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Treat and Prevent UTIs Without Drugs

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Reviewed by Phyllis J Gee, MD, FACOG

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are infections anywhere along the urinary tract, including the bladder and kidneys, are the second most common type of infection in the United States. (1) Read on for five ways to prevent and treat a UTI without antibiotics.

UTI treatment without antibiotics
It is possible to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics. iStock/Tom Merton

UTIs can be caused by poor hygiene, impaired immune function, the overuse of antibiotics, the use of spermicides, and sexual intercourse. The most common cause, accounting for about 90 percent of all cases, is the transfer of Escherichia coli bacteria from the intestinal tract to the urinary tract.

For those of you who have experienced a UTI, there isn’t much you wouldn’t do to avoid another one. While I personally have never had a UTI, my patients have told me how symptoms like pain, burning, nausea, and even bloody urine can be debilitating, and for those who get chronic UTIs, the fear of infection can be enough to prevent engagement in any activities that could trigger one. For people who get them frequently, sometimes a specific cause cannot even be pinpointed. This can be frustrating and scary.

Fortunately, there are a few methods of natural UTI treatment and prevention that have worked extremely well for my patients, to the point where they no longer worry about getting a UTI.

These treatments don’t require a prescription, are inexpensive, and are completely drug-free. While your doctor may not know about them, I hope this article will help you completely avoid UTIs—or at least significantly reduce their frequency and severity. I recommend working with a Functional Medicine practitioner who is focused on treating the root cause of your UTIs.

UTIs can be debilitating, but it is possible to get relief without requiring a prescription. Check out this article for five ways to cure UTIs without antibiotics. #functionalmedicine #wellness #chriskresser

What Is the Standard Treatment for a UTI?

Doctors typically use antibiotics to treat UTIs, and the type and duration depend on your health condition and the type of bacterium found in your urine. (2) Commonly prescribed antibiotics are:

  • Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
  • Amoxicillin
  • Ampicillin
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

These antibiotics are often unnecessary and may cause more problems in the future by destroying the beneficial bacteria that prevent pathogenic bacteria from growing. Long-term use of antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance in strains of bacteria like E. coli in the gut, and a UTI caused by these bacteria will be even more challenging to eliminate and can cause more serious issues like a kidney or bladder infection.

Furthermore, antibiotics do very little to prevent the infection from happening in the first place. So, while drugs may be an easy fix for the short term, in the long run, you will continue to be susceptible to UTIs, and these infections may be worse than if you had never taken a course of antibiotics in the first place!

UTI treatment without antibiotics
Cranberries contain D-mannose, which is an effective natural remedy for UTIs. iStock/Terryfic3D

Curing and Preventing UTIs Naturally: D-Mannose

Treating UTIs with D-Mannose

D-mannose is by far the most effective supplement for both treatment and prevention of UTIs. Similar to glucose in structure, D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in a number of fruits, including apples, blueberries, and cranberries. (3) This sugar is the reason that cranberry juice has been commonly recommended as a UTI treatment, though it is far easier to get the recommended dosage from a supplement. D-mannose is effective because it attaches to E. coli bacteria, causing them to stick to each other and preventing them from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. (4) The bacteria can then easily be eliminated from the body during urination.

D-mannose, even in large quantities, does not cause any adverse effects, and cannot be metabolized the way other sugars can, meaning this supplement is safe for people with diabetes and others who are avoiding sugar for any reason. This treatment is also safe for children and the elderly.

Symptom relief can be seen as quickly as the following day, and most symptoms of UTI are generally resolved after 48 hours of treatment. Additionally, taking D-mannose during a time where you feel you are most prone to UTIs, such as before intercourse or during prolonged antibiotic treatment, can help prevent a UTI from ever developing in the first place. This is especially helpful for those who are prone to chronic UTIs and want to be able to engage in normal life activities without fear of infection.

