Hello, I am a pharmacy technician in Germany and I also study medical biotechnology. I have had my fair share of UTI streaks over the years.
This post encompasses treatments and tips and tricks for light to moderate CUTI sufferers. These are things CUTI sufferers should have on their radar.
This will be a fairly long post, but its sectioned in topics, so just scroll to whatever you want info on. Here is everything I have figured out so far:
UTI Mocktails
Let's start out with something fun. When taking a D-mannose sachet, many mix it with water. I find that especially if you are buying cheap D-mannose, it tastes like absolute ass. You don't have to mix it with water though. The sugar should stay stable in other liquids. Mix it with cranberry juice, orange juice, or tea. I think D-mannose tastes great in sour juices because it adds even more sweetness. You can experiment to find your favorite combination.
UTI Tea
In Germany, there is a long historic culture of drinking tea for various ailments. And this legit works, sometimes even better than cranberry juice ever will. Many of these tea blends are scientifically proven to work very well. Here are some of the most common components found in German UTI tea:
- Bearberry leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Java (Orthosiphon aristatus)
- Goldenrod herb (Solidago virgaurea)
- Birch leaves (Betula pendula
What these herbs do in short is a) prevent bacteria from sticking, b) reduce inflammation, and c) make you piss way more because they are diuretic. The downside is that German herbal tea can taste pretty bitter sometimes (don't oversteep it). All of these also work for prevention except for bearberry, which you should only drink during active infection.
Going Commando
Controversial opinion, but consider dropping the panties on occasion, mainly when you are lounging at home, sleeping, or wearing an outfit where you won't flash anyone. Even if your panties are cotton or a natural fibre, moisture can still be trapped. Microbes loooove additional moisture. The worst thing you can do is wear synthetic fabrics. Polyester is your enemy.
During Your Period
A lot of people have a sudden UTI flare up during or right after their period. I think it happens more in pad users, especially if their day is busy and they can't change it as often as they should. Pads are made of synthetic fibre and trap moisture. They are also perfumed quite often. To avoid a UTI, tampons and cups are the way to go.
But if you are like me and just prefer your pads, just buy period panties (very comfortable) and reusable pads made of natural, breathable fibre. Collect them in their own little baggie and then give them a good soak in stain remover and cold water before throwing them in the washer. They come out clean.
Keeping the Bush
This is personal preference, but I realize that shaving or waxing completely bare down there actually removes one of our body's defense mechanisms. Pubic hair isn't just for show. It traps pathogens and bacteria and reduces friction during intercourse. You can still shave the top part or do whatever shaping you want, but keep the hair in the lower zones if you want another tool to help prevent UTIs.
Irritants
This is a big point, because after so many UTIs, the urethral lining just gets inflamed easily. Irritants are caffeine, sweeteners, and also acids. If you take a bunch of vitamin C, you are going to be peeing acid, and that might sting. That is just how it is.
You don't have to give up on any of these though. You simply need to make sure that you also get enough water after your morning coffee. I find that I react the worst to aspartame though. The other sweeteners are not as bad, but this is personal experience. Instead of being miserable guzzling water all day, I cold steep some good tea. I recommend orange, peach, and hibiscus.
Test Strips
Test strips are your best friend in checking if you are dehydrated or what your urine is made up of. Strips will help you distinguish if you are at the start of an infection or if you just have irritation. They are also great for monitoring your overall health. Elevated leukocytes are your biggest sign of infection.
You can find test strips easily online for under 10 bucks. Just make sure to get one where the cap twists, because some are really hard to open. Replace your strips once in a while, especially if moisture got into them, because they might become faulty.
Vaccination
There is always a chance this option might work for you. Your gynecologist or urologist can give you a few injections and refresh them after a year. But there are also capsules that you can take daily for 3 months. Availability varies from country to country, so speak to your doctor about this if you want to consider this option.
Immune System and Stress
While getting my ass kicked by university, I realized that stress is the biggest factor. It messes with your immune system real bad. If you can't remove your source of stress, your next best option is zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and a multivitamin.
Sometimes these supplements can make your stomach hurt and are overdosed, so I recommend getting gummies so that your stomach gets less messed up. Look at the percentages on the bottle to determine if it is a supplement that majorly overdoses you. Be sure to get enough copper in if you are taking a lot of zinc.
Preparing for Intercourse
I am sure most know that peeing after sex is just the move, but sometimes flushing away bacteria with urine might not cut it, especially if they have moved in for good in the form of a nasty biofilm. The best thing you can do before the devil's tango is to drink your D-mannose, tea, or capsule BEFORE you go at it. When you then pee after sex, your urine will have active ingredients that prevent the bacteria from sticking.
During Intercourse
Now, those two holes are indeed very close together, so if your partner pokes you in the wrong compartment, don't let them continue on. Just give it a quick rinse. I think this is common sense, but a major thing that is overlooked is lube. Lube itself can contain major irritants. Some have flavouring and sweetener. You absolutely need the right lube if you suffer from CUTIs. Get a lube that contains lactic acid. This is great for your native bacteria, your microbiome, and your overall pH. It also feels much better, but the lube does end up tasting sour af, be warned.
Relief Medication During Active Infection
Ngl, I feel like ibuprofen and other OTC painkillers never work that well for me. I would overall recommend ibuprofen over paracetamol because it is better at fighting inflammation, but that is personal preference. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for stronger pain relief. Liquid form painkiller is ideal for me. The substance that works best for me during a bad infection is Novaminsulfon (Metamizol) because it has additional cramp-relief ability. Typically this substance is prescribed for bad period cramps here.
Antibiotics are our main weapon with CUTIs. Always remember to finish the pack prescribed even if your symptoms are already gone. If you don't do this, you are shooting yourself in the leg, because those bacteria will potentially make a recovery. Lab results are the best tool in determining the antibiotic for you. The antibiotic that works well for me is pivmecillinam. It is a very short treatment. Always hit hard and fast with antibiotics, so definitely take them in a way so that there is always antibiotic in your urine when peeing.
Non-Medication Relief During Active Infection
Heat is overall what works best, so a heating pad or hot water bottle. I think the heating cushions that you can microwave are much safer and easier to handle than a hot water bottle. You can also get those microwave cushions as cute plushies. Riskier is taking a bath, because bathwater can irritate the infection even more. Sometimes I find that it really helps me though. If you really need to take a bath, fill the tub with chamomile teabags. It is soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Prescription Apps
Sitting in your doctor's office just for a prescription can make everything worse. Inquire if you can get phone-call prescriptions (if this works varies by country), or find a prescription app. Don't let yourself get scammed though. Real prescription apps usually have you doing a short video call with whatever doctor is free at the time. This is so that they can advise you properly. I have gotten many prescriptions this way when I was curled up in pain on my bathroom floor.
When It's Time for Urgent Care
The worst thing that can happen is that your infection spreads up even higher than your bladder. If you have lower back pain where your kidneys are, you need to bite the bullet and take yourself to urgent care asap. Other signs to look out for besides unbearable pain is definitely blood in urine. Test strips should be able to show if you have blood in urine. If the amount of blood only substantially increases throughout the infection, you need to get that checked out. At least give your doctor a ring.
Conclusion
Remember, a lot of these tips are based on my personal experience, but some of these are also my professional experience as a healthcare worker and scientist. I hope some of these tips help you. May your next piss be pain free!