I recently met a woman who told me that her urologist believes she may have IC. She had a bladder infection a couple months back, but after a round of antibiotics and negative UTI results, she still isn’t feeling quite right and the pain, frequency and urgency, while not as prominent, are still lingering.
Sound familiar?
She started taking D-Mannose 3 times a day and her symptoms began to subside.
This really got me thinking about D-Mannose’s role in the treatment of IC. This woman is by far not the only person to claim that D-Mannose has eliminated or reduced their interstitial cystitis symptoms.
Let’s take a closer look at this natural supplement and its application in the natural treatment of IC.
What is D-Mannose?
D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar, closely related to glucose. It is found in cranberries, peaches, apples, other berries, and some plants.
It can be purchased in a supplement form, either as a powder or in capsules.
How does D-Mannose work?
Over 90% of UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which are found in normal gut flora in the intestinal tract, but do not belong in the bladder or urinary tract.
This is not the same strain of E. coli that can end up on our dinner plate from unsanitary food processing and cause severe illness.
A lingering or underlying E-coli infection is said to be one possible contributing factors in the development of interstitial cystitis.
The standard UTI tests can miss these low-grade infections, which may help explain why some women and men feel as if they still have a bladder infection even after a round of standard antibiotics and subsequent negative UTI results from their doctor.
Unfortunately for us, bacteria are smart and efficient.
The cell walls of E. coli are covered with tiny, sticky fingerlike projections (consisting of an amino acid-sugar complex, also known as a “glycoprotein” or “lectin”), that allow them to take hold of the inside of the bladder wall and urinary tract. When this happens, the bacteria is difficult to flush out via the urine.
Enter D-Mannose.
D-mannose can stick to the E. coli lectins to a greater degree than the E. coli can stick to our human cells. Although D-mannose is a simple sugar, most of it is not metabolized and when a large quantity of D-mannose is ingested, almost all of it spills into the urine via our kidneys and coats the E. coli so it can no longer adhere to the inside walls of the bladder and urinary tract. At this point, they can be rinsed away through urination.
What is the correct dosage of D-Mannose for IC?
Although the average person with an acute bladder infection may receive a beneficial, medicinal effect by consuming large amounts of cranberry juice (naturally high in d-mannose), this is neither practical or safe for someone with IC.
With IC, you cannot tolerate acidic fruits. In addition, consuming large amounts of fruit juice results in consuming large amounts of sugar, which can feed unbeneficial yeast and wreak havoc on blood sugar regulation.
If you want to give D-mannose a try, you will have to use it in a supplement form, either as a powder or in capsules. I recommend the powder, as you can take in a greater amount at once and anything in powder/liquid form is usually more absorbable than in a pill form.
For IC, you can try 2 grams, 2-3 times a day and continue this for at least 2 months to see if there will be any benefit for you.
Possible side effects and precautions
Make sure that you purchase a product that is pure D-mannose without any cranberry or cranberry extract added to it, as cranberry is a notorious IC irritant.
The product that I currently prefer and recommend is by NOW Foods and comes in both powder and capsules. In my opinion, the powder is best because it is easier and more cost effective to consume a larger dose. It doesn’t taste like much of anything, just a mild, sweet taste.
Some people report diarrhea when ingesting over 2 grams at a time and if you have a very sensitive GI tract, you may experience this at even a lower dose. As with most supplements, I recommend starting out slowly and working your way up to the full dose.
There are no reported long-term side effects or consequences of taking D-mannose and it should not interact with other supplements or medications. As always, check with your doctor or health care practitioner before starting any new supplement.
Who might benefit from supplementing with D-Mannose?
- If you suspect you have an underlying or lingering e-coli infection (not detected by standard UTI test), you might want to consider D-Mannose.
- If you are prone to bladder infections in addition to your IC, D-Mannose may be able to help you manage this and reduce the frequency of UTIs you experience, or elminate the infection before it takes hold.
- If you are the type of person to get UTIs post-sex, D-Mannose may help you to flush out the bacteria before they take hold and cause a full blown infection.
While there is no official research that I am aware of proving that D-Mannose can be helpful in treating IC, there is anectodal evidence out there that suggests that D-mannose may be worth trying for interstitial cystitis. Some patients have reported significant relief and even complete remission from D-mannose supplementation.