The typical dose of D-mannose for UTI treatment is 500 mg, in capsule or powder form, taken with or in a glass of water or juice every two to three hours for five days. It is a good practice to continue taking the supplement even after symptoms have diminished to ensure complete elimination of the bacteria in the urinary tract. This dose can also be taken as a preventive, or prophylactic, method.

While there has not been any peer-reviewed research to support the effectiveness of D-mannose in treating or preventing UTIs, clinical and anecdotal experience suggests it is highly effective for the majority of infections, both acute and chronic. Some of my patients who have used D-mannose as a UTI treatment method have even described its effects as “miraculous”—so it’s definitely worth a shot!

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Four Alternative Treatments for Chronic UTIs

One caveat with D-mannose is that it is only effective with UTIs caused by E. coli infection. While this accounts for about 90 percent of cases, 10 percent will not benefit from this treatment. In this case, supplements that help disrupt biofilms can be useful in treating and preventing UTIs.

Biofilms are an accumulation of microorganisms and their extracellular products forming structured communities attached to a surface such as the lining of the urogenital tract. (5) The development of a biofilm can make infections extremely hard to treat, since they commonly return shortly after treatment is stopped.

The antibacterial resistance of pathogenic biofilms is one of the major reasons why those who get a UTI are highly susceptible to getting more in the future—if the biofilm is not completely eliminated, the infection will eventually return at some point.

1. InterFase Plus and Biofilm Defense

This is why the use of biofilm disruptors can be helpful for preventing the recurrence of chronic UTIs. The biofilm disruptors that I recommend to my patients are InterFase Plus from Klaire Labs or Biofilm Defense from Kirkman. These contain specialized enzymes to disrupt the biofilm matrix embedding potential of pathogens, and dissolve the sugar and fibrin components of most pathogenic biofilms. By destroying the biofilms, the recurrence of UTIs despite proper hygiene can be reduced. (6)

2. Lauricidin

Lauricidin is another supplement that may help in treating UTIs, particularly those that are caused by types of bacteria other than E. coli. Lauricidin (a proprietary form of monolaurin) has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activity, and is specific against pathogenic bacteria so it won’t disrupt beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is highly effective at combating gram-positive bacteria in the families of: (7)

  • Streptococcus
  • Staphylococcus
  • Corynebacterium
  • Listeria
  • Bacillus
  • Clostridium

It works by disturbing the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, blocking replication and making it easier for the immune system to destroy the pathogen. Lauricidin is only helpful, however, for UTIs not caused by E. coli, which is gram-negative and has a different kind of outer cell membrane than gram-positive bacteria.

3. Nattokinase

Nattokinase is another enzyme that has been shown to dissolve biofilms. (8) Produced by the bacteria found in the fermented food natto, this enzyme is proteolytic and can help break down the fibrin proteins that maintain the structure of biofilms.

Because of its fibrin-breaking ability, it’s important that nattokinase supplements are not taken by people with bleeding disorders, or by people who are taking Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin, or any other drug that influences blood clotting, unless supervised by a physician.

4. Apolactoferrin

Apolactoferrin (or lactoferrin) is one more supplement that I recommend to my patients with recurrent UTIs. This multifunctional protein lactoferrin is a component of the immune system with antimicrobial activity, and is part of the innate defense, found mainly in secretions and mucosal surfaces. (9)

Lactoferrin has been shown to block pathogenic biofilm development by binding to iron and causing the bacteria to “wander” across surfaces instead of forming cell clusters and biofilms. (10, 11) One study found that the amount of E. coli bacteria in the kidneys and bladder of mice was significantly reduced 24 hours after oral lactoferrin treatment, compared to a control group. (12) More research is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of lactoferrin in treating UTIs, but I believe it is worth trying, especially if dealing with chronic UTIs.

