Table of Contents
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Complications
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Medications
- Lifestyle Changes
- Resources
- References
- In women using contraceptives, consider alternatives, particularly if exposed to spermicides from condoms or diaphragms. Discuss the best contraceptive choice with a doctor.
- Avoid sex with multiple partners. This can cause many health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases.
Cranberries, Blueberries, and Lignonberries
Cranberries, blueberries, and lignonberry, a European relative of the cranberry, are three fruits that may have protective properties against urinary tract infections. These fruits contain compounds called tannins (or proanthocyanadins). Tannins may prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to cells in the urinary tract, thereby inhibiting infection. Cranberry juice is the best-studied home remedy for UTIs. Some studies have indicated that cranberry juice may help decrease the number of symptomatic UTIs, especially for women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is not clear what the optimum dosage is for cranberries, or whether it is best to use juice or tablet form. Some research recommends drinking at least 1- 2 cups of cranberry juice daily, or taking at least 300 - 400 mg in tablet form twice daily.
Probiotics and Lactobacilli
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that may protect against infections in the genital and urinary tracts. The best-known probiotics are the lactobacilli strains, such as acidophilus, which is found in yogurt and other fermented milk products (kefir), as well as in dietary supplement capsules. The probiotics bifidobacteria and GG lactobacilli may also be helpful. Other probiotics include the lactobacilli rhamnosus, casel, plantarium, bulgaricus, and salivarius, and also Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus thermophilus. Not all studies show a benefit for probiotics in preventing urinary tract infections. More research is needed.
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Review Date: 06/17/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