I’ve even diagnosed with IC although I’m still not sure I even have it. When I say that, true ICers tell me I would KNOW if I did or that I may be in remission. That being said, after a terrible UTI that had me hospitalized, I still had UTI symptoms although tests and cultures showed no bacteria. A cystoscope found “mild irritation” a few months later. The uro I was seeing then told me he believed I had a lingering UTI that was undetected by tests. He believes that what the irritation is, not a sign of IC. Through internet research I found d mannose. I take the powder form daily. Once in the morning. Once before bed. Know I on wood, I haven’t had any UTI type symptoms since. I’m not sure if he was right or not, but I do believe it has helped me. I kinda wish I could get another cysto to see if the “irritation” is still there. I think that would answer a lot of questions, but I don’t want to mess with anything when I’m feeling good. Food doesn’t effect me. I do have PFD, which I think is my main problem. I would definitely recommend to try d mannose. It can’t hurt! 🙂
** sorry i wrote my first reply on my phone. Here it is with the typos corrected** I’ve been diagnosed with IC although I’m still not sure I even have it. When I say that, true ICers tell me I would KNOW if I did or that I may be in remission. That being said, after a terrible UTI that had me hospitalized, I still had UTI symptoms although tests and cultures showed no bacteria. A cystoscope found “mild irritation” a few months later. The uro I was seeing then told me he believed I had a lingering UTI that was undetected by tests. He believes that’s what the irritation is, not a sign of IC. Through internet research I found d mannose. I take the powder form daily. Once in the morning. Once before bed. Knock on wood, I haven’t had any UTI type symptoms since. I’m not sure if he was right or not, but I do believe it has helped me. I kinda wish I could get another cysto to see if the “irritation” is still there. I think that would answer a lot of questions, but I don’t want to mess with anything when I’m feeling good. Food doesn’t effect me. I do have PFD, which I think is my main problem. I would definitely recommend to try d mannose. It can’t hurt!
Hi Christine!
Thanks for sharing your story with us. That is wonderful that D-Mannose worked so well for you and that it perhaps was responsible for clearing an infection that might have been lingering after your UTI. Keep us updated on your progress!
Best of luck 🙂
Kristen
Do you know how long you took D-mannose before you got some relief? I have been taking it regularly for several days and am still suffering from symptoms. Not sure if I am doing something wrong or just have a really bad infection. I am also taking antibiotics too. Just looking for some relief.
Hi Laura,
You should take it for at least a month consistently to see if it is something that will work for you.
If you think it’s an infection, go get it checked out by your doctor.
Hope this helps,
Kristen
What do you mix the powder in? what type of drink? Im super picky lol thats why I was thinking about the capsules
You just mix it in water. It doesn’t taste bad.
THANK YOU for all the information you share! You have blessed my life!
You’re very welcome Beverly! I’m glad you have found the information helpful. 🙂
Kristen
I had some success with D-Mannose, but saw the best results with Uristatin (which also helps rid the bladder of toxins). I take a couple after intercourse and have been symptom free for quite some time now.
That’s great, Amanda! Is that the Thorne product you are referring to? Were you taking it regularly in the beginning of your IC?
Thanks for sharing this with us!
Kristen
My Naturopath just gave me this for uti prevention. Im going to try it everyday and see what happens 🙂
Let us know how it works for you, Kim!
Kristen
It keeps my symptoms down if I take it everyday but they come back if I stop taking it. I have only taken 2 grams twice a day though so I might try adding a dose. It works wonders for curing a regular UTI though.
Thanks for sharing that, Brooke! I’m curious, how quickly do your symptoms come back after stopping the D-Mannose?
Kristen
I use D-Mannose before and after sex, however, to use more than that tends to irritate my bladder. I use the NOW brand powder, too.
It’s good that you figured out what amount works for you. Can I ask how much you take before and after sex?
Kristen
When I read the intro to your post I thought wow this sounds so much like me!
I had a UTI in early March and am still suffering the consequences. The antibiotics didn’t clear up everything, but every urine culture since has been negative or inconclusive.
My main problem is urgency, no pain, or waking up in the middle of the night, so I have taken a few OAB meds to help with urgency but they don’t seem to have any effect on me. My urologist told me that we would revisit my symptoms again in early august and that IC might be the culprit.
I saw this post this morning and immediately went out to buy powdered D Mannose. I’ll keep you posted on how things go, but I am planning on taking this for the next two months at least, and am really hoping it will help as it seems to be the best solution I have read about yet!
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Andrea,
I am so glad you saw this post when you did! Great timing! Please do let us know how it works for you!
All the best,
Kristen
It’s been six months since I first read this post and was introduced to D-Mannose. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. I took the powder everyday twice a day for two months and my problems seemed to clear up.
I still take the pills and powder on occasion if I feel a flare up coming on, but that happens maybe once or twice a month.. if that.
I talked to my doctor about D-Mannose back in August who said that if this is what works for me then to keep on taking it, so I have. I see him again in a month so hopefully everything is still clear.
Again thank you so much for introducing me to D-Mannose it’s been a life saver!
