One of the most common types of infections in the body, a urinary tract infection can affect one out of every five women. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, causes painful urination and increased urinary frequency. Additionally, some people complain of pelvic pain and overall malaise. You may try some home remedies to help with symptoms of a UTI, such as taking cranberry supplements, although these types of treatments do not necessarily cure the condition.
Urinary Tract Infection
A UTI occurs as an infection of the urethra, which is the tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body. This type of infection is often caused by bacteria from the digestive tract, although in some situations it may be sexually transmitted. Normally, passing urine flushes excess bacteria away, but in some cases bacteria multiplies too quickly and infection develops. Some people have recurring UTIs in which they have persistent infections that continue to need treatment. Untreated, a UTI could lead to a bladder or kidney infection. Some people may try to treat symptoms of a UTI by using home remedies such as cranberry.
Cranberry
Cranberry is a plant typically grown in North America that is often used for symptoms of urinary or kidney problems. The cranberry is an evergreen plant in the same family as blueberries or huckleberries. It contains many antioxidants and is high in vitamin C. Cranberry juice may work to prevent UTIs from occurring by preventing bacteria from accumulating in the urethra. While it is available in juice form, cranberry supplements may also be taken as capsules.
Prevention
While cranberry juice is often associated with UTI treatment, it may not necessarily work as a cure for the condition. According to MedlinePlus, drinking cranberry juice may prevent chronic UTIs, especially among women who are pregnant, hospitalized patients or older adults. Tablets that contain cranberry may also work to prevent UTIs. However, research emphasizes that cranberry possibly prevents UTIs from occurring, not that it treats existing infections.
Considerations
Although some people use cranberry as a home remedy to reduce symptoms of a UTI, talk with your doctor about what to take if you develop this condition. You may need to use antibiotics to control the infection and cranberry supplements may or may not help your symptoms to improve. Urinary tract infections are typically treated with antibiotics and you may need a prescription to get rid of the infection rather than relying on cranberry supplements as a cure.
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