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1,826 Comments

Join the conversation

  1. This past 12 months Ive had about 6 or more utis . Usually I get 2 to 3 a year and this year has been horrid. Id go the dr at first sign drs give antibiotics but the first 3 utis this year I found out by the 4th visit i was resistant to the antibiotic so no wonder it never really went away, so I began google research for natural help. I went on D-mannose 1 x 500mg every few hrs, it work quick on symptoms, after 4 days i was on 3 x day. but then it was back. So I got onto colloidal silver, 30ppm 10mls x 5 day, plus the D-mannose, it seemed to help then 4 weeks later another uti, i now tried Uva Ursi 6 capsules daily. I used the silver with this. Finally it was gone and I got through 2 months uti free. Now after Xmas stress, rushing round forgetting to drink etc its back. I have urine test strips showing Leukocytes small (no nitrates). So right now after reading here I have switched from uva ursi to D-mannose, I am also using the silver at 10mls 4 x day. Any other help?
    Im 51 married 32yrs and yes sex is a big cause now menopause has hit….oh and any info on Maca Root ,I make oatey no fat cookies no sugar with maca root powder in it and it seems to help menopause symptoms, can it assist uti issues?

    • When I take D Mannose (and it has worked for me about 6 out of 7 times in the last three years) I take much more than 500 mg every few hours. I take 3 or 4 times that dose every hour until the symptoms disappear and then I take 500 mg every few hours for about 5 or more days. I sometimes still feel like I have symptoms on and off for a few days, but eventually they go away. I haven’t tried any of the other ideas on here. I’ve tried to find out more by asking to join Bekah’s FB page that gets mentioned on this page a few times, but I haven’t gotten a response. I don’t feel I know enough about all of those suggestions to feel confident in trying them, or maybe I haven’t become desperate enough yet.

    • Your case sounds an awfuly lot like mine. I went to a urologist & he diagnosed me with Interstitial Cystitis. I used to get at least 7 bladder infections a year & 2 kidney infections. I was diagnosed in 2007 & have had only 4 infections since. Just staying away from acidic & salty foods. I was also drinking a lot of cranberry but cranberries are acidic. Maybe look it up & try changing your diet.

  2. I get a UTI every time I have sex with a condom, and I take d mannose everyday. So since the UTI I get isn’t cause by e.coli, d mannose won’t cure it?

    • This also happens to me, but it could not be a UTI, but instead some kind of allergic reaction, to either the condom material or the lube used, so u could also check into that

    • Maybe try lubed condoms and not those with spermicide. It’s definitely possible to be allergic to the spermicide and not the condom or lube.

  3. What is the protocol if these approaches don’t work after 5 days and the infection progresses (to blood in urine)? Are antibiotics the only next step? I have had so many infections over the years that I worry that the natural approach is no longer fast enough (infection progresses to scary levels within hours). What is the time limit of waiting for natural remedies before resorting to antibiotics? Thank you!

    • Hi Mia,
      Blood in the urine is a big reason to visit a doc or a natural path in your area. One of the problems with these infections is that we address the infection without going to the source. Often times the source is diet and stress. As far as diet goes eliminate all sugar and carbs from your diet, just go day by day and do your best. Also add asparagus to your diet as it has a very cleansing component. I’m talking 2-3 servings a day when your symptoms are at their worst. Check your urine in a clear glass container to see what kind of progress you are making. It should be clear and the color of hay. As far as stress goes try meditation start with 2-3 minutes twice a day and work up. The best thing you can do is just start, don’t berate yourself for not doing 100%, just keep moving forward and pat yourself on the back for that.

      • Hi Julie,
        Thanks for the reply. I always see a naturopath, and when the herbs don’t work I end up at a normal doctor on antibiotics, which work but of course cause long-term consequences and recurrences. I was just curious if there was an in-between treatment so as not to have to resort to antibiotics.

