Probiotics for UTI prevention: Do they help?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

UTI (urinary tract infection) is the infection usually caused by the bacterias of any part of the urinary tract. It may involve only the bladder causing cystitis or may involve the ureter or kidneys. The global incidence of uti is 20%. UTIs are more common in females than in males and can occur at any age.

Probiotics for UTI are very useful and also they have a positive effect on the health and physiology when taken in sufficient amounts. Probiotics can be found in foods as well as food supplements. They can be taken orally as well as vaginally.

Why are women more prone to UTIs?

Women are more prone to UTI as they have shorter urethra as compared to men. It is potentially close to the organs like the vagina and the anus. Infections can ascend from the vagina and anus to the urinary tract more easily in females. Your vagina and the gut have their own natural residential bacterial flora which are essential in maintaining the vaginal and gut health.

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Whenever the bacterial flora in the vagina is disturbed or unbalanced it leads to infection. Similarly you suffer from gut issues if the gut flora is disturbed. Till now it was thought that the urinary tract is sterile ie there are no known bacteria residing in the urinary tract. 

However, recent studies have shown that the urinary tract also contains residual bacterial flora which helps to keep the urinary system healthy. Most frequently found species of bacteria are the lactic acid bacteria that have a protective role against the harmful bacteria growing in the system.

How do probiotics for UTI work against harmful bacteria?

• Acidification of surface of vagina and bladder.
• They inhibit the bad bacteria from adhering to the mucosa 
• Producing substances that control the growth of harmful bacteria

The most prominent feature of UTI is recurrence. A single episode of UTI can be easily treated with use of antibiotics however recurrent UTI are difficult to tackle. Both the patient and the health care provider find it difficult to treat as the disease tends to come back again and the recurrent use of antibiotics will make them resistant, i.e. the same antibiotic will be less effective or not effective at all at the next episode of infection. 

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Studies have shown that lactobacillus containing probiotics are effective as they prevent the adherence, growth and colonisation of the harmful bacteria in the system especially against E coli, which is the most common organism causing UTI. 

Use of probiotics along with other treatment modalities have shown to reduce the incidence of recurrence as well as the possibility of developing resistance to antibiotics. More studies are being carried out over which route of administration will be best, vaginal or oral.

If you are suffering from Recurrent UTI, consult Gytree’s medical experts for further help and support.