Fact or fiction? Cranberry juice prevents urinary tract infections.
We’re going with mostly fiction, even then with a list of conditions.
It’s not on the list of prescription options for Dr. Sonia Chopra, board-certified urologist with St. Elizabeth Physicians.
“I don’t think it’s harmful. I just think people need to avoid the sugar that comes with it,” said Chopra.
Some women swear by it. And even the venerable National Institutes of Health reports the red berries of the plant native to North America have historically been used for a variety of problems, including urinary disorders. But, when it comes to modern medical uses, the experts are calling for more research.
“The data is kind of mixed on cranberry juice. It probably does nothing in treating an infection but may help prevent recurrent infection,” said Chopra. Some people use cranberry pills or supplements and, in that case, the doctor recommends “lots of water to flush it through.” But, she adds, we’re learning more every day.
The NIH is funding research to understand cranberry juice’s effects on urinary tract infection. Some evidence suggests it may “help to prevent urinary tract infections; however, the evidence is not definitive””
Such infections are common for women (less common for men) and are generally treated by their primary care physicians using antibiotics. Symptoms include:
- Burning when you urinate
- Pain in the lower belly
- Urgent and frequent urination
Muscle cramping and malaise may often occur; generally, urinary tract infections do not include blood in the urine or a high fever. In fact, fever could indicate a more serious infection, possibly of the kidneys.
In any case, it’s worth the trip to the doctor. “People should come in and get treated because, if left untreated for a long time, it can cause infection in the kidney,” said Chopra.
Women can get more than one a year. If they have three or more a year, it’s considered recurrent.
Urinary tract infections can be caused by dehydration, holding urine for a long time, not completely emptying the bladder or by sexual intercourse, with some women more susceptible to spermicides, according to Chopra.
Other myths? Urinary tract infections typically do not come from toilet seats, the way you wipe, non-cotton panties or sweating during exercise, said Chopra.
Well, we had to ask.