        I have found some helpful things in the meantime to keep inflammation at bay that may be helpful to others:
        -no gluten or sugar (inflammatory and acidic foods in general too)
        -coconut oil applied topically (seems to be soothing and I’ve heard antibacterial?)
        -baking soda in water to alkalize the system and urine
        -d-mannose daily to keep the system flushed

        My naturopath just told me about a bacteria type called “ureaplasma” that doesn’t show up in normal urine cultures and only responds to specific (uncommon) treatment – testing requires a swab of the urethra. It lives in most people all the time but in some people can get out of control and cause chronic/recurring infections…something I’m looking into.

        • Hi Mia, Sounds like you are on the right path. I just had great success with a combo of low/no sugar, monolaurin which does address different kinds of UTI’s and acupuncture. What I noticed with the acupuncture is that the first time I went no UTI for a day or two and over 5 visits the UTI would get better for longer periods of time. Check online for someone near you and usually they have a first time patient special. It is about as painful as a mosquito bite and really relaxing.Hope this helps!
          Best,
          Julie

  4. what can i do about a 40 year old uti infection . in the past e.coli used to grow. currently no germ grows. i have incessant internal pain and very frequent bathroom visits.

    i get terrible kidney pains, my face swells and becomes red.
    what kind of suggestions do you have.
    i am certain that this is an e.coli biofilm infection.

    • Rose, I used to get a lot of “non-bacterial bladder inflammations” when I ate the standard American diet, back before I went carnivore. (I mean, even when I was Paleo–which resolved my high BP, high blood sugar, low thyroid, sleep apnea, TMJ, obesity, leaky gut, candida overgrowth and many other health issues, I STILL occasionally got them!! What I used in those cases was nothing at all to drink except very high alkaline spring water, which resolved them).
      It was very painful. My sympathy goes out to you. One time someone told me to drink cranberry juice, and it just sent me to hell with the pain! When I finally figured out it was a reaction to acidity, I went on an akaline diet ( raw veggies, almonds and lentils ) for several weeks. Resolved the problem. That was my first experience in using a nutritional healing protocol.
      I think for most people, going Paleo (but–contrary to what Dr. Chris recommends!–cutting out the sugars completely, even fruit, and high–sugar veggies) should resolve it, even if it didn’t for me. But I will also make this recommendation:
      If you live near an acupuncturist, or better yet, an acupuncture school (quality, affordable care) you can get information/treatment on the root of the problem. This is not something that convention medical practioners can really help you with.

      • Thanks very much for your informative reply.
        I am currently going for acupunture and to a homeopath as well.
        I have altered my diet and hopeful that one of these will kick in but so far no change.
        I realize fully that conventional medicine will not help me it hasn’t so far.
        I tried long term preventive antibiotic treatment as well as a massive treatment none was helpful.
        I realize that once e.coli has entered the urinary tract they settle there, make biofilms and can not be eradicated nor detected easily unless one has a very acute infection.
        I would love to hear more comments from people that have a similar experience and if anything helped them.

        • I found that Olive Leaf Extract is key for me kicking a UTI. This blog, the pantrypharmacy.com has freed me of UTIs and antibiotic use.

    • Have you been tested for Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma? It is a natural bacteria found in the genital flora of sexually active men and woman. In some these bacteria will be asymptomatic and not cause infections, while in others can lead to urethritis, uti’s, miscarriage, infertility etc. The list goes on. I strughled with problems for a few years before being diagnosed with Ureaplasma Urealyticum, I had a uti, luekocytes with no bacteria found, prostatitis and recently bladder pain and blood in my urine. I have been treated with 7 days doxycline which failed followed by 500mg Azithromycin on day 1 followes by 4 days of 250mgs. Im hoping this will be the beginning of my body healing, as I’ve been over prescribed antibiotics this last year. Wishing you all good health and Gods blessings.

  5. Hi Chris,

    I suffer from recurring UTIs that usually come after sex even though I always pee before and after and always wipe front to back and stay very clean. I was once told by a doctor that I’m at an increased risk because my boyfriend of 9 years has an uncircumcised penis. Do you believe this to be a large contributor? If so, what can we do to avoid these UTIs? He cleans very regularly, is there a special soap? I assume taking a daily dose of D Mannose, before sex etc would be good. Very curious to know any other thoughts and advice.
    Thanks!!!