YES! That is such great news Andrea! Consistency can pay off. Sometimes we do not try things for long enough and they aren’t given a fair shot. I’m so glad the D-Mannose works for you and I wish you continued healing. 🙂
Kristen
Hi! I’ve been having UTI symptoms since September. I had a UTI in September that lasted for about a week and I still feel the same symptoms! I don’t have any pain but I get the urge to pee out of nowhere! I think Andrea is the first person I see who doesn’t feel pain yet has IC-like symptoms. Do any of you just feel like your bladder is full out of nowhere and you have to pee at that very moment? I’ve been having that a lot :/ My urologist told me he didn’t want to do any studies on my bladder since I am too young, but hopefully this works for me since I am tired of constantly using the restroom! Thanks for posting this!! Hopefully it works!
Hi Elizabeth,
Please let me know how it works for you. Take it 2-3 times a day consistently.
Kristen
Suffered with a constant urge to urinate 7 days a week for last 8 years. it dose go in to remission but I’m in pain more often than not To say I’m miserable is an understatement. Willing to give anything a try and got this coming in the post hopefully be on doorstep tomorrow. wont hold my breath but if it did work or help it would be like winning the lottery. Thanks for the info Kristen x
Hi Colin,
I hope it provides some relief! Please update me on how it works for you.
I am finding that men in particular may respond favourably to supplementing with oil of oregano and probiotics (not taken at the same time).
There’s always something else to try if the D-Mannose does not work, so don’t get discouraged if that is the case.
All the best,
Kristen
Hi everyone . Sorry to hear about all the pain everyone is feeling . I wanted to commit suicide I was in such pain but I have managed to get it down to 20%. Sometimes I feel no pain at all . I had an e-coli infection . Took antibiotics . Bacteria is not present on culture and sensitivity test but symptoms still existed . I’ll get to the point of what I’m doing . Seems our gag layer lining of the bladder is messed up . Some antibiotics turn into bleach and this is what I believe did the damage . The bladder lining must be healed . People out there are healed and symptom free but it takes discipline and time . My father is a medical doctor and he can connect me with the best urologists but I passed , they will only make you worse on drugs . So first get yourself a juicer . This is what I eat . Morning juice : 2 carrots , kale , parsley and one cucumber . Always organic . Then eat one pear . Cook 2 tablespoons of flax seeds and gluten free organic oatmeal in water 1/2 cup boil to make cereal . Then top with raw organic honey . Lunch can include salt less organic rice cakes . Peanut butter organic with no sugar added . Raw honey . Or canned sardines crown prince bpa free in olive oil . Romaine lettuce with red peppers olive oil and nutritional yeast by “now” products . Night – brown rice , salmon , olive oil , asparagus , dulce , sea salt . All organic food . I drink a lot of water at least 8 glasses a day . Get cornsilk herb . I never get up during the night any more . And marshmellow root , comfry leaf , and catnip herb . Make tea from these herbs and drink throughout the day . Don’t drink it hot . Vitamins glucosamine with chondroitin , queer cerium with bromelain , pro biotic, horse tail and magnesium by mg bright . Exercise . Do pelvic floor exercises , stretches and keep away from family and friends that stress you out . Get rest and hope this helps .
Hi Anne,
Thanks for sharing your regime with us. It’s helpful to hear what has worked for other people, while being mindful that we are all unique and therefore what works for one person might not work for another. It seems like you have found what works for you and are on the path to healing! Please keep us updated on your progress!
Kristen
I had a antibiotic caused ulcer from Clyndomiacin….it had burned a section of my colon…has a painful procedure to show it…..I was offered drugs for life and chose to try an old Indian remedy….Cool burning Cayenne pepper….its not hot going down and only emits it heat in the intestines…if you have ulcerations it might help…look it up. I used it for two months and my Mercer Island, Gastro guy was amazed…he even wrote it down for his patients who find no relief from drugs. No re-occurance 30 years later….so time proven.
I spelled a vitamin wrong it is Quercetin with bromelain . Catnip is for pelvic spasms and marshmellow / comfry is to sooth and heal . I also use a dialator for my vagina 5 x a week for 15 minutes each day . It helps with my pelvic muscle spasms . So I’m sorry for your pain . I feel like I want to hug all of you . They say it is a disease but I believe it is a condition . Like I said the gag layer needs to heal . But the body was made to heal itself . Remember once you heal stress can bring it on again . I have a stress full mother and I’m keeping away from her and anyone else that upsets me . That’s what it is . My health is number one and I can’t be concerned how others feel about that . Focus.
Quercertin is also good for your lung function….I give it to my cat for her lungs instead of a lasik lung drying med. She has less coughing fits from excessive fluids in her lungs now and I give it to her daily…this is due to a mitral valve insufficiency….which has also gotten better through her injections of Adequan for her dog bite on her lower back…my neighbor’s dog ran into my yard…not on a leash and bit her on her lower spine….last time I had her checked her vet could not hear the swooshing in her mitral valve and said she looked remarkable for her age of 14.
