Table 1. Prevention and treatment strategies for uncomplicated UTIs.

Treatment/approach	How does it work?	References
PREVENTION
D-mannose	Prevents the adhesion of E. coli, the most common UTI-causing bacteria, to the urothelium	[27]
Mannosides	Chemically modified versions of mannose that have high affinity for the FimH protein on E. coli fimbriae, blocking adhesion to the urothelium	[28]
DAPAD complex	A mixture of D-mannose, citric acid, prebiotic fiber, Astragalus, and dandelion	[29]
Cranberry juice or supplements	Contains D-mannose and proanthocyanidins that may prevent bacteria from binding to the urothelium	[30]
Probiotics	Beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli restore the vaginal flora and may prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria causing UTIs	[31]
Vaccines	Vaccines against common UTI pathogens are in development and could prevent recurrent infections	[26]
Topical estrogen	For postmenopausal women, might help rebalance the vaginal flora and reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs	[25]
Herbal remedies Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Goldenseal Horsetail	Antimicrobial and diuretic properties Contains berberine with antimicrobial effects Used as a diuretic to flush out bacteria	[32]
Drinking extra water	Helps flush out bacteria due to more frequent urination	[33]
Hygiene practices	Wiping front to back, and urinating before and after intercourse can reduce UTI risk	[7]
TREATMENT
Antibiotics	Inhibit the growth of bacteria; many uropathogens are becoming resistant to commonly available drugs	[25]
Bacteriophages (phages)	Viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Show promise as an antibiotic alternative, especially for resistant strains, but their host specificity requires careful matching of bacterium to phage	[34]
Methenamine hippurate	An older drug that is converted to formaldehyde in the urine and acts as an antiseptic, killing bacteria	[25]