Frequent UTI

Try D-Mannose. I'd had uti's 30+ years (approx. 6x yr and had to keep taking stronger antibiotics) then a friend told me about D-Mannose and to check it out. I had gone to my GP first, then an urologist in private practice and neither seemed to have heard about it when I told them I've been using it. Recently, my GP told me a study showed that D-Mannose is very effective. This is the description of the product on Amazon: "Healthy Urinary Tract Washes Away Undesirable Particles* 100% Pure Vegetarian Product D-Mannose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in some plants, including cranberries. Although small amounts of D-Mannose are metabolized by the human body, much of it is rapidly excreted in the urine. In the bladder, D-Mannose can adhere to undesirable foreign substances, preventing them from sticking to the lining of the bladder. Because insubstantial amounts of D-Mannose are used by the body, it does not interfere with blood sugar regulation.* Mannose: A Spoonful of Sugar Product FAQ's Online Seminar - Women's Health Issues: Listen to a seminar on women's health issues and the supplements that address some of the most common concerns for women today." Read the Reviews!
I take get the bulk powder (red figure on front of bag) and take 1t in 1/2c water before bed so it can be in the bladder and not be so diluted. If I feel I may be starting to get uti, I take a few teaspoons throughout the day for a couple days. I haven't had an infection since I started taking D-Mannose 2 yrs ago and feel so much better.

thanks for the info I will talk to my urologist

Hi @jmaa and @safetyshield,
I did a quick search of the literature on D-Mannose. I always like to research studies on supplements and complementary medicines.

This 2014 study found "D-mannose powder had significantly reduced the risk of recurrent UTI which was no different than in Nitrofurantoin group. More studies will be needed to validate the results of this study, but initial findings show that D-mannose may be useful for UTI prevention." Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic. You can read more here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23633128

D-mannose is a simple sugar found in many fruits. It is related to glucose. It also occurs naturally in some cells in the human body. In this article from WebMD, authors explain how you can get d-mannose naturally from foods and possible risks, such as kidney damage or complications if you have diabetes http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/d-mannose-uses-and-risks

As always, it is wise to do as you are doing @safetyshield - talk to your urologist, especially if you are taking other medications.

I just received a bag of the powered D-Mannose. It gives me the amount to take but it does not recommend how to take it. Do I take with just water etc. Any suggestions on how to get the most of D-Mannose?

How does it taste in just water is that how you recommend taking this?

To maintain, no UTI, I put 1 teaspoon in 4 oz. cold water, stir to<br />dissolve, at bedtime. I drink it right down--little if any taste. I<br />assume my bladder is emptied the most at bedtime and gives D-Mannose time<br />to work. I think the reviews of it on Amazon.com give good ideas on how<br />different people prefer to take it. I drink only cold water so that's just<br />me.<br /><br />If I notice the very beginning an infection, I increase frequency (haven't<br />had to do this for a long time). I take 1 t in water about 3 times a day<br />for a couple days and drink plenty of water during the day, then taper off<br />to maybe 2x/day for a couple days. I just go by any signs of UTI. It may<br />cause some bloating when increased a lot so whatever you're comfortable<br />with. But do read the reviews for ideas of what will work for you--not<br />just on the package you bought but others listed, too.<br /><br />I was to the point where they had to "pull out the big antibiotics" in<br />order to get them to work--talk about stress! This works best for me--not<br />antibiotics!!<br /><br />Good luck and I'll be glad to answer any questions if I can!<br /><br />

My husband has taken D-mannose for several years because of frequent bladder infections. He has the beginning of a UTI less than once a year now and can get rid of that by increasing the D-mannose for a few days. He sprinkles 1/2 tsp on his cereal but his jar of powder says to take with water or your favorite beverage. Do not put it in an acid liquid as acidity destroys what it does. His jar also directs a scoop (2.5 grams) 3 times a day and untill you break the cycle of infections that is probably a good idea. My husband 's dosage would be considered a "maintenance" dose. When he feels a possible UTI coming on he takes 2 D-mannose capsules (700mg/cap) 2x/day for several days or he could just increase the powder. The capsules are nice for traveling. We found out about D-mannose on our own (I am an RN) and it is good that you have started it. May I ask how you learned about it? Wish more MD's would tell patients about it. My husband also takes cranberry capsules since he doesn't care to drink cranberry juice. We order our supplements from Swanson and I should google D-mannose for some cost comparisons. I am just now seeing you first posts as I have not been keeping up with Mayo Connect the past few weeks. I cannot say enough good things about Mayo Connect!!!

I'm not sure if it's me you're asking where I learned about D-Mannose but a friend connected me with her New Zealand pen pal of 50 yrs who has had UTI problems and it is from her that I first heard/learned about it. She suggested I check it out which I did. I mentioned it to my GP who had heard of D-M but didn't know it was used for UTI's, she found a study on it and since has suggested it to many of her patients with UTI problems. I mentioned it to my urologist who had no reaction either way--I almost wondered if they were worried about losing so many patient visits--I know I sure had a lot of them previous to D-M.
Interesting to see you're Iowa, so am I.

@kareniowa and @jmaa, I'm glad to have run across you, for a couple of reasons. I grew up in Iowa and have friends a family there today, although we moved to the Washington DC area in 1969. My sister, who still lives in Iowa, is Karen! A third connection might be my relationship with urologists. Mine has been constructive and rarely painful. Not so for my brother. But I digress . . . I'm not cleared to talk about his medical record.

It's surprising, no matter where we travel we meet people who have some<br>Iowa connection!<br><br>