8 Teas and Herbs for UTI ( Urinary Tract Infection)

Recent studies suggest that recurrent urinary tract infection can cause pelvic inflammatory bowel disease which limits women’s chances of getting pregnant, and cause infertility in men [1, 2]. This post explores how urinary tract infections can harm your fertility, there are some teas and herbs for UTI treatment revealed in this post. According to experts, urinary tract infections alone do not cause infertility among women but their reoccurrence limits their chances of getting pregnant.

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How UTI can cause infertility in females

In most cases, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect the uterus, bladder, and kidneys in women. If a woman experiences frequent UTIs, it can be difficult to conceive due to the associated pelvic inflammation [2].

How UTI can cause infertility in males

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in males can damage fertility, usually because white blood cells show up to fight the infection. Although white blood cells are essential for fighting infection, however, they can also damage sperm cells. This damage can make it difficult for sperm to swim and fertilize an egg [3, 6].

• White blood cell release chemicals that can damage sperm cells.
• It can also clump together and form a barrier that prevents sperm from swimming.
• UTIs can also cause inflammation in the genital tract, which can further damage sperm cells.

READ ALSO: Clove and Moringa for Infection and Fertility [Evidence-based Benefits]

Infections that Can Cause Infertility

Medical experts warn that any untreated infection or sickness can cause infertility in both men and women. Here are the most common infections known to cause infertility.
Here is a list of infections that can cause infertility:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Mycoplasma
• Bacterial vaginosis yeast infection
• Human papillomavirus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pelvic tuberculosis
• Urinary tract infection

Chlamydia —can cause fertility by damaging and blocking the reproductive parts, and by hampering sperm production [4, 5, 6].

Gonorrhea— can cause epididymitis and prostate gland infection, which lowers sperm production and quality.

Mycoplasma— can lower the motility of sperm cells by latching onto them.

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection — This is common in women and can cause the internal genitalia flora to become unbalanced, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection— Can cause cervical cancer which affects the epithelial cells on the oral or genital mucous membranes and even other parts of the skin.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—is caused by Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other untreated STIs. This can scar the reproductive organs, leading to tubal-factor infertility [6].

Pelvic tuberculosis— a condition that can harm the uterus and fallopian tubes, and cause infertility.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)— can affect organs such as the uterus, bladder, and kidney. untreated recurrent UTIs can cause pelvic inflammation which scars the fallopian tubes or affect ovulation.

6 Potential Herbs for UTI

1. Ginger
2. Garlic
3. Goldenseal
4. D-mannose
5. Uva Ursi
6. Cranberry

Ginger

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help to alleviate inflammation in the urinary tract.

Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial and can kill various kinds of strains of pathogenic bacteria linked with UTIs. Studies find that allicin in garlic exhibits strong antibacterial effects against a variety UTI causing pathogens [12, 13].

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound known as berberine that can inhibit the activities of bacteria that cause UTIs.

D-mannose

D-mannose is a sugar that can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by binding to E. coli, the bacteria that causes most UTIs, and preventing it from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract [7, 8]. Intake should follow a dose of 1.5–2 grams up to 3 times daily.

Uva Ursi

Uva ursi is an herbal extract with compounds that have antibacterial and astringent properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and fight infection. However, a study suggests that Uva ursi combined with dandelion root can be more effective in treating UTI [9, 10]. Also, it should take longer than 2 weeks, since it may have a potential risk of liver and kidney damage [11].

Cranberry

Cranberries has antibacterial property and may help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. A study suggests that the antibacterial property of Cranberry is linked to its D-mannose, hippuric acid, and anthocyanins content [14, 15, 16].

8 Best Teas for Urinary Track Infection

1. Green tea
2. Corn silk tea
3. Yaupon Tea
4. Clove tea
5. Cranberry Tea.
6. Chamomile Tea.
7. Peppermint Tea.
8. Parsley tea

Green tea

Is drinking green tea good for UTIs? Yes, green tea is one of the best options for bladder infections, as its antibacterial activities can stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. The presence of Epigallocatechin in green tea makes it effective against strains like E. coli [17].

Corn silk tea

Corn silk tea is a diuretic, which means it helps to increase urine production. This can help to flush out bacteria and prevent them from infecting the urinary tract. Corn silk tea also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to soothe the urinary tract and reduce inflammation.

Yaupon Tea.

Yaupon tea is a good source of antioxidants and may help to reduce the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as it has compounds that may fight off the bacteria that cause UTIs and reduce inflammation.

Clove tea

Clove tea is incredibly effective in reducing the symptoms of a UTI because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Parsley tea

Parsley is another powerful herbal extract that can be combined with garlic, and cranberry to make a tea that may prevent UTI [18, 19]

Vitamins For Urinary Tract Infections

Vitamin C and D may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can fight off bacteria, while vitamin D is important for the immune system. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Probiotics for UTI Prevention

Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the good bacteria that naturally live in your gut. They may help to prevent UTIs by keeping the balance of bacteria in your gut healthy.

Lactobacillus acidophilus:

This is one of the most common types of probiotics. It is found naturally in the gut and female genitalia.

Lactobacillus reuteri:

This type of probiotic is also found naturally in the gut and female genitalia. It is effective in preventing UTIs in some studies.

Bifidobacterium bifidum:

This type of probiotic is found naturally in the gut. It has not been studied as extensively as other types of probiotics for UTI prevention, but some studies have shown

How do you treat a stubborn UTI?

Medically Doctors normally treat chronic UTIs with antibiotics. They may suggest either: taking a low-dose, long-term course of antibiotics. taking antibiotics prescribed in advance as a preventive measure after having intercourse or on the first onset of symptoms.

However, sometimes modern medication may not be effective in dealing with certain infections, which is why some may decide to try natural remedies, in that case here 5 natural ways to treat urinary tract infections.

6 Natural Remedies for UTI

What gives instant relief for bladder infections? Although, this method may not work for everyone, however here are some natural remedies for fast UTI Relief

1. Drink plenty of fluids.

This will help flush out the bacteria that are causing the infection. Water, cranberry juice, and other unsweetened fluids are all good choices.

2. Take probiotics.

Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the good bacteria that naturally live in your gut. They can help to keep the bad bacteria in your urinary tract in check.

3. Apply heat to your lower abdomen.

This can help to relieve pain and inflammation. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle.

4. Get enough rest.

Your body needs time to heal, so it’s important to get plenty of rest when you have a UTI.

5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

These substances can irritate your bladder and make your symptoms worse.

6. Eat a healthy diet.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to keep your urinary tract healthy.

It’s important to note that natural remedies may not be effective for everyone, and they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a UTI, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and get the correct treatment.

How to prevent UTIs naturally

1. Empty your bladder often. Don’t wait until you have to go.
2. Clean your genital area from front to back after using the bathroom. This will help to prevent bacteria from spreading from your rectum to your urethra.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing. This will help to keep your genital area cool and dry.
4. Avoid using scented soaps and douches. These products can irritate your bladder and make you more susceptible to UTIs.
5. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. Diabetes can make you more likely to get UTIs.

Final Thought

There is limited evidence that these herbs can treat UTIs. The best way to prevent UTIs is to drink plenty of fluids, urinate regularly, and practice good hygiene. If you consult your doctor instead of self-medication.