    • I also get UTIs fairly frequently from sexual activity. My husband is circumcised…so while that could be a factor for you, it may not be as large of a factor as it appears.

      Sadly, I cannot give you many major tips as I am still struggling to get my own under control. One thing I have found is that if I do not have caffeine and drink a lot of water before and after, it tends to help me out. I’ve also heard it can help if you do not have sex right before bed, as you are unlikely to use the bathroom for a full 6-10 hours. It is best to do it earlier in the day, so your body has more time to flush out any resulting bacteria.

      Hope this helps!

  6. UTI symptoms improved dramatically when I started these formulas. My renal specialist has just recommended I do the same and some medicines.

    • Are you taking all of what she has listed or just some? I’m trying to figure out whether your supposed to try one at a time or a combo.

  7. While some studies suggest that cranberry may reduce repeated infections in younger women, it is certainly not a treatment for an active case. The gold standard for treatment is the Lady Soma Cranberry Concentrate. My doctor says just rest and ibuprofen – but I find my UTI goes away quicker with Lady Soma.

  8. Bakers and Brewers Yeast Cell Wall preparations are a source of Mannan-oligosaccharides and Beta-Glucans. These preparations are used widely in Animal Husbandry to prevent infections. These preparations may also remove the source of the infection causing Bacteria…….the Colon.
    eg:Safmannan is a product of the yeast cell wall that contains mannans and beta-glucans. These products attach to the bacteria in the intestinal tract. Beta-glucans have been shown to interact with the immune system.
    Another similar preparation is called EPICOR

    https://www.epicorimmune.com/what-is-epicor/faqs/what-is-a-prebiotic/

    • Hello
      Do you know whether brewers yeast is helpful with e. coli biofilms in the urinary tract?

      Would love to hear from you.

      many thanks.

      /

    • How do you get rid of proteus mirabilis UTI? That’s what I have. So far Macrobid and Bactrim have been ineffective and I certainly don’t want rheumatoid arthritis.

      • Two rounds of Monurol worked for my proteus infection. It’s an expensive prescription, but it worked.

  9. Chris, I have had miracle success,too, with Mannose, but I learned today that I have klebsiella, called a superbug, and I can’t take the antibiotics (n0 symotoms though – think this came from tje colonoscopy I had several years ago); but again no symptoms. Really need to know if Mannose will kill this bacteria.Thank you, Marilyn Crolley *was found as a result of urinalysis*

  10. D-Mannose has worked wonders for me but one other problem. I found out my trigger was caffeine. If I drink even half a coke, half a cup of tea, half of cup of coffee with caffeine I will get a UTI. I kept trying to cheat and just have a little caffeine but the UTI would come back. Other people may have other triggers but it has been years now since I have had a UTI since I gave up caffeine entirely and, yes, it was hard.

    • Well, thank you for sharing that!! I am typically extremely healthy, but yesterday I came down with my first ever UTI. Now I can attribute it to the extra coffee (3x more than usual) I’ve been drinking for the past few months. I think it has been gradually chipping away at my UT, which finally gave out. Yikes. Of course, I love the taste. Does green tea bother you. too?

      • Yes, but even though it isn’t quite as good as the real thing, there is decaffeinated green tree just like decaf regular tea. Once I made up my mind to give up caffeine, it was such a relief. I know also that caffeine is my trigger, it is not the trigger for other people, such as sex, orange juice. I do have another trigger and that is when I get an infection in another part of my body, such as a sinus infection or something. That is when I know to take D-Mannose.

    • There have been times when this has been the same for me. I haven’t really had coffee in years besides a sip or so. I am 29.