Hi, I tried d-mannose in pill form a couple years ago during a particularly bad flare, I tried it for a few days but saw no improvement so I stopped it just incase it was aggravating my symptoms (I’m so wary over taking too many supplements after a urologist stupidly insisted I drink cranberry juice and raje supplements religiously – which of course made the pain so much more intense!).
However reading your blog I am going to order the powder and give it a go!
I just read this additional info online for affects of d-mannose on IC sufferers:
* from http://www.invista.com: “Mannose stimulates fibroblasts to make more collagen and proteoglycans, which means that healing is speeded up, pain is lessened, and skin integrity returns to normal faster. Mannose also works to correct over-active neutrophils (T cells) that cause misguided inflammation. Researchers in Australia have confirmed this action. “
Hi Kirsty,
Thanks for sharing that info with us and please let us know how D-Mannose works for you!
Kristen
I looked up the website, but it went to the wrong site. Kristy missed an “n” in the link she supplied. The correct reference is very interesting. You can find it here:
http://www.innvista.com/health/nutrition/essential-sugars/mannose/
Thanks Kristy for the lead. Very interesting read. I am going to give this d-mannose stuff a try. I have other inflammation symptoms in my body, so even more motivated to try it.
Right now I find zanax is the only thing that let me sleep. Otherwise, I am up all night with the phantom need to pee. I really need to find a solution. I do not want to end up addicted to zanax.
Hi Deirdre,
Thank you for posting the correct link – there was some very helpful information listed.
All the best,
Kristen
I am allergic to acidic fruits and have to avoid them at all costs…my throat swells up and I have had a pineapple eat a hole in my tongue and check…I have avoided acidic fruits for 35 years now and also with it I have no more yeast infections which I would have after sex and in extreme heat waves…or extreme workouts.
Just to let you know I have had great relief from using d mannose.If I take it at night before bed and if I know I am going to be travelling I take it at regular intervals. I was desperate when I started to take it three years ago.Repeated infections, countless antibiotics a serious kidney infection, my life was miserable.Thee years ago I travelled to Australia from the Uk ,three flights about 20 hours in all and became ill on the last flight.Probably the cramped conditions and not enough fluid.Had to see a doctor as soon as I arrived and was pretty miserable for the next two weeks.Ruined my long awaited visit to my family in Australia.I found out about d mannose shortly after that and without much hope gave it a try.It was life changing for me and would say to anyone ,give it a try.I still have some discomfort and have to take all the usual precautions but have had only one infection in the last year.I immediately started to up the dose to a teaspoon every 3hours and within 2 days the symptoms had subsided without antibiotics. I gradually reduced it over the next week. I have even been back to Australia and took d mannose on my journey,no problems at all. I buy mine from Sweet cures ,who have an awesome web page,lots of information and many testimonials from fellow sufferers.Best wishes to all.
I do believe it’s more effective against e coli.
Hi Rosie,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with D-Mannose with all of us. I am so happy that it helped you a great deal. It is effective against e coli so if there is a lingering infection, it is definitely worth a try and you are proof of that!
Keep us updated on your progress!
Kristen
This stuff actually seems to work! I have had UTI’s off and on since I was a child. But in the past few years, even after antibotics.. the uncomfortable lingering “I still gotta pee” feeling shows up, making me restless and feeling like I need to go into the bathroom every second. And of course, NO UTI shows up when I went to doctor. I went through all kinds of bladder tests but all came back fine. So I finally tried this DMannose and it really seems to help. I don’t have that urgency feeling and full bladder feeling!!! Praying it keeps working!!!!
Hi Michelle,
So happy to hear you are finding some relief with the D-Mannose!
Kristen
Hi Michelle
I have all the same symptoms you did. I’ve had just started D-Mannose 2 days ago to try and stop the urgency to go to the toilet all the time. I’m praying it helps I’m so fed up :(. The dr keeps telling me there is no infection present. I just wondered if you had any advice as to how you took it and when it started to clear up etc. I would be so grateful. I am currently taking 2 1000mg tablets every 3 hours
Many thanks x
If I have the powder, how do I know how much 2 grams is?
Hi Susan,
Does the label tell you how much to take?
I know for L-Glutamine powder a heaping teaspoon is 5 grams to give you an idea.
Kristen
I’m 51 and was diagnosed with IT about 5 years ago. I have only had 3 flare up since that time each lasting about 2 weeks, but it seems to have come back again 🙁 Just found this website and I feel very hopeful 🙂
I have Bio Tech D mannose in powder form which says half a tsp three or four times a day. Each half serving contains .9 grams of D mannose. So this is slightly more D mannose than the recommended 2g. Is this OK?
