When cystitis strikes, the burning and urgency can be overwhelming. You want relief, and you want it now. While antibiotics are often necessary for bacterial infections, there are several self-help measures you can take at home to ease symptoms while you wait for treatment to work—or while deciding whether you need to see your GP.

I should be clear from the start: self-help measures are for managing symptoms, not curing infections. If you have a genuine bacterial urinary tract infection, you’ll likely need antibiotics. But these strategies can make you more comfortable in the meantime, and for mild cases of non-bacterial bladder irritation, they may be all you need.

Alkalising the Urine

One of the oldest home remedies for cystitis involves making the urine less acidic. The theory is straightforward: bacteria that cause UTIs thrive in acidic environments, and acidic urine can irritate an already inflamed bladder lining. By alkalising your urine, you may help eradicate bacteria and soothe the irritated bladder wall 1.

How to do it: Dissolve one teaspoon (5ml) of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in half a glass of water. You can take this two to three times daily.

Important cautions: Bicarbonate of soda has a high sodium content, so this remedy should only be used for short periods—typically no more than two to three days. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney disease, don’t use this method without checking with your doctor first. The sodium load could be problematic for these conditions.

Commercial cystitis relief products available from pharmacies work on the same principle. Brands like potassium citrate sachets can alkalise urine without the sodium concerns, though they’re not suitable for everyone either. If you’re on other medications, check with your pharmacist that there are no interactions before using any of these products.

Honestly, the evidence for alkalising treatments is somewhat limited—there aren’t large randomised trials proving they cure infections. But many people find they provide symptomatic relief, and when you’re desperate at 2am with burning pain, that matters. Think of it as a comfort measure rather than a cure.

Fluid Intake: More Is Usually Better

When you’re in pain every time you urinate, the last thing you want to do is drink more and urinate more often. I understand that logic completely. But restricting fluids is actually counterproductive.

Drinking plenty of bland fluids helps in several ways:

It dilutes your urine, making it less irritating to the inflamed bladder lining
It increases urine flow, helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract
It may help wash out the infection before it can take hold

The NHS recommends drinking enough to keep your urine pale—if it’s dark yellow, you’re not drinking enough 2.

What to drink:

Plain water is ideal
Diluted squash or cordial
Weak herbal teas (avoid anything caffeinated)
Clear soups or broths

What to avoid:

Alcohol—it’s a bladder irritant and causes dehydration
Caffeinated drinks—coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks can all irritate the bladder lining and act as diuretics
Fizzy drinks—carbonation can worsen symptoms for some people
Acidic fruit juices like orange or grapefruit juice—these can irritate an already inflamed bladder

Cranberry juice deserves special mention. You’ve probably heard it’s good for UTIs, and there’s some truth to this for prevention. However, during an active infection, the acidity of cranberry juice might actually increase discomfort. Some people swear by it; others find it makes things worse. If you want to try it, go for unsweetened cranberry juice rather than the sugary “cranberry juice drinks.” For more on this topic, see our article on cranberry benefits and side effects.

Heat for Pain Relief

A hot water bottle or heating pad placed against your lower abdomen or lower back can provide surprisingly effective relief from the cramping discomfort of cystitis. Heat relaxes the bladder muscle and can ease the spasms that cause that persistent urge to urinate.

Some practical tips:

Wrap the hot water bottle in a towel to prevent burns—direct heat on skin for prolonged periods can cause damage
Microwaveable wheat bags work just as well and may be more convenient
A warm (not hot) bath can help some people, though avoid bubble bath and scented products which may irritate the urethra
Some people find heat helpful for the lower back rather than the front—try both to see what works for you

The warmth also provides a psychological comfort that shouldn’t be underestimated. When you’re miserable with bladder pain, anything that helps you relax and feel cared for has value.

Pain Relief Medication

For straightforward pain management, over-the-counter painkillers can help.

Paracetamol is a reasonable first choice. It’s safe for most people at standard doses and won’t irritate the stomach.

Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also effective and may have a slight advantage because they reduce inflammation as well as pain. However, NSAIDs aren’t suitable for everyone—avoid them if you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, asthma, or are taking certain medications including blood thinners. If in doubt, check with your pharmacist.

There’s actually some interesting research suggesting that ibuprofen alone might be adequate for uncomplicated cystitis in some women. A German study found that about two-thirds of women with uncomplicated UTIs who took ibuprofen rather than antibiotics recovered without needing antibiotics 3. However, this approach isn’t right for everyone—some women’s infections did get worse—so I wouldn’t recommend avoiding antibiotics if your GP has prescribed them. The point is simply that ibuprofen can be genuinely helpful for symptom relief, not just a way to mask the pain.