      I occasionally get the same thing with sugar. Even a little bit can sometimes trigger a cold sore or something else, where other times I can get by okay. I haven’t had a UTI in years, and I know what caused this one, but I’d rather not say.

      I have been trying to beat this UTI with plenty of water, AZO pills, and vitamin C for a week. I have started to feel that the infection is stuck on the bladder (like a biofilm), so I will try other options.

      I have found that exercise usually helps heal me of ailments, but when I feel like this, I would just rather not. Cheers.

      • I have been following Bekah’s protocol for quite a few days now, and I now think that these (I have them too) reactions to sugar are the effect of candida rearing its head. Biofilm is due to a candida overgrowth. Getting rid of that, I am hoping, will change the gut environment and not allow the wrong bacteria to take over, thereby eliminating further UTI’s. Btw, she says to avoid Vitamin C, but/and it would probably be a good idea to find out exactly what bacteria you’re dealing with.

    • Hi Marie

      I’m interested to know how long after giving up coffee and other caffeine products did you see an improvement. I’ve heard decaff doesn’t really make a difference as the coffee itself is an irritant. Does that fit with what you found? I love coffee but have cut down to one per day without much change.

      Many thanks

      • Even decaf has a little caffeine. If I drink decaf I chase it with a glass of water afterwards. Mostly I have gotten really used to just drinking water or milk. After you give up whatever is irritating your bladder, it seems like a small price to pay to not be sitting in a bathtub of hot water crying in pain. I love this website. Have learned how different we all are and that each person kind of has to experiment and find out what works for them.

  11. I have been suffered from UTI past 2 years. I have been to many doctors but everybody suggest antibiotics and it works for sometime and again UTI knocks my door. I am fed up with such check. What should I do so that this would not come even in my dream ever.

    Suggestion are highly welcomed

  12. I have had problems with my left leg for the last four years, the doctor said I had osteoarthritis in my back my knee and ankles, I was booked for a knee operation until someone recommended I go to a podiatrist. I have orthotics especially made for my problem which he says is a lateral pelvic tilt. Things are improving but I have just succumbed to a uti, could this be because my pelvis is adjusting? I have read that a lateral pelvic tilt can cause problems with bladder and bowels. I have been taking soda bicarbonate,ole,garlic and drinking lots of water, I haven’t been able to eat as it has given me a migraine. Thanks

  13. My wife when she was pregnant was so terrified with UTI’s that we always have water within arms reach and truth be told so do I, I have heard stories from family about birth complications due to UTI’s. Scary!

  14. Unfortunately Dr. Kresser is wrong to recommend the named biofilm disruption supplements above for UTI, as they are designed for the gut and do not reach the urinary tract in usable form. I specifically asked Klaire Labs to confirm if their product could be used for UTI and the response was that it was not suitable.

    • I have used D-Mannose for 5 years when I have had uti. Works every time. No serious problem in some time. However, I have just discovered that I have lichen Sclerosis. Tried D-Mannose and it helps manage the symptoms.

      • I also have licen sclerosis. I have many UTI,s. When the urine is tested, it comes back with a report of nothing found.no bacteria.

  15. Definitely eat more foods with Vitamin C because large amounts of vitamin C make urine more acidic which stops the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract. I do eat of oranges but if I feel a UTI coming on, I take the Lady Soma Cranberry Concentrate with Vitamin C (I take double the dosage the first time) and the UTI never comes on.

  16. Hi! I’ve been experiencing ironic UTIs recently — which usually occur consistently after intercourse. As you can imagine, this has been a strain on my relationship and i’m at my wit’s end. I take the Cranberry + Vit. C supplements and try to drink about 92 ounces of water daily — yet I am still falling victim to this horrible infection.

    I have recently started drinking 2 table spoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (w/water) along with my cranberry and vit. c tablets.

    From the discussions on this board, it seems like D-Mannose is a miracle supplement.

    My question is as follows:

    Should I continue regularly taking: Cranberry, Vit. C, Apple Cider Vinegar PLUS the D-Mannose — which I have NO PROBLEM doing (I’d do anything).

