Mayo Clinic recommends treating a urinary tract infection at home by drinking plenty of water and avoiding coffee, alcohol and soda until the infection is cleared. Applying a warm pad to the abdomen can also help treat pain or discomfort. WebMD also suggests drinking pure, unsweetened cranberry juice though it cautions that no studies have been done demonstrating whether or not cranberries can cure an infection.
Everyday Health also suggests loading up on vitamin C to fight an active UTI. The increased acidity of urine helps the body fight the bacteria causing the UTI. Fight the bacteria by eating yogurt, which contains probiotics. Probiotics are also available in pill form. If urinating is especially painful, try drinking a solution of half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to soothe the burning sensation.
To treat a chronic UTI, WebMD suggests taking cranberry supplements and seeing a health care professional to get a prescription for antibiotics. To prevent a UTI, Mayo Clinic advises drinking fluids, especially water, which helps to dilute urine and flush bacteria from the bladder. After sexual intercourse, try urinating as soon as possible, ideally drinking a full glass of water to help. Wiping front to back prevents bacteria from spreading to the vagina from the anus.
