D-Mannose for UTIs: Treat and Prevent Infections Naturally

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are such a pain—literally. Flare-ups are marked by discomfort, pelvic pressure and an annoying urge to urinate frequently. So it’s nice to know there is an easy and affordable at-home treatment option that really works, allowing many people to skip a doctor’s visit and dodge a round of antibiotics. We’re talking about using a natural ingredient called D-mannose for a UTI. 

“Bladder infections can often be prevented or eliminated with a supplement called D-mannose,” says pain and fatigue expert Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of You Can Heal From Long Covid. Keep reading to learn how to use D-mannose for UTIs, plus tips to make it even more effective. Bonus: Don’t miss Mary’s encouraging health success story below.

What is D-mannose and how does it work?

D-mannose is a natural sugar found in fruits like apples, cranberries and peaches. And like sticky glucose or honey, this form of sugar is known to grab harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is known to trigger infections. D-mannose then transports that bad stuff from the body so it can’t attach to the bladder walls and urethra and cause painful problems like a UTI. And because D-mannose is natural and not an antibiotic, it doesn’t result in antibiotic-resistant follow-up infections.

Why women are prone to UTIs 

For years, D-mannose has been a popular holistic supplement for women, who are more prone to UTIs than men. Why? Some factors include frequent hormonal changes, anatomy and how sexual activity can force bacteria into the body. In fact, these infections are up to 30 times more likely to occur in women than men, found a study in the American Journal of Medicine. 

At least 50 percent of females will have a UTI once in their lifetime, and the recurrence rate is scary. As many as 40 percent of women who experience a UTI will have at least one more infection within six months, according to research published in the journal American Family Physician.

Age also plays a factor in UTIs for women. “Bladder infections in postmenopausal women are more common because of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which causes urogenital atrophy and subsequent UTIs, vaginal dryness and/or painful sex,” explains Christine Maren, DO, an ABFM board-certified osteopathic physician and founder of a functional medicine practice focused on women’s health and hormones.

“D-Mannose is a terrific non-hormonal option for women, particularly for UTIs caused by E. coli,” she adds. She referenced British research that showed D-Mannose was effective at reducing the rates of UTI recurrence by 40 to 60 percent in the long term. 

How to use D-mannose for a UTI 

You can buy D-mannose over the counter wherever vitamins and natural supplements are sold. It is often available in powder form or capsules. While there is some debate about ideal dosages, some experts recommend taking 1 gram, twice a day, for a few days to prevent UTIs if you feel one coming on. Or to treat an existing infection, take 1 gram, three times per day, for up to 14 days. Symptoms often subside quickly.  

How to make D-mannose even more effective

While D-mannose is a well-known holistic treatment for preventing UTIs, it may be paired with other things to increase benefits. Dr. Maren likes telling patients about vaginal estrogen cream. She explains, “For women with recurrent UTIs, I often recommend a tailored approach combining both treatments—D-mannose and vaginal estrogen—for optimal results and to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use.” 

Dr. Maren cites research in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology saying vaginal estrogen reduced UTI risk by 36 to 75 percent. She can’t stop raving about this combo treatment. “Vaginal estrogen works by restoring vaginal tissue health and improving microbiome balance. It also restores the microbiome by increasing lactobacilli colonization. Lactobacilli, in turn, lower vaginal pH and inhibit pathogenic bacteria, like E. coli.” She adds, “vaginal estrogen is a game changer for women at any stage of life with low estrogen and UTI concerns…it is safe and highly effective.”

D-mannose is best for non-serious UTIs

D-mannose is an all-natural fix that is ideal for pesky, recurrent infections, often called “uncomplicated UTIs.” But if you have a serious infection, where you’re passing blood or developing a high fever, consult a doctor. 

Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, author of 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, says, “D-mannose works with people who aren’t having serious—[meaning] requiring medical intervention—UTIs.” In this way, he says, “it would make it useful to have D-mannose on hand for most people who have recurring UTIs.” He adds, “ I would put D-mannose in that category, along with cranberry supplements or juice, which also seem to afford benefit.”

D-mannose for UTI success story: Mary found relief after years of agony

Mary Kidwell sat in the ER hooked up to an IV—again! The Sheldon, Illinois, retired surgical nurse had been suffering from chronic UTIs her whole life. She never knew when they were going to hit. She’d suddenly start feeling the telltale pressure and heaviness in her bladder and find herself urinating more often, which became increasingly more painful. 

Mary got infections so frequently for so many years that by the time she retired at 71, oral antibiotics had stopped working and cultures showed she’d developed resistance to all but one medication, which had to be given intravenously. 

The treatments were administered every day for two or three consecutive days. Between traveling time and the hour hooked up to the IV drip, the process was time consuming. I can’t and won’t spend my retirement in the hospital instead of enjoying time with my family and friends, Mary thought desperately. I need to find another solution.

D-mannose as an alternative to antibiotics

Not long after, Mary asked a friend how she treated her chronic UTIs. Her friend said when she felt symptoms start, she’d take a D-mannose supplement. It seemed to flush harmful bacteria to stop infections in their tracks. 

Mary was excited and hopeful. But before self-treating, she consulted a urologist as well as an infection control specialist. Both doctors said they’d heard good things about D-mannose and encouraged her to try it. “It can’t hurt,” they both enthused.

So Mary ordered Harmony D-mannose Urinary Tract Balance & Cleanser capsules with hibiscus. From then on, when she felt a UTI coming on, Mary took two 800-mg. capsules once a day, and within two or three days, her UTI symptoms had stopped.

“Usually, I only need one dose to start feeling better, and I’ve never had any side effects,” Mary says. Mary has been using D-mannose for seven years and hasn’t been to a doctor for a UTI since. “I have my life back,” she says. “Finally, I can make plans without worrying that a urinary tract infection will change them, I’m saving about $2,400 on treatments each year and I’m enjoying time with loved ones. I couldn’t be happier!”  

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.