    Or, is there a magic combo of these that is sufficient?

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    • I also battle post-interiors UTI’s, now that I’be developed some autoimmune issues I try to avoid any medications especially antibiotics. This last UTI started to develop 2 days after sex, I started the Dmannose on the 3rd day (should start sooner but I couldn’t find it in the stores)….. today is the 6th day after sex (3rd day of DM)…. and symptoms are gone!!! Im blown away. So the point of my story is- you may not need anything besides the D mannose 🙂

    • I only use D -mannose and I feel better almost straight away. after 2 doses its like I never had a infection. works even faster than normal antibiotics. cranberry tablets helped ease the burning but never eliminated it completely. I thank the Lord God for natural medicine.

        • The pills work better than the powder for me because I think it gets further into my system. The best brand in my opinion is the Swanson, 750 mg and they are much more affordable. Check out their website. For the amount you take it’s worth the wait to save some $$!

  17. Hi Guys,
    I don’t normally post any comments but I felt the need to share some helpful tips with you!

    I caught a bad UTI, took Macrobid for 5 days and 5 days later.. it returned!

    I had very sharp pain, pain in my kidney/ab area too! It was so unbearable I literally cried my eyes out (Im 27 years old). I knew that taking antibiotics a week later probably wasn’t a good idea for my system so I opted a natural way.

    I went to the walk in doctor anyway- and he told me he couldn’t give me antibiotics because first he wanted to make sure I didn’t have a kidney problem. I-ofocurse couldn’t wait without trying something to solve this! I knew in my heart it was just a reoccurring UTI and I had to just nip it in the butt again.

    I heard A LOT (especially on this forum) about D-Mannose. I got a bottle of the powder for about $40 and immediately drank 1 heaping teaspoon with some water. This is how I managed my UTI:

    *1 teaspoon of D-Mannose Powder—wait 45 minutes, drink a full glass of water and PEE.
    *Repeat the above step every 2-3 hours
    *Take Probiotics/Eat Kefir
    *Buy frozen cranberries-boil them and strain out the juice- DRINK IT.
    *As for the pain when peeing, this is what I do and its odd but works!
    -Fill a regular plastic bottle with hot water and apply that on your lower belly, while using a bunch of toilet paper to massage the vagina (where your pee comes out) in circular motion. This distracts you from the pain and you basically cannot feel it with the pressure of the toilet paper. The hot water bottle soothes your belly and creates a second distraction. Again, I know it sounds weird but it works for me and really felt the need to share it (lol).

    *Wipe front to back, ALWAYS.
    *Shower after sex, take D Mannose after sex too

    *My symptoms went away about 2 days later but are still lingering around on the 4th day- just a bit. I will lower my dose as I get better and continue taking 1 teaspoon daily as a preventative.

    *On the second night, I actually got a lot of diareha (but didn’t mind that as opposed to UTI Pain) and got nausea- this I believe is normal- just make sure you eat food and don’t take d-mannose every hour.

    *AVOID SUGAR!! We should not be intaking more than 30 grams of sugar daily. when you have a UTI, try to keep that VERY LOW. as soon as I have sugar, I feel pain.

    *Pee every time you have to, Try not to drink too much water before you sleep because when you are in your sleep, you keep that water in your bladder for a long time.

    I hope you all get through it, we will get through this together!!
    The pain is temporary and it will get better! 🙂

      • Thank you, it works! Just to clarify take the d mannose with water only. Don’t take it with cranberry because it weakens the powder. Stay away from caffeine too!!!

          • It’s a bladder irritant. Spicy food and alcohol are too.
            I didn’t know it could also work when you’re experiencing pain in your kidneys. It’s so scary when (you feel like) doctors leave you hanging. Glad it worked. That’s hopeful.

    • I’ve got recurring UTIs, and the doctors never give me options, other than antibiotics. They just want to make money. Thank you for the alternative remedy, I’ll try it.

