A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection occurring when microorganisms, typically Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the gut, multiply within the urinary system. These infections most often involve the bladder or urethra. Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, are intended to confer a health benefit. This article explores the supportive role of these beneficial bacteria while managing an active UTI.
Probiotics and the Genitourinary Microbiome
The concept of using probiotics for urinary health stems from understanding the body’s natural defense system in the urogenital tract. Healthy vaginal and urinary environments are generally dominated by protective bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus species. These organisms maintain a healthy state through colonization resistance.
Lactobacilli achieve this by metabolizing glycogen and producing lactic acid, which results in a low, acidic pH. This acidity is inhospitable to uropathogens like E. coli, making it difficult for them to adhere to the urinary walls and initiate an infection. When the population of protective Lactobacilli is depleted, the acidic balance is disrupted, creating an opportunity for harmful bacteria to colonize the area. Introducing specific probiotic strains is intended to help restore and reinforce this natural barrier.
Using Probiotics Alongside Antibiotic Treatment
When an active UTI is diagnosed, the standard treatment involves a course of prescribed antibiotics to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics are not a replacement for this pharmaceutical treatment, but they serve an important supportive function during medication. Antibiotics target the infection-causing bacteria but also result in the unintended destruction of beneficial bacteria throughout the body, including in the gut and urogenital tract.
This widespread disruption of microbial communities, known as dysbiosis, often leads to common antibiotic side effects like diarrhea or secondary yeast infections. Taking a probiotic concurrently can help mitigate these side effects by replenishing beneficial gut flora. The goal is to lessen gastrointestinal distress and help the microbiome recover quickly after the course of treatment is finished.
To ensure the antibiotic does not immediately kill the beneficial bacteria, timing the doses correctly is a practical consideration. It is recommended to separate the intake of the probiotic from the antibiotic dose by at least two hours. This spacing provides the probiotic organisms a window to pass through the digestive system without encountering a high concentration of the antibiotic, maximizing colonization. Continue the probiotic for several weeks after the antibiotic course is complete to fully support microbial recovery.
Identifying Effective Probiotic Strains for UTIs
The effectiveness of a probiotic for urinary health depends on selecting specific strains that have demonstrated an ability to colonize the urogenital tract. General-purpose formulations may not contain the bacteria relevant to this specific area. Research focuses on certain Lactobacillus species due to their proven capacity to inhibit the growth of uropathogens.
The most frequently studied and recommended strains include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. This specific combination has been shown to colonize the vaginal environment and reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs. Another effective strain is Lactobacillus crispatus, which is associated with a healthy genitourinary microbiome and greater resistance to infection.
Probiotic supplements for urinary health are commonly available as oral capsules, designed to survive stomach acid and colonize the gut before migrating to the urogenital area. Some preparations are also available as vaginal suppositories, which deliver the beneficial bacteria directly to the target site. When selecting a product, look for the specific strain names, such as GR-1 and RC-14, rather than just the genus Lactobacillus.