Hi Janet,
You have to figure out what works for you. I can only give out general recommendations, so you may need more or less than the guidelines I provide. It is safe to take more than the dose I have stated, but as always you want to check with your doctor or practitioner to find out what is right for you.
Thanks,
Kristen
Wow..it’s so good to hear I am not alone in this bladder battle. Someone had posted something about antibiotics ‘ bleaching’ the lining….thus essentially damaging the gag lining. I too have heard of this and think there must be a connection. My IC symptoms started only after an antibiotic use for a bladder infection last June. It’s been months of pain and one visit after another to doctors. In the meantime I have had yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and things I never had any problems with. I feel a constant pressure in pelvic area, constant inflammation and pain and discomfort after urinating. I even had stool tests done and it came back that I had Dientemoeba fragilis parasite.!!! I was a healthy, happy, and exercising regularly mom before this happened. I am now following body ecology diet, making my own kefir and cultured veg, taking my supplements, using sweet cures dmannose, doing eft for stress reduction…you name it. What I really have a hard time with is so many articles on IC are so grim and make it sound like there is no hope. Very depressing. I do believe our bodies can heal themselves….with time and patience. I just want to stay positive and believe there is healing to be found with this condition…not just ‘ maintenance’. Next stop for me is colostrum powder…I’ve heard it heals the gag lining very effectively. If anyone has any feedback please share. We are all in this together. Blessings to all of you.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for sharing your experience with me. My aim for this website is to provide hope and resources and it’s definitely not all gloom and doom here. But I know what you mean in general!
Kristen
Just found this site. I’ve had IC for 7-8 yrs. Because I’m also type 1 Diabetic with osteoporosis & hypothroidism wonder if I could take this because of the sugar content?
Also I just started eating a low oxolate diet. Not sure if that will help w/ my IC.
Any comments on either?
Hi Jeanette,
The D-Mannose should not effect your blood sugar as it is not metabolized in the body like regular sugar. You can always check with your doctor first if you are concerned.
Low oxalate diet is very helpful for some people with IC and for others oxalates are not an issue.
Kristen
Hi Kristen and everyone!
It feels good to know that you are not alone.. I have tried D-Mannose in the past but not constantly. I’ ll give it again a try. Just have one question: Is there a cure for IC or just maintenance? Thank you!
Hi Konstantina,
I choose not to use the word cure. Some people experience complete remission of symptoms and the IC does not come back (or has not come back to this point) and other people get to a point where their symptoms are very minimal and manageable through consistent diet and lifestyle choices and through the use of supplements and in some cases, medication. According to the medical community, there is no cure, but not everyone subscribes to that belief or way of seeing the disease.
Kristen
To that point, I had experienced this a few years ago – repeated bladder infections and ultimately an IC diagnosis when the feeling of a bladder infection persisted (with negative test results of course). I suffered for a few months and it really affected my quality of life in that time. I decided to see a naturopath who had me taking uristatin and d-mannose twice a day, which I did for probably about 3 months and was completely symptom free. It’s been about 3 years and would maybe feel the sensation every few months but would be gone within a day. I recently got another bladder infection, and it was treated with antibiotics but I feel those familIr sensations again so I’ve ordered the d-mannose and uristatin and will be starting that cycle again! So I suppose I was in “remission” but according to doctors, MDs and urologists I’ve talked to, if you’re susceptible to this it doesn’t just go away. But if taking a couple supplements daily will prevent it then that works for me!
I have bouts of urethra troubles. Flare ups as I call them. Mimic a bladder infection. Feels like I have to go and walking around feeling so uncomfortable at times. I want to cry. Drs always say no bacteria in my urine and give me diflucan fr yeast. I don’t feel any better l. I came here after countless searches online. I am willing to try d-mannose at this point. Also wrote down another comment about uristatin
Glad to know I am not alone
Hi Heather,
Let us know how it works for you and all the best on your journey.
Kristen
Hi Kristen,
I’m a 23 year old male with no previous history of any bladder/kidney problems.
As of the beginning of January I’ve been suffering with the almost constant urge to urinate. I’m probably going to the toilet a dozen times a day and probably 4 or 5 times during the night! I’ve been to the doc’s and had to give a urine sample and he also gave me 3 days worth of antibiotics that I finished over the weekend. When i went to check on the results of the urine sample he had requested it came back as negative to a uti. I’m a bit confused now, is there a chance there is a small infection that hasn’t been picked up on? I’m still have the feeling of someone pressing on my bladder and occasionally some mild abdominal pain. Do you believe D-mannose could be beneficial to someone in my position?
Hope to hear from you.
J.
Hi Jodi,
Yes I do believe that D-Mannose would be worth a try in your case. It could be a bacterial infection that is not tested for on the standard UTO. Take for at least 2-3 months before determining if it is useful. Depending on your other symptoms, it may be worth looking into weather or not Candida is playing a role. All the best!
