February 4, 2020

Can Cranberry Stop Your UTIs?

3 tips for preventing urinary tract infections

Cranberries and juice

Here’s a statistic for you: About 60% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

One of the most widely held beliefs about UTIs is that drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) can prevent and get rid of them.

“There is an active ingredient in cranberries that can prevent adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall, particularly E. coli,” explains urologist Courtenay Moore, MD. “But most of the studies suggest that juice and supplements don’t have enough of this active ingredient (A-type proanthocyanidins) to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.”

The science is mixed

Overall, clinical studies on the efficacy of cranberry juices and extracts for preventing UTIs are conflicting.

One 2013 analysis of 13 different trials concluded that cranberry juice and tablets did reduce the occurrence of UTIs compared to placebo in women with recurrent UTIs. But another review found that they didn’t.

Advertisement

In additions to questions about cranberry’s effectiveness in preventing and treating UTIs, the amount of active ingredient that each product contains is not necessarily consistent. Therefore, products may not have enough of the active ingredient to be effective in preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

The American Urological Association’s guidelines on recurrent UTIs in women states that clinicians may offer cranberry prophylaxis (for prevention), as there is little risk associated with these supplements, Dr. Moore notes.

The bottom line? “Cranberry won’t hurt, but it may help. It could be worth trying if you struggle with frequent UTIs, as the risk in doing so is very low,” Dr. Moore says.

How you actually can help prevent UTIs

Dr. Moore says she’s heard all of the myths about how to prevent or treat UTIs — drinking lots of water, urinating after sex, avoiding tight-fitting pants and staying away from hot tubs, bubble baths and tampons. None of these beliefs is supported by scientific data, she says.

Advertisement

On the other hand, here are three things that Dr. Moore says women should do to help prevent UTIs:

  1. Take precautions to prevent UTIs after sex. “Frequency of sexual activity is strongly correlated with UTIs,” she says, and having multiple partners and a history of sexually transmitted diseases put you at the greatest risk. If you’re prone to recurrent UTIs, Dr. Moore advises against using spermicides or barrier contraceptives (like a diaphragm) and will often recommend a single dose of an oral antibiotic be taken before or after sex.
  2. Develop good bowel habits. UTIs are caused when bacteria from the rectum strays into the vagina, she says. That most commonly happens when you have constipation or diarrhea, so do what you can to stay regular.
  3. Balance “good” bacteria with bad. For post-menopausal women with recurrent UTIs, Dr. Moore often uses a combination of topical (vaginal) estrogen and probiotics. Menopause alters vaginal pH, which causes a change in bacterial colonization. Topical estrogen normalizes vaginal pH so that the vagina is hospitable to good bacteria again. The “good bacteria,” or lactobacillus, from taking probiotics can then colonize the vagina. “You want more healthy bacteria so less bad bacteria can adhere to the vagina,” she says. Rushing to the grocery store for yogurt isn’t enough, though. “Not all yogurt brands have probiotics in them, and you’d have to eat about seven a day to get what you need,” she says.

Even though UTIs happen frequently, you can take steps to lower your risk.

Related Articles

Person talking with physician about bladder and UTI pain; physician is using a picture as a talking point.
May 22, 2023
Is a Bladder Infection the Same as a UTI?

A bladder infection is definitely a UTI ... but not all UTIs are bladder infections

A person holds up a bidet in their left hand and a roll of toilet paper in their right hand.
March 19, 2023
Power Wash: Why Using a Bidet Is Sanitary and Safe

The benefits of a bidet may convince you to say goodbye to toilet paper

Elderly person suffering from a urinary tract infection.
August 14, 2022
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults

Signs to look out for include pain and changes in frequency or urgency

A couple laying together in bed.
January 31, 2022
Is Peeing After Sex Important?

Find out whether you should head to the bathroom after the bedroom

An illustration of a urine sample, needle, pills and a stethoscope surrounding a clipboard
August 25, 2021
Why Do I Get Urinary Tract Infections So Often?

Recurrent urinary tract infections are most common in women, seniors

public lock on bathroom showing urinary incontinance
January 19, 2021
Why UTIs Happen Differently in Men and Women

The ins and outs of urinary tract infections

Dirty shower curtain
July 29, 2020
Can Your Dirty Shower Curtain Make You Sick?

Three strategies to keep your shower a safe haven

sad little girl with UTI sitting in bathroom
October 23, 2019
Why You Should Seek Help Quickly for Your Child’s UTI

Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to permanent kidney damage

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad