3 cups of an acv water mixture and 3 cups of a cranberry water mixture a day. after 2 days i am happy to say my urine is clear and i am urinating without being in pain! yayyy! acv is the besttt!
D-Mannose
Posted by Kelly (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) on 03/20/2009
★★★★★
I got a UTI (urethra) for the first time and the doctor prescribed me a round of Macrobid (antibiotic). I felt extremely sick 12 hours after taking one and almost threw up and had bad diahrrea (gross I know). The doctor wanted to prescribe me a different antibiotic but instead I searched the internet for natural remedies and came up with d-mannose. I bought a brand from a natural health food store. It wasn't as potent as some of the more popular brands. It took about 7 days to clear it for good, but it's gone now and when I went back to the doctor a couple of days after taking it she said my infection was "milder and almost gone." She wouldn't attribute this to the d-mannose though. It was better within a couple of days. I started out with 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water, to make sure I wouldn't have a wierd reaction, about 3-4 times a day. In the first 3 days I recommend 1 teaspoon at least 5 times a day. If you want you can do it every couple of hours for the first day. You can wean yourself off of it, but make sure you take at least a teaspoon a day, when you feel it is gone to make sure. I am amazed! I was also taking apple cider vinegar on and off, but there is so much mixed information about whether you should create an acidic or alkaline environment for the bacteria. I took more baking soda in water too. About a teaspoon in a glass a day. As much as I could drink. The d-mannose helped the most though. I am now passing on it's curative ways to everyone I know. Now I hope ACV works for the cold/flu I have right now.
D-Mannose
Posted by Edith (Cambridge, UK) on 02/28/2009
★★★★★
My experience of D-Mannose chimes in with Ami in California. After months of trying many of the remedies recommended on your and other pages + antibiotics originally, I found that for me, D-mannose taken an hour before and then after sex and then a few hours later has liberated me from bladder-lining cramp and infection. I never used to suffer from this until being post-menopausal... so probably due to decreased protection from oestrogen. Please try it to see if it suits you.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Shannon (Litchfield, IL) on 02/27/2009
★★★★★
I was suffering from a terrible bladder infection and I just couldn't stand it anymore. I found this site and I first tried the ACV cure first (it had the most number of yeas). It worked okay, but to drink it made me so sick to my stomach. I had to try something else. I found my cure in the form of alka seltzer. I couldn't believe how well and how fast it worked! I would say in about 15 minutes I felt better than I had trying the ACV.
Dietary Changes
Posted by B (Fair Lawn, NJ) on 02/25/2009
★★★★★
I would like to let you know that urinary tract infections can be caused by candida yeast as well as bacteria. If you have the symptoms and are having trouble getting over it by taking the standard cranberry and D'Mannose remedies, consider yeast, particularly if urine analysis is clear. I found this out after the infection got much worse following a breakfast of homemade cookies and pancakes. Then I noticed on another popular site a person had the same symptoms, pain, light brown spotting in the front of underwear, constant feeling of having to urinate, etc. This was after the doctor laughed, told me my urinalysis was clear and I was just dehydrated and overreacting.
What helped me was to cut out sugar and wheat, and take raw garlic, oil of oregano, OSHA root and coconut oil. Not sure which one helped the most, but after two weeks, I just wanted to get better, and I did.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Margaret (Ucluelet, British Columbia Canada) on 02/05/2009
★★★★★
I looked up your site after a bladder infection came on quite suddenly late in the day. I havn't had many of them so my first response would be to immediately get in a doctors visit especially since there was blood in my urine.This couldn't happen until the following morning but having to work I needed something right away. I remembered reading about baking soda helping but then I read all of the successes from your site about acv.I had some on hand and I followed the advise from one of your postings to start off flushing the bladder and voiding by drinking large quantites of water- 8 oz. or more and after an hour or so I started with the acv. I used two tablespoons in about 8OZ. of water and did this almost on the half hour. After about four hours I was still experiencing painful urination and blood but the urgency was easing up some. It was getting close to bed time and I decided to try some baking soda - two teaspoons in 8oz. of water. Within half an hour the urgency was definitly subsiding. Before bed I took on more dose of acv and took two anti- inflamatories. I slept on the couch so my husband could sleep. Amazingly I only had to get up twice to urinate and the pain was definitly better with much less blood.I was able to sleep and in the morming - much to my grateful relief I had no pain and the blood was gone. I took another dose of baking soda and after about a half hour took another dose of acv. I called to cancell my doctors appt. I made it through my day at work even though I wasn't drinking as much water as I probably should have because I couldn,t take all the bathroom braeks- I didn't have the urge to go. Today I am home flushing my system some more and feeling very good. I will continue with the acv . I took the baking soda this morning and will take another dose this evening. I am so impressed with my recovery and the power of this remedy. I will be using acv for its tonic and curative effects daily in my life.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Whilly (Cache Creek, BC Canada) on 02/02/2009
to betsy from capetown. wonder if you will get this message. sounds like you have bladder prolapse and possibly uterus prolapse - meaning they are falling out. sometimes feels like bladder infection. as the bladder falls (eventually out) it pulls urethra. you have to pee all the time and unless you drink huge amounts of water all you get is a trickle = your bladder doesn't empty all the way. the more water, the less discomfort, but you should see a gynaecologist. and be sure he/she checks you while standing and pushing like you were carrying something. they can miss this problem if they only check you lying down and making a cough or two. then, one day, out of the blue you have a good chance your bladder will start coming out of you. seriously, this is true. i had problems for years. had surgery 2 months ago and feel great other than i now have a bladder infection. could have been the cateter or the meds or just happen. take care hope this gets to you.
Bladder Infection Causes
Posted by Sadie (Ky, USA) on 01/30/2009
You can prevent a lot of bladder infections by simply going to the bathroom after any sexual activity. Peeing right after sex pushes all the bacteria out that would go on in otherwise and cause an infections. Its also best to take a shower instead of baths but if you cant give up your baths it might help to pee right after them too.
Bladder Infection Causes
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 01/10/2009 489 posts
I hope everyone already knows to avoid all bubble baths because they are also known to cause bladder infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Harriet (Milton, GA, USA) on 01/10/2009
★★★★★
Baking soda and ACV cured my chronic Urinary Tract Infections. I was desperate to find relief one weekend, when I didn't want to go to "Urgent Care" which costs three times as much as a regular co-pay, so I consulted Earth Clinic. I took 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (the organic kind from Bob's Red Mill with no aluminum) mixed with a tablespoon of ACV four times the first day, then 3 times the second day, twice the third day and it was completely gone!! Thank you for this amazing site!