Rest and Taking It Easy

This might sound obvious, but it bears repeating: if you have cystitis, rest as much as you can. Your body is fighting an infection (or dealing with bladder inflammation), and that takes energy. Pushing through and continuing with your normal busy schedule is likely to make you feel worse and potentially prolong your recovery.

Practical suggestions:

If possible, take a day off work or reduce your activities
Stay close to a toilet so you’re not having to hold on or rush
Wear loose, comfortable clothing—tight jeans pressing on your bladder aren’t going to help
Keep warm, especially around your lower body

The connection between stress and bladder symptoms is well-established. When you’re stressed or anxious, the bladder tends to be more sensitive and reactive. Creating conditions where you can relax may genuinely help reduce symptoms, not just make you feel better emotionally.

When Self-Help Isn’t Enough

Self-help measures have their limits. If your symptoms persist for more than two to three days despite these measures, you should see your GP. Don’t keep hoping it will get better on its own—untreated urinary infections can spread to the kidneys, which is a much more serious problem.

See a doctor urgently if you have:

Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
Pain in your back or sides (this could indicate the infection has reached your kidneys)
Blood in your urine
Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Symptoms getting worse rather than better

Some people should always seek medical advice rather than self-treating:

Pregnant women: UTIs during pregnancy need prompt treatment because they carry a higher risk of complications including kidney infection and premature labour. Don’t try to manage cystitis yourself if you’re pregnant—call your midwife or GP.

Men: UTIs are less common in men, and when they do occur, they often indicate an underlying problem with the prostate or urinary tract. Men with cystitis symptoms should see a doctor rather than self-treating.

Children: Children with urinary symptoms need medical assessment. The signs of UTI can be less obvious in young children (irritability, fever, poor feeding), and prompt treatment is important to protect developing kidneys. See our article on UTI diagnosis and management in children for more information.

People with recurring infections: If you keep getting cystitis, something is driving that pattern. You should be properly investigated to identify any underlying causes. See our article on recurrent UTIs for more information.

People with diabetes or weakened immune systems: Infections can progress faster and cause more serious complications if your immune system isn’t working at full capacity. Get medical advice early.

Anyone with abnormal urinary tract anatomy, kidney disease, or who has had recent urological procedures.

A Note on “Natural” Remedies

The internet is full of suggestions for natural cystitis cures—from various herbal teas to essential oils to specific dietary protocols. I want to be honest: most of these lack solid evidence. That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t work, but it does mean we can’t say with confidence that they do.

If you want to try herbal remedies, that’s your choice, but don’t use them as a substitute for proper medical care when it’s needed. And be cautious about interactions with any medications you’re taking—“natural” doesn’t mean “without side effects.”

D-mannose is one supplement that does have some evidence behind it for UTI prevention, though its role in treating active infections is less clear.

Prevention for Next Time

Once you’ve recovered from this episode, it’s worth thinking about how to reduce your risk of future infections. Good hydration, proper toilet hygiene (wiping front to back for women), urinating after sex, and avoiding irritating products in the genital area can all help.

For detailed prevention strategies, see our article on preventative measures for cystitis and UTIs and our guide to lifestyle changes for bladder health.

Summary

Self-help measures for cystitis include:

Alkalising the urine with bicarbonate of soda or commercial cystitis products (short-term only, and not if you have heart, blood pressure, or kidney problems)
Drinking plenty of bland fluids to dilute urine and flush out bacteria
Avoiding bladder irritants including alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, and acidic juices
Using a hot water bottle against your lower abdomen or back for pain relief
Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
Resting and reducing your activity level

These measures can help manage symptoms, but they’re not a substitute for medical treatment when it’s needed. If symptoms persist beyond two to three days, if you’re in one of the higher-risk groups mentioned above, or if you develop warning signs like fever or back pain, see your GP promptly.

Cystitis is miserable, but for most people, it’s a temporary problem that resolves with appropriate treatment. The self-help strategies above can make those few days more bearable while your body (with or without antibiotic help) clears the infection.

References

Brumfitt W, Hamilton-Miller JM. Efficacy and safety profile of long-term nitrofurantoin in urinary infections: 18 years’ experience. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1998;42(3):363-71. PubMed
NHS. Cystitis - Treatment. 2022. NHS
Gágyor I, Bleidorn J, Kochen MM, et al. Ibuprofen versus fosfomycin for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2015;351:h6544. PubMed