Probiotics for UTIs?

Question:
Do probiotics help prevent urinary tract infections?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initial Posting: 4/20/2019    Last Update: 4/20/2019

Answer:
There is currently not enough evidence to conclude that probiotic supplements reduce the risk of the developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.

There is some evidence that cranberry juice may help to reduce the occurrence of UTIs in women as well as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. Small studies suggest that D-mannose powder may be helpful as well.

See the Encyclopedia article about Bladder Infections for other proposed treatments for UTIs.

Learn more about supplements for UTIs and bladder health:

I'm a middle-aged healthy woman who gets occasional urinary tract infections. I heard that cranberry juice or cranberry supplements can help prevent the condition. Is this true? >>

Can D-mannose help prevent urinary tract infections? >>

Does AZO Bladder Control really work for overactive bladder?  >>

What is Prelief? Does it really help for heartburn and/or bladder pain from acidic foods?  >>

Are cranberry supplements helpful for men? Can they help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or urinary tract infections?  >>

See other recent and popular questions >>

---

---

ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all questions and try to answer those of popular interest.