Kristen
i think I have interstiial cystitis I am takig de-mannos it seems to help the burning I hope it keeps on helping. A.
I hope it continues to help too, Anna!
Hi there. I am 25 years old and was diagnosed with IC about two years ago. My urologist put me on a medicine regimen including Elmiron, Hydroxizine and Amytriptyline. For the most part my flare ups have seized except for when it comes to having intercourse. Literally every single time I have sex, within 12 hours I feel as though I have a UTI. (Urgency to pee, pain with urination, a deep ache, inability to empty the bladder.) This keeps me from having a normal physical relationship with someone. My doctor has prescribed me with Cipro when I inform him of the pain, and it temporarily helps until the next time I have sex. And then I am back to where I started again. I literally can’t have intercourse without feeling this pain afterwards and at this point, this is the ONLY thing causing my flare ups. I just ordered D Mannose in the capsule form- Ordered it before I read up so much about the powder form. Do you think this could work for me? Should I be taking it everyday or just when my symptoms occur? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Katie,
The capsule form is okay – you will just have to take quite a few capsules to get the same amount as you would with the powder! I would try taking it everyday for 2 months to see if it will help you with this type of flare you are having. Another thing you can try, in addition to the D-Mannose, is hot or cold packs before and after sex. Hope this helps!
Kristen
Thanks Kristen, I actually just received the capsules in the mail today and I am excited to get started. The bottle suggests taking 3 500 mg capsules 1-3 times daily. I am thinking 3 capsules twice daily and see what happens.
Katie, did you find any relief? I have the same issue, Never was really aware of my bladder, had a few UTI’s in my past, usually associated with a new sexual partner, took antibiotics and was fine. In May of this year, I got a new boyfriend and got symptoms about 12-24 hrs after intercourse. It was pretty uncomfortable for the first 2-3 weeks an symptoms subsided a little and sometime I have no symptoms for a day or two. But every time I have sex, I get a flair up! I don’t have pain with urinating, but the dull full bladder making me feel like I have to pee all the time…
Kristen,
First I want to thank you for posting this information. Two weeks ago I started taking D-Mannose at a low dose (1/2 tsp, twice a day) because I wanted to avoid side-effects. Within 12 hours I was able to wear jeans again, within 2 days the feelings of pressure were almost gone! I was shocked!
My IC symptoms began after a UTI 4 months ago. The UTI was brought on by sex, as per usual. I always believed that the UTI had caused my IC symptoms, but until I tried D-Mannose I wasn’t sure that I still had bacteria in my bladder.
I’ve noticed over the last few days that my symptoms are reversing a little. Do you think I’ve plateaued? Maybe I should up my dose now? My side effects have been minimal at the low dose.
Again, thank you!
Hi Amber,
I’m glad it is helping! You could try increasing your intake to the standard dosage, which is 1 tsp 2 times a day and then continue with that for a couple of months to see what happens.
Kristen
Just wondering, how long does d mannose take before you start feeling better?
I was getting constant UTI, one after the other. With some lifestyle changes (including not using soap down there), I have been UTI free for almost 2 years. Just as I was set to celebrate the completion of two years, an infection came back yesterday morning. And what’s really sad is that it was the morning of my much planned wedding anniversary 🙁
I started taking D-mannose last night and I am also taking baking soda. I feel like the relief I am getting is mostly from the baking soda. It cured my of the cramps, but there is still a little burning at the end of urination.
So back to my question – how long does D-mannose take to start working?
Hi Mandy,
For an acute UTI you should notice some relief fairly quickly – within 1-2 days if it’s going to work for you. You should definitely be taking it 3 times a day, 1 tsp at a time. If it is not an infection due to Ecoli bacteria it won’t be effective.
Kristen
I just bought some and it says5g-mannose +botanicals? It does have 125mg oh cranberry, whole fruit . Is this not the pure one? I have IC Thanks tammy
Hi Tammy,
The only ingredient should be D-Mannose. The NOW brand D-Mannose powder is just plain D-Mannose.
Kristen
Your website has been so helpful to me. I have a question about D-Mannose powder. How many ounces of fluid is used per teaspoon? I started using 1/2tsp with 24 ounces of water twice daily. I had results on the first day. I was able to sleep all night with only getting up once to go to the bathroom. After a couple of days I started using 6 ounces of water to 1tsp of D-Mannose this seemed to irritate the urethra. I guess I thought it would work even better at higher concentration. I’m like a lot o women on this site and others. I was diagnosed with ecoli uti December 26,2014 and I’m still having symptoms of uti. It’s been going on 4 months. The D-Mannose is the only thing that has given me some relief. Does anybody uncomfortable driving? This is the worst for me. I’m sitting on a donut to drive and to work. I’m a Dental Hygienist. Thanks again for all the information you provide.
