Natural remedies for UTIs: What works and how to find real relief

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know just how uncomfortable it can be, and the search for quick, natural relief is something many people turn to. From cranberry juice to apple cider vinegar, natural remedies are everywhere, each with claims of UTI relief or prevention. With health tips trending all over TikTok or Instagram, it’s no wonder many people are curious about which natural remedies work and how to use them safely.

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Why are natural remedies for UTIs so popular?

Natural remedies have gained popularity for a few reasons:

• Convenience and accessibility. Natural options are easy to access and often don’t require a doctor’s prescription, making them convenient for people who want fast, home-based solutions.
• Influence of social media and online trends. Social media is filled with tips on “natural” UTI treatments, some of which have gone viral. People are often drawn to trying remedies that seem simple and are recommended by peers, even if they may not be fully backed by science.
• Interest in reducing antibiotic use. Antibiotic overuse and its side effects concern many folks, prompting them to try other methods first. While it’s understandable to want to avoid medication when possible, it’s crucial to balance that with the need for effective treatment—especially for something like a UTI.

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But here’s the thing: Not all natural remedies work, and an untreated UTI can lead to serious health complications. In this article, we will walk you through which natural remedies might help, which are pure hype, and when it’s time to see a health care provider. And—spoiler alert—prescription antibiotics remain the only clinically proven cure for a UTI.

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Which popular natural remedies for UTIs actually work?

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Cranberry juice and supplements

Cranberry juice has long been a popular method for UTI prevention for ages. Cranberries contain substances that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Studies have shown that cranberry capsules lower the risk of UTIs by 50%.

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While cranberry products may help prevent UTIs, they are not a cure once an infection has started. If you try cranberry juice or supplements, look for unsweetened juice or standardized cranberry extract capsules for the best results.

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D-mannose

D-mannose is a type of sugar that, like cranberry, might help prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining. Some studies suggest that D-mannose may reduce the frequency of UTIs when taken orally, especially for those who experience recurrent infections. While not a cure, D-mannose can be a helpful preventive measure for some people, but there’s a need for more research to confirm its supposed benefits.

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Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts immunity, and research suggests it can prevent UTIs by acidifying urine. An animal study suggests that vitamin C’s antibacterial effects can relieve UTI symptoms, but we can’t confirm if this nutrient is helpful for an already existing UTI in humans. 

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But, if you still want to give it a go, be sure to only take vitamin C orally, as this is the only safe approach that poses no risk to the urinary tract. Please avoid any methods that involve inserting vitamin C directly into the vagina or near the urinary tract, as this could lead to irritation or worsen an infection—which is what we’re trying to avoid in the first place.

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Apple cider vinegar

Despite its popularity as a “miracle” solution for many health issues, apple cider vinegar isn’t a reliable remedy for UTIs. While it has antibacterial properties, no scientific evidence suggests that drinking it will cure your infection or stop bacteria from growing. 

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But if you still decide to try it, it’s especially important to remember that apple cider vinegar is not to be used topically—meaning that you should not apply it anywhere near your urinary tract—as it could irritate the delicate tissues and potentially cause further inflammation and pain.

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Garlic supplements

Garlic has natural antibacterial properties, so some people may automatically believe that it can fight off infections—and there’s research suggesting that it could be effective in some instances. One study found that garlic extract could improve the effects of antibiotics on certain drug-resistant UTI strains. However, even with this evidence, more research is necessary to confirm these effects. 

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Taking garlic supplements orally is generally considered safe and may support general immune health, but putting garlic in or near your vaginal or urinary tract area is a definite no-no. Garlic’s acidic properties can be very irritating to sensitive tissues and won’t help clear a UTI.

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Probiotics

Probiotics, like those found in yogurt, supplements, or those infamous Poppi drinks, , can help promote healthy bacteria in your body—which may, in turn, support urinary health. Some research has shown that probiotics, especially strains like Lactobacillus, might help maintain a balanced vaginal and urinary environment and reduce the frequency of UTIs. While probiotics aren’t a UTI treatment on their own, they can be a form of prevention for some people.

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All probiotics should be taken orally—either on their own or with food or drink. Never place any supplemental probiotics near your intimate areas, as doing so could cause some unwanted irritation. 

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“Flushing out” with water

Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for UTI prevention and urinary health. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract, which can support your body’s natural defenses against pesky bacteria.

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But not so quick—water should never be seen as the sole remedy for an active UTI. Staying hydrated, however, can help relieve some symptoms and might help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs.

Why prescription medication is the most effective UTI treatment

While natural remedies can support prevention or symptom relief, they’re not enough to clear a full-blown infection. Antibiotics are typically needed to treat UTIs caused by bacteria. It's important to consult a health care provider, like Hey Jane, for proper diagnosis and treatment of a UTI. 

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Antibiotics for UTIs

Antibiotics work by killing off the bacteria that cause UTIs. Your health care provider can help identify the best antibiotic based on your symptoms, which leads to faster, more effective treatment and prevents further complications.

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Mild UTIs may be treated with the following medications:

• Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim and Bactrim DS)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid, and Furadantin)
• Cephalexin
• Ceftriaxone

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If you started antibiotics and are not noticing an improvement, or are feeling worse a few days after starting, reach out to your provider. Not all antibiotics work for all bacteria and you may need a different one.

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Since UTI symptoms can worsen quickly, it’s best to get care sooner rather than later. Sign up for care with Hey Jane today if you need a convenient solution to your urinary tract symptoms. 

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OTC pain relief for UTIs

Although antibiotics are the most effective way to treat a UTI, it’s okay to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications as an additional treatment to manage symptoms and get relief.

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For example, if you’re experiencing bladder spasms, you can pick up pyridium (brand name Azo) at most drug stores or pharmacies for relief. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are other medications you can take to relieve stomach and back pain from UTIs. 

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For additional ideas, check out our blog on UTI pain relief for safe, practical options.

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When to seek medical treatment

If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms like painful urination, a frequent urge to pee, or abdominal pain, it’s essential to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment ASAP. An untreated UTI can spread to your kidneys and lead to serious complications that you probably want to avoid. If natural remedies haven’t provided relief within 24 to 48 hours, or if symptoms worsen, please make an appointment with your provider.

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If you know you have a UTI, you can skip the doctor’s office wait and get care from Hey Jane’s telehealth clinic from the convenience of your phone. You can consult with a licensed clinician via text, chat, phone, or video call and pick up your prescription at your local pharmacy. Click here to get started.