A urinary tract infection, or UTI, can be quite uncomfortable. According to the Mayo Clinic, "a urinary tract infection is an infection that begins in your urinary system. Your urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any part of your urinary system can become infected, but most infections involved the lower urinary tract---the urethra and bladder." In addition, women have urinary tract infections more often than men. While patients can choose to use antibiotics to treat their urinary tract infections, natural remedies can treat and prevent them.
Liquids
Ingesting plenty of liquids can help treat a urinary tract infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients should drink water, which can dilute urine and rid bacteria from the urethra and bladder. In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that some doctors recommend that patients use cranberry juice to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. However, urinary tract infection patients should avoid coffee, alcohol and caffeinated citrus sodas. These three beverages can irritate the bladder, thus exacerbating symptoms.
Heating Pad
Using a heating pad can also help treat a urinary tract infection. The heat reduces the pressure on the bladder, which in turn reduces the discomfort from a urinary tract infection. However, using just a heating pad does not treat the bacteria in the urethra and bladder. If the bacteria is left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and result in serious consequences, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Precautions
Certain measures can be taken to help prevent urinary tract infections from occurring. According to the NIH, patients can reduce the spread of the bacteria two ways. First, wipe from front to back when using the bathroom; this prevents bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina or urethra. The second way is to cleanse the genital area before engaging in sexual intercourse; in addition, patients should urinate after intercourse as well. Also, patients should not resist their need to urinate, as this holds any bacteria in the bladder or urethra. Finally, women should not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches: these can cause a urinary tract infection, as well as exacerbate an existing infection.