Hi Tara,
We spoke about your concerns in our Q&A session. Hope you are doing well! 🙂
Kristen
I ment to add that my cultures keep coming back negative also. So frustrating !
Hi, I was just recently diagnosed with IC last month. My Urologist put me on Uribel and Elmiron. I started doing research on natual products and herbs and decided to stop the medication. I’m now taking Marshmallow root, Horsetail and Gotu Kola, it has only been 2 days so far, so I can’t really tell if it is working, and of course changing my diet. I’m hearing a lot about D- mannose, my question is would it be ok to add this product to the other herbs I am taking?
Hi Lisa,
D-Mannose should be fine along with the other herbs you are taking. It is a simple sugar.
Kristen
Hello,
I also had a uti out of the blue in December and have had lots of antibiotics ever since as i still have a big problem with frequency.
I am now on a low dose antibiotic once a day and a 10mg tablet of Vesicare but still feel like i need to go to the toiletbfar more than i should. I have had a cystoscopy which showed some ulcers and bleeding but the biopsy suggested it was chronic non-specific cystitis rather than Ic. It’s comforting to know other people have been through similar experiences, not that i would wish it on anyone!!! Some days i feel so down and like i will never get back to normal. Am due to have urodynamics in next week but am worried things will be even worse as i have to come off my meds. Do you think it’s worth trying D mannose? Thank you for any advice anyone can give. Lisa.
.
Hi Lisa,
I think D-mannose is worth a try. You will have to be consistent with it for about a month to see if it will be of any benefit to you. You will also want to consider probiotics, since you have been on antibiotics for a long time.
Kristen
Hi Kirsten,
I have been suffering from reoccurring UTIs for almost 2 years now, on most occasions infection has been present, however a couple of times my urine has shown no infection. I have had an ultrasound scan and an internal scan and everything came back fine. Recently I was put on a 3 monthly course of low dose trimethoprim antibitoics to take every night, within these 3 months I was clear of symptoms, however around 5 days after I had finished the antibiotics I got a bad flare up, my urine was tested and came back negative for infections.
I am definitely going to try the D-mannose powder after reading great reviews about it but I’ve just got a few questions… What is the difference between “Waterfall D-mannose” and “D-mannose” ? Is there certain brands that get better results than other and would you recommend any particular one? I live in the UK and wondering which website I am best to buy it from. Hope it works for me!
Hi Louise,
For this particular supplement, the brand doesn’t matter as much. I have experience using the NOW brand D-Mannose with clients, but not the Waterfall D-Mannose. What you want to look for is 100% pure D-Mannose powder – nothing else added. You could do capsules, but I prefer the powder. Two places to look online would be iherb.com or amazon.
All the best,
Kristen
IC is a biofilm bacterial infection, where the bacterias are on the surface of the bladder. It is very hard to kill them, because the biofilm is a very strong protecting layer. This type of infection needs a 1-3 years of abx , ozone or natural oils treatment. We have 2 problems with this infection: the biofilms and the ability of bacterias to reproduce very fast.
Hi Beata,
Thank you for your comment! Would you be able to share with us which natural oils you used or considered using for treatment of your IC?
Kristen
So , what will kill this biofilm ?
Hi guys, I just stumbled on this blog after a quick google search. I’ve been reading so many comments and I’m getting emotional. IM HERE WITH YOU, and I’m so grateful I’m not alone. Three years ago I had a UTI that lasted nearly a month, and afterwards I still experienced mild urgency. I was eventually referred to a urologist who insisted I did not have IC. Fast forward a year or so, five awful doctors, countless tests, like 4 kinds of birth control, and a new boyfriend. I had an awful UTI, and my current doctor sent me packing with negative test results, I ended up in the ER two nights in a row being shot up with pain killers. Two cultures, both positive for bacteria. I left my doctor and I found an OB who specializes in hormone disorders. His name is Dr. Carlo Lee for anyone interested, and he is located in middle Georgia. He took me off all forms of birth control and performed blood tests after every cycle, 4 cycles later we realized I was not making a single female hormone. My testosterone was fine. He then performed a bladder test (catheterization and potassium chloride) and confirmed I had a mild case of IC. He also ordered an adrenal work up, my adrenal glands are shot. I make almost no cortisol. For anyone who doesn’t get it, let me connect the dots for you:
When your adrenal glands are malfunctioning, they are not regulating your hormones. This is bad. When you’re not making hormones, your ovaries do not function properly. Many studies I have read suggest that low hormones near and around your cycle cause IC pain to intensify. Has this happened to you, ladies? Three days before the Red Wedding I get extreme bladder sensitivity. I digress; without cortisol, your body is not regulating stress hormones. You gain weight, crave sugar, lose sleep, feel constantly fatigued. It’s a vicious cycle and I am still living it.
