The report underlines the heightened risk of UTIs, or cystitis, following regular sexual intercourse, particularly in postmenopausal women. Scientific Thumbs Up Prevalent among women under age 30 as well as older women, UTIs most commonly result from E. coli or other bacteria entering the urinary tract. Antibiotics are generally the most appropriate treatment. For years, though, cranberry juice has been used to treat, as well as prevent such infections. Certain compounds in cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to cells lining the urinary tract.
Blueberries appear to have the same effect.
Still, used judiciously, the remedy is very safe, and many doctors and patients swear by it. Home Testing Caution New products such as Uristat pain relief tablets and UTI home screening test kits make it easy for women to diagnose and allegedly treat themselves without having to visit a doctor. And some women who have recurrent UTIs can diagnose themselves, then call their doctors for a prescription. But taking matters into your own hands may cause complications. And untreated UTIs can potentially result in kidney failure.