      One more thing, if you literally cried your eyes out, I guess you must be blind now. I’m sorry.

      And it’s ‘nip it in the bud’, not ‘butt’.

    • Just to add to this the main thing that has helped me is ALWAYS no matter what. Wash BEFORE sex. Both of you. And I mean wash your booty too (at least twice). And Natures Way or Cystex Cranberry liquid after sex for two days (twice a day) is a total life changer.

  18. I have used Dmannos in the past (once) because my mother recommended it (because I hate drinking cranberry juice) and I had a bad reaction. I had a very fast heart beat, feeling hot and cold and shivery and diarrhea which I thought was so weird because I think the package info says we don’t even metabolize it?? I have not tried using it again. I ended up returning it. Please note, my symptoms were greatly reduced with that one dose, so it’s amazing in that regard, I just wish I could take it! I’m curious to know if there are others like me?

    • Yep I have a bad reaction to the d- mannose too. For me, if my blood sugar gets too high I get ovarian cyst pain. I eat carefully and rarely eat sugar and so no problem with cyst flare ups BUT I get raging ovarian cyst pain when I have taken d mannose. I think it must be that your body recognises it as sugar and puts out more insulin to deal with it which in your case drops your blood sugar as these are some of the symptoms.

    • What you’re describing are actually side effects of the UTI. Mine came on so suddenly with shivering but sweating with low temp, rear flank pain one sided and a heartbeat of 140 bpm. I’d had the same exact attack in the past and I knew what it was. Mine was so bad I went to the ER. They said my urine actually looked ok but the infection may be higher up. I had a hysterectomy and my UTIs have changed since… came home with prescription of cupronickel but added Dmannose and biofilm to help work it out. Blessings to all who suffer. Love and light.

    • Lisette, what you describe are the symptoms of a UTI. I doubt that they were caused by the D-Mannose. My heart-rate, normally at 60, went up to 125. I was freezing cold and I got diarrhea. This was three hours before buying the D-Mannose!
      Still waiting for it to work – I stupidly followed the dosage on the bottle, but now I’m going to follow CK’s advice and see if that doesn’t speed things up a bit – Smaller doses throughout the day rather than two big ones daily.

      • Ive had uti’s and have never had those symptoms so its really hard for me to think it was the uti. Especially because i had already had the UTI for a while when i had taken the Damannos. Within minutes (maybe within 10-15) i had the runs along wih heart racing and shivers and odd sensations in my body. I got like that with vitamin c powder (sodium ascorbate) and black elderberry liquid. The reaction to the sodium ascorbate was by far the worst though. It took me an entire 24 hours to begin to feel normal again…it was like i drank 100 cups of coffee. The black elderberry has a similar effect. Would love to know if anyone else out there is like me. I ended up taking a low dose of amoxicillin with no reaction and i didnt have a uti for a couple of years. Im all for natural remedies if i can take them lol. I will always try something natural before going allopathic. But in the end, i will use whatever works best for my body and helps me the most.

        • I have a similar reaction to dmannose if I take too much. Like you, I also react to many meds and supplements, but if I reduce the dose, I’m ok. So I reduced the Dmannose to half a teaspoon ( from 1) which was still too much. Now I find I can take one- quarter teaspoon every 3 to 4 hours. So try a smaller dose, especially if you got some relief from it. Good luck!

        • With my last UTI I had to go to Dr I didn’t know about d mannose anyway the Dr told me my heart was racing and I had an electricardigram bc Dr was concerned and my blood pressure was sky high Dr told me it was from the UTI causing all of this I was prescribed no pills and antibiotics the next day it was all under control so in my case the UTI did cause my heart to race now I am taking d mannose I ordered from Amazon bc I am getting all the UTI symptoms again it just came on today but feel like it’s getting bettdr

          • I highly suggest acupuncture. It seriously changed my life. Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.