Originally Posted by ValRock:
This is NOT true. Most infections are self limiting. I've had several verified UTIs clear up without antibiotics. Even with an autoimmune disease, I have better luck letting my body heal itself than I do with antibiotics (which cause me to flare and get sicker.)

Just throwing that out there.

That's good to know! (and good for you, BTW!- wish my body would do that for me!) - but it's not true for everyone, just like some people who get cancer can get chemo or other treatment, & go into remission & never have it again, and then there are those who suffer through the chemo treatment only to discover it didn't work for them (for whatever reason.)

UTI's most commonly are caused by bacteria, and left untreated, this bacteria has the potential to make its ways to your kidneys, where it can damage them. If not treated early, a UTI can develop into Nephritis or kidney infection, which may require hospitalization. Women with frequent UTI's (like me) are also at greater risk of developing ureter and kidney problems, including cancer. Add to this that everyone I've ever known to get UTI's cannot take the pain long enough for the body to even attempt to rid it of its own. AZO Standard is not a cure for UTIs, it just helps alleviate the symptoms (burning, frequent urination, etc.)

UTIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites and their impact and treatment differs dependent on the cause. Also, it's important to know what type of UTI you have: for example, urethritis is the infection of the urethra, the channel that carries urine from your bladder outside your body; while cystitis is an infection of the bladder. A doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or even anti-parasite drugs.

So really, doing the antibiotic treatment is best for most women.

Just say'n. :)

I agree some people can fight off UTI's sans antibiotics. I can, if I catch it VERY early (when I have bladder irritation and the urge to pee all the time but no actual pain). If it gets to the point where it burns when I pee, then it's time for the antibiotics.