Mumsnet users share their tips for treating UTIs with Ocean Spray

[EllieMumsnet]

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If you have experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI) then you’ll know how uncomfortable and painful they can be. There can be quite a few different causes of UTIs, as well as ways to treat and/or prevent them, which is why Ocean Spray would love you to share your methods for treating or preventing them.

Here’s what Ocean Spray have to say: “One in every two women will suffer from a UTI at some point in their lifetime. Many GPs and other health professionals advise women (as well as men) to drink cranberry juice for UTI resistance. Independent research has found drinking a glass of cranberry juice every day could help reduce the likelihood of a UTI by 40 percent, potentially cutting down on antibiotics use in the process. Which is good news particularly when experts claim antibiotic resistance is on track to kill more people than cancer.

Ocean Spray’s research into the health benefits of cranberries and cranberry juice is ongoing. And it’s always good to hear from people about their own experiences of drinking cranberry juice for health – and of course taste – reasons.”

Do you use a hot water bottle to comfort the stomach or back pain you may get? Perhaps you try to always wear breathable clothing around your lady parts to try prevent a UTI from occuring? Maybe you swear by the home remedy of drinking lots of cranberry juice? Or have you found the perfect no-perfume body wash that helps keep everything balanced?

Whatever your tips and methods are, share them on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

Drinking loads of water and having baths with tea tree oil

My daughter suffers from uti's and we use a hot water bottle on her tummy for her pain and she drinks cranberry and raspberry juice as she really enjoys the taste

I drink Kombucha which is a delicious fizzy fermented raw tea. I buy it from Go! Kombucha as they have some lovely blends. It keeps your gut healthy so prevents any digestive problems or UTIs. A healthy diet also helps a lot, avoid alcohol, fizzy, sugary drinks & caffeine

Don't look on the internet for quack remedies, go to your GP

Drinks lots of water. I have also tried cranberry juice, but I'm not sure whether this worked or not.

The only thing I do is drink lots of water...

Always drink lots of water.

Drink plenty of water

I get this quite regularly and it is HORRIBLE. My partner doesn't understand how bad it is.

The only answer is to drink lots and lots of water and keep flushing it out (sounds horrible sorry). Then if the pain gets worse go to the doctor for antibiotics!

I was always told to drink lots of water and non sugary cranberry juice!

I used to get them a lot and I found that a couple of painkillers, a nice warm bath, loads of water and for some reason drinking a glass of very very warm water got rid of the burning, I don't understand why but it really worked (old wives tale)

Drink plenty of water, losse fitted underwear and wash your parts every day

Prevention is better than cure.

Wear loose fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics. Keep your bottom clean (this is where most of the bacteria that cause UTIs comes from). Pee before and after sex.

I find most UTIs clear up on their own within a week, if not I go to my gp.

Sorry, but as far as I can tell cranberry juice only works as a placebo.

Keeping your genitals clean but without using scented soaps and shower gels. Drinking enough water and fully emptying your bladder when you go to the toilet.

I swear by cranberry juice and general hydration

lots of water

cranberry juice and lots of it!!

Drink plenty of water, use the loo straight after sex and, if you have cystitis, try one of the soothing remedies you can add to water to make peeing a little less, er, burny.

I think drinking lots of water does the trick :)

I used to get this a lot when I was a flight attendant, I think dehydration was a lot to do with mine. I would treat it by drinking cranberry juice and lots of water and I mean lots of water! You will have to pop to the loo lots, which the fear of having to wee is awful when you have a UTI because you know it’s going to be painful, but it helps flush your system. No caffeine or alcohol, hot water bottle if you have back pain too. I’ve only had to get antibiotics once when it was severe and didn’t go after 3 days. You know your own body so you know if you need to visit your gp or can treat it yourself.

Pure cranberry juice without lots of added sugars can help, drinking water, probiotics and vitamin C all seem to help.

Drink lots of water all the time. Waterfall D-Mannose is brilliant stuff. Go to the loo before and after sex. Make sure you empty your bladder properly, lean back when you wee, rather than crunching forwards. Get antibiotics quickly if you have a UTI. Dont eat spicy food or have sex, alcohol or caffeine if you suspect you have one coming on.

Also big cotton pants, no thongs ever and I find cooler baths better than hot.

I was always told to drink barley water frequently and wear cotton underwear, seemed to go, ok if its just mild but generally medication is needed in my case.

Wear cotton underwear , take warm baths and try barley drinks which are a little alkaline to treat the acid. Stay hydrated but dont drink too much water as the bladder will be full and you will need to pee more often.
As we age the protective mucus levels around the urethra decline and so we are more susceptible to infection. Your doctor may be able to advise on this.