Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections diagnosed in older adults. Unfortunately, recurrent UTIs can occur regularly in some men and women.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections by changing your habits and taking self-care measures to improve your overall urinary health. Many healthcare providers now recommend taking a probiotic supplement for UTI prevention. In this post, we’ll discuss how urinary tract infection probiotics work and give tips on choosing and using them.
Common Causes and Symptoms of UTI
As mentioned above, UTIs are the most prevalent bacterial infections, especially among women. Nearly half of all women will develop at least one UTI during their lifetime. Some symptoms of UTIs include:
- Burning during urination
- Abdominal pain and pressure
- Passing only a small amount of urine
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Confusion (this is less likely to occur in younger women)
Specific causes of UTIs vary, but infections usually happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Escherichia coli or E. coli is most often the source. This bacteria is commonly found in stool and may linger around the rectum. If it travels to the urethra, the bacteria may enter the urinary tract. There, it can stick to the lining of the urethra or the bladder walls and reproduce, leading to an infection.
The following habits can cause UTIs or raise your risk of developing them.
Sexual Activity
Being sexually active increases your risk of developing UTIs. During foreplay and intercourse, bacteria on your skin can get forced into your urethra, potentially opening the door to infection. Urinating after sex and cleansing your private area may lower the likelihood of UTIs.
Holding Urine
Urine acts as a natural cleanser, flushing bacteria out of the urinary tract. If you put off going to the bathroom when you have the urge to urinate, you could be unknowingly contributing to UTIs. Not drinking enough water to support urine production can also raise the risk of infection.
Hormonal Changes
After menopause, a woman’s risk for UTIs increases. The reduction in estrogen levels at the end of your reproductive years leads to changes in the vagina and the urinary tract. As a result, the urinary system may be more vulnerable to the effects of bacteria.
Health Issues
Any disease or condition that interferes with immune system function (like diabetes) can increase the risk of UTIs, making it harder for you to recover from infections when they occur. If your immune system doesn’t work correctly, it may be unable to fight off bacteria. Medications that suppress the immune system may also increase your chances of developing UTIs.
What’s the Vaginal and Urinary Microbiome?
We often think of bacteria as being harmful, but the truth is that some strains are good for us. Your gut, urinary, and reproductive systems are home to trillions of bacteria. These are known as probiotics — the good kinds of bacteria that keep the illness-causing varieties in check.
The collection of microorganisms in your digestive system is the gut microbiome. The vaginal and urinary microbiomes are the terms for the bacteria living in your reproductive system and urinary tract, respectively.
What Exactly are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria and yeasts, that support gut, immune, and overall health when consumed in adequate amounts. These "good" bacteria help maintain a balanced microbiome by promoting digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption, and preventing the overgrowth of harmful microbes.
Common probiotic strains, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, play a crucial role in supporting digestive health, while other probiotics contribute to vaginal, urinary tract, and immune system function. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements designed for targeted health benefits. By maintaining a healthy microbial balance, probiotics can help improve digestion, immune response, and even mental well-being.
The Benefits of Probiotics for UTI Prevention
Infections are less likely to occur when your vaginal and urinary microbiomes are balanced. Probiotics can hinder the activities of harmful bacteria that give rise to urinary tract infections and bacterial infections (like bacterial vaginosis).
Some small studies show promising evidence that probiotic supplements that increase probiotic levels may support a healthy immune response, reducing the risk of UTIs. A 2018 meta-analysis of eight studies concluded there was significant evidence to suggest that probiotics lower the likelihood of UTIs. However, the research also noted that more extensive studies are necessary to investigate the potential benefits of probiotics for UTI prevention.
How to Use UTI Prevention Probiotics for Women
You can use probiotics for UTI prevention in two main ways: eating foods and taking supplements. Yogurt and fermented foods (like kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi) are all excellent sources of probiotics. However, many struggle to eat enough of these foods for consistent urinary health benefits from probiotics.
Probiotic bladder supplements make it easier to increase your probiotic intake. Follow these tips for best results when taking the supplement form of probiotics.
Talk to Your Doctor.
Although probiotics are generally safe for most people, you should always ask your medical provider for advice before adding any new supplement to your diet. Your healthcare provider will give you information about which type of probiotics to try and offer personalized guidance on taking them.
Follow the Directions.
Take probiotic supplements as directed by the instructions on the label (unless your doctor gives you different advice). Remember to take your supplement every day. Setting a reminder on your phone or using a timer pill bottle lid can help you remember when to take each dose.
Modify Your Diet.
Avoiding foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder will reduce chronic inflammation and potentially lower your risk for UTIs. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic foods and drinks all have the potential to trigger bladder inflammation.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains prevents UTIs and improves overall health and well-being. Eating various nutrient-dense foods ensures you’re not deficient in crucial immune system vitamins and minerals (like vitamin C).
Sip 100% cranberry juice or take a supplement made from cranberries. Based on clinical research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now allows some juices and supplement manufacturers to advertise the limited evidence that their products may reduce the risk of UTI.
Can Probiotics Treat an Existing UTI?
No. Although evidence supports taking probiotics for UTI prevention, beneficial bacteria haven’t been proven to treat existing infections. Antibiotics are the only way to treat an infection, so you should see your doctor whenever you experience UTI symptoms. Putting off medical attention could increase the risk of a UTI spreading to the kidneys and becoming a more severe infection.