I’m not healed. I still feel pain. But let me tell you what I’ve learned.
Progesterone, a major female hormone, helps with my bladder pain. Especially at night. I take 600 milligrams every night, it helps me sleep as well. I am prescribed bio-identical hormones for my deficiencies. There’s a little progesterone in this, as well
as a lot of E3 and estrogen. This helps with vaginal dryness some. I also take Dr. Wilson brand adrenal formulas. They’re expensive but you can buy them from adrenal fatigue.org and there’s usually a discount.
Last week, out of nowhere, I began to experience UTI symptoms. Urgency, burning, pelvic pain, flushing. I took an at home test and it came back positive, but my primary care phys. tested me and sent off for a culture, both negative. She still proscribed antibiotics due to my symptoms, and they helped. I do feel better. But it’s also mental.
I struggle everyday not knowing when pain is going to happen, if I will have trouble sleeping because of it, if my (now) husband will get tired of me, why this happened to me, what can I do to fix it. Dr. Lee is great, but he’s not a miracle worker and this is still a work in progress. After reading a few of this blogs posts I will be taking my diet seriously, however inconvenient it is. I’m also going to take another look at D-mannose. I’m going to have a long talk with my husband. And I’m going to keep thinking about all of your words and your struggles. Please think of me. I’m struggling with you and I want relief just as badly as you all do.
When in doubt, get a hormone and adrenal work up. Remember that if you’re paying your doctor, then he or she WORKS for you. Don’t be afraid to order a test. Don’t be afraid to tell them what to do. You know your body and this person can’t tell you about your pain. Be strong. Keep asking questions. Thank you for reading this.
Thank you for sharing all this Danielle – I am sure you will help others through your experience. You’re doing great!
Hi!
I am just wondering where do you get the powder form from? I just came from a local drug store and couldnt find it.
Thank you
Brittany
Look at a health food store or you can purchase it online. Amazon.com and iherb.com will have it.
Hi, I am 21 years old and I was diagnose with IC at the age of 19. I am completely miserable, I’ve been put through so many antibiotics and medication to relief the flares but they usually just come back. I don’t know what else to do with myself. I’ve been taking D-mannose and marshmallow root capsules but it doesn’t seem to work. The only thing that help a bit is probably oxybutin but it’s making my bones weak. I only drink water, I avoid spicy food and acidic drinks. Please help me 🙁 What else can I do?
Hi Fram. I’m sorry your IC is so bad right now. There are a lot of great resources here in the form of blog posts and the 4 week course and you can also check out the IC network and ICA for further info on how to cope with your IC. You may want to try cutting out foods that are more allergenic like gluten, dairy and soy.
A particular nasty UTI around 18 months ago left me with the constant urge to pee, but no infection. After another UTI a couple of months ago, that did not clear up with antibiotics, I decided to try D Mannose and I have had really positive results. It cleared my infection, but I still have mild pain after urination. I have been taking three d mannose 1g capsules every four to five hours during the day for the last few weeks and I believe this is the reason my pain has not got any worse (when I don’t take it, I know about it!)
Also, the website http://www.sweetcures.com has lots of information about dosage of D Mannose, not necessarily for IC, but it’s worth a look.
Thanks for sharing this Caty 🙂
I have been taking d’mannose and silvercillin for a year and they seem to have stopped the infections. However, I still always felt like I had a uti, irritated urethra and frequency. I just tried marshmallow root and it seems to be helping. Are there waiting times to take any of these with prescriptions? Thank You
Hi Carol,
I replied to you via email.
Any recommendations for brands or websites to buy D-Mannose that does not contain cranberry?
NOW brand does not have cranberry. You can get it off of Amazon or a local health food store.
I haven’t been officially diagnosed with IC, but my internist thinks I have it and has referred me to a urologist. My only symptom right now is urgency and my last urinalysis was negative. Occasionally I have a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area and pain that radiates into my upper legs. I have only had 2 diagnosed UTIs in my life but had an similar episode of urgency about 4 years ago. Even though the urinalysis was negative I was given antibiotics and eventually the symptoms went away. This bout with urgency has lasted over a week. I have the NOW d-mannose and have taken my first dose tonight. Has anyone used it for urgency only, without recurrent UTIs?
Hi, I have been diagnosed with IC and I cannot find anything that relieves my pain. Can anyone please help me. I’m desperate. Ill try anything at this point. My dr is not helping. Please help
Hi Heather,
I am not sure what you have already tried, but what about taking curcumin for the inflammation and aloe vera by Desert Harvest?
Kristen
I just had this article sent to me by my Naturopath and I’m super excited to try this supplement. I’ve had IC for 48 years now. I don’t want to go into the details, as they may terrify people. As I read these posts I feel for each and every one of you. But there IS hope. Diet is the