Imagine suffering from chronic UTI symptoms for months. Despite taking antibiotics several times, your symptoms keep returning. Frustrated and tired of taking drugs that seem to do more harm than good, you’re now seeking other options to help manage your symptoms.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue among women, and they can be both painful and uncomfortable. Although they’re usually treated with antibiotics, alternative treatments can be just as successful at managing symptoms.
Here’s a quick snapshot of those alternatives:
Chronic UTIs: What to Do About Them?
Chronic symptoms can be a significant problem for many women. Signs and symptoms include urination, pain or burning during urination, and pelvic pain. The traditional treatment for UTIs is antibiotics; however, overuse of antibiotics may lead to resistance and recurring infections despite repeated antibiotic treatment.
What are the symptoms of IC?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition that can mimic the symptoms of urinary tract infections. Although the exact cause remains unknown, IC may be caused by defects in the bladder lining or an autoimmune response. Common symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, pressure or pain when using the bathroom and pain during sexual intercourse. Furthermore, antibiotics do not work for IC; hence, the need to explore alternative treatments. Either way, speak to your doctor if you think your symptoms could be due to something other than UTIs.
Treatment Options
There are several non-antibiotic treatments. Here are some of the most successful options:
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help restore the balance of bacteria in your urinary tract. Studies have demonstrated certain strains effectively prevent UTIs and decrease recurring infections. You can get probiotics in supplement form or through foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi.
- D-Mannose: D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that may be beneficial in treating and preventing UTIs. It does this by binding to bacteria within the urinary tract and flushing them out of your body. Available as a supplement form, D-Mannose is safe to take long-term.
- Herbal Supplements: Some natural ingredients like cranberry, uva ursi, and garlic possess antimicrobial properties that may help prevent and treat UTIs and interstitial cystitis. These items can be taken in supplement form.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating chronic urinary tract infection symptoms.
Benefits of Adopting Alternative Therapies
There are numerous advantages to taking alternative treatments for chronic UTI symptoms, including the following:
- Reduces Antibiotic Use: Alternative treatments can help limit antibiotic overuse, which could lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Reduces Risk of Side Effects: Antibiotics may cause various adverse reactions like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Alternative treatments cause little to no adverse reactions.
- Reduces Risk of Repeating Infections: Alternative treatments help prevent recurring infections and eliminate the need for repeated antibiotic treatments.
- Enhances Quality of Life: Managing the symptoms enhances your overall well-being as it helps alleviate some of these effects.
Chronic UTI symptoms can be frustrating and painful for many women – even men suffer from them. While antibiotics are the traditional treatment, alternative treatments have all been known to manage symptoms while reducing the risk of recurring infections effectively. Consider including these alternative remedies in your treatment plan if you’re dealing with persistent UTI symptoms.
