Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Remedies

The Relationship Between Coconut Oil and UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are uncomfortable and inconvenient infections that can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. While UTIs are commonly caused by E. coli bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, recent research has investigated whether coconut oil could potentially contribute to UTIs as well.

What Causes Most UTIs?

Most UTIs are caused by a type of bacteria known as E. coli. This bacteria naturally resides in the gastrointestinal tract without issue. However, E. coli can sometimes enter places like the urethra and multiply, causing infection.

Women are at greater risk for UTIs than men due to having shorter urethras located closer to the anus. This allows E. coli faster access to the bladder. Sexual activity and use of diaphragms or spermicides may also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.

Can Coconut Oil Promote E. Coli Growth?

Some research has investigated whether consuming coconut oil can allow E. coli to more easily gain access to and infect the urinary tract. Some compounds in coconut oil may potentially promote E. coli growth and adhesion in ways that contribute to UTIs.

For example, lauric acid found in coconut oil may provide nutrients that enhance bacterial growth. Coconut oil also contains compounds like monolaurin that could impact E. coli adhesion abilities.

More research is still needed, but the possibility exists that regular coconut oil intake may encourage E. coli proliferation and virulence. This could then allow the bacteria access to the typically sterile urinary tract.

Using Coconut Oil for Potential UTI Prevention

While ingesting coconut oil could perhaps encourage UTIs in some situations, applying a thin layer of coconut oil around the urethral opening may help prevent UTIs. The lauric acid in the oil could stop the growth of E. coli before it can infect the urinary tract.

However, more studies confirming the potential UTI-preventing benefits of topical coconut oil applications are still needed. Talk to your doctor before attempting to utilize coconut oil to prevent infections.

Other Potential Causes of UTIs Besides E. Coli

Though E. coli accounts for approximately 90% of uncomplicated cystitis UTIs, other bacteria can sometimes cause infections as well. Less common UTI culprits typically include:

• Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Proteus mirabilis

These bacteria follow similar UTI pathology as E. coli. They can colonize and infect the urinary tract when introduced from nearby mucous membranes.

Can Coconut Oil Encourage Other UTI-Causing Bacteria?

Research on coconut oils interactions with bacteria like Staphylococcus saprophyticus is limited. But it is possible that coconut oil could enhance colonization abilities in other pathogens besides just E. coli.

For example, the effects of fatty acids like lauric acid on aiding bacterial growth and adhesion may occur across multiple species. More studies specifically analyzing how coconut oil impacts various UTI-causing pathogens are still needed though.

Other Factors That Can Increase UTI Risk

While coconut oil may potentially aid bacterial growth, many additional factors also raise an individuals risk of developing UTIs. These include:

• Family history of UTIs
• Menopause
• Impaired immune system
• Kidney stones
• Use of certain forms of birth control

Engaging in practices like avoiding potential irritants, urinating regularly, and staying hydrated can help lower UTI susceptibility. Yet even with precautions, infections can still occur in those predisposed.

Treating an Active UTI

If you develop signs of a possible UTI like burning urination, abdominal pain, or fever, make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away for appropriate diagnosis and treatment steps.

Prescription Antibiotics

For diagnosed uncomplicated UTIs, common prescription antibiotics include:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• Ciprofloxacin
• Nitrofurantoin
• Fosfomycin

These medications can effectively clear infections in a few days by stopping further bacterial growth. Be sure to complete your full antibiotic course even after symptoms resolve.

At-Home Remedies to Soothe Discomfort

While prescription antibiotics fight underlying infections, at-home supportive measures can help relieve UTI discomfort. Helpful remedies include:

• Drinking extra fluids like water
• Applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Consuming cranberries, lingonberry, or D-mannose supplements

Check with your doctor to verify if these complementary remedies are appropriate for your situation.

Can Coconut Oil Help Treat Active UTIs?

There is currently no quality evidence showing coconut oil can effectively treat active UTIs. Antibiotics remain the mainstay of UTI treatment under physician guidance.

In fact, continuing to ingest coconut oil when experiencing an active UTI could possibly worsen the infection by promoting more bacterial growth. Instead focus on completing your antibiotic regimen.

Preventing UTIs Going Forward

UTIs have a tendency to recur, even with appropriate treatment. Try these strategies moving forward to help prevent repeat infections:

Practice Peri-Care Routine

Develop a special peri-care hygiene routine involving:

• Using unscented soaps
• Always wiping front to back
• Changing underwear daily
• Voiding regularly

Proper peri-hygiene discourages E. coli migration to the urethra and bladder, lowering infection chances.

Increase Fluid Intakes

Drinking adequate fluids, especially water, dilutes urine so bacteria have difficulty thriving and attaching to the urinary tract lining.

Aim for at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids like water or herbal tea daily. Cranberry juice may also help prevent bacteria adhesion when drinking an 8-ounce serving each day.

Take Targeted Oral Supplements

Discuss taking daily oral D-mannose or probiotic supplements with your physician. These can help discourage recurring UTIs in some individuals by:

• Blocking E. coli binding
• Promoting protective vaginal microbiota

Always consult your doctor before beginning new supplements, especially if you have other health conditions.

The Bottom Line

Research on coconut oil possibly contributing to UTIs by encouraging E. coli and other bacterial growth is still quite limited. While topically applying coconut oil shows some UTI preventive promise, ingesting coconut oil could perhaps promote infection risk in those susceptible according to some emerging research.

If you regularly consume coconut oil and experience recurrent UTIs, consider tracking your symptoms while discontinuing use. Discuss all UTI prevention and treatment options with your physician as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.