Even though you can’t cure a UTI with probiotics, you may still want to try a supplement with your doctor's standard treatment. Antibiotic use can sometimes cause beneficial urinary and vaginal flora to die along with harmful bacteria, leading to adverse effects like vaginal yeast infections. Probiotics for women may balance your body’s microbiomes by replacing the good bacteria eliminated by antibiotics.
The Best Probiotics for UTI Prevention
Many probiotic supplements are available today, so choosing one probiotic may initially seem daunting. Fortunately, selecting a supplement gets easier when you know how to compare them. Look for the following as you shop:
Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
The actual number of living microorganisms in probiotic supplements varies. You can easily compare probiotics with the colony-forming units (CFUs). This number tells you how many live and active good bacteria organisms are present in a serving of a specific supplement.
The amount of CFUs used in clinical trials for studying probiotics for UTIs differs. In the systematic review mentioned above, the included studies used doses ranging from 10,000 to more than 10 billion CFUs.
Variety of Probiotic Strains
Many different beneficial bacteria make up the urinary and vaginal microbiome. As a result, supplements that provide a variety of probiotic strains may be more effective at supporting urinary and vaginal health. The most important family of bacteria you want in your probiotic belong to the lactobacilli family. Lactobacilli are particularly effectve at creating inhospitable environments for Escherichia coli, better known as E. Coli. Some important strains include lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus crispatus, and lactobacillus reuteri.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus produces lactic acid, which helps maintain an optimal vaginal pH, creating an environment that discourages the growth of pathogens linked to infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
Lactobacillus crispatus supports vaginal and urinary health by playing a key role in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome. It produces high levels of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which help keep the vaginal pH low, creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast, reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
Lactobacillus reuteri supports vaginal and urinary health by promoting a balanced microbiome and enhancing the body's natural defenses against infections. It produces lactic acid and antimicrobial compounds like reuterin, which help maintain an acidic vaginal pH and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. Additionally, L. reuteri can help protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, from adhering to the urinary tract lining. Its probiotic properties also support immune function, helping to prevent recurrent vaginal and urinary infections.
Inclusion of Prebiotics
Prebiotics like fructooligosaccharide are substances that help probiotic bacteria thrive. When added to probiotic supplements, prebiotics may aid in the growth and development of good bacteria in the digestive system (and in other areas like the urinary tract and vagina).
If you’re looking for a probiotic supplement that reduces the risk of UTI Because Probiotic Support is a great option. Its proprietary blend of 6 strains of Lactobacilli probiotics including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacilli plantarum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Each serving provides 7 billion CFUs of beneficial probiotics plus prebiotic fructooligosaccharide.
Learn more about Because Probiotic Supplement and order today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do probiotics help treat or prevent other vaginal and urinary tract conditions?
Yes, probiotics can help prevent and manage various vaginal and urinary tract conditions by promoting a balanced microbiome. Certain Lactobacillus strains, such as L. crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri, produce lactic acid to maintain an acidic vaginal pH, reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections by inhibiting harmful microbes.
Why am I getting recurrent UTIs?
Recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections) can be caused by several factors, including bacterial resistance, an imbalance in the vaginal and urinary microbiome, and lifestyle habits. One common cause is the persistent presence of E. coli. Other factors, such as incomplete bladder emptying, frequent sexual activity, hormonal changes (like menopause), poor hygiene habits, or the use of irritating products, can increase urinary tract infection risk. Strengthening the microbiome with probiotics for women, staying hydrated, urinating after intercourse, and avoiding harsh feminine hygiene products may help reduce recurrence.
If you experience recurrent urinary tract infections, it’s essential to have a doctor identify the specific bacteria causing your infection. This allows for a targeted antibiotic treatment, increasing effectiveness and reducing the risk of resistance. Some bacteria are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics, and if this is the case, your initial infection may not have been fully eradicated. Identifying the exact strain ensures proper treatment and helps prevent future recurrences.
What should I look in order to get the best probiotic to support my vaginal and urinary tract microbiome?
To find the best probiotic for vaginal and urinary tract health, look for diverse strains, including Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and reuteri, which help maintain a balanced microbiome. Choose a product with prebiotics, like inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS), to nourish beneficial bacteria. Ensure your probiotic comes from a reputable manufacturer with third-party testing for quality and potency, supplements, probiotics, and prebiotics are not regulated in the USA so a purchasing from reputable manufacturer is very important. Lastly, select a probiotic with at least 5 billion CFUs to provide effective support for vaginal and urinary health.
If a urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, and probiotics are made of bacteria, isn't that counterintuitive?
It may seem counterintuitive, but not all bacteria are harmful—probiotics consist of beneficial bacteria that help protect against infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). While UTIs are typically caused by harmful bacteria like E. coli, probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri can help prevent infection by maintaining a balanced vaginal and urinary microbiome. These good bacteria produce lactic acid and antimicrobial compounds that lower vaginal and urinary pH, making it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive. Additionally, probiotics can prevent pathogenic bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining, reducing the likelihood of infection. Rather than causing UTIs, probiotics strengthen the body's natural defenses against them.
Is there anything else I can do or take to help prevent urinary tract infections?
To help prevent urinary tract infections, consider taking cranberry extract supplements, which may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. Staying hydrated encourages frequent urination, flushing out harmful bacteria. Avoid tight-fitted clothing, as it can trap moisture and create an environment for bacterial growth. Additionally, always pee after sex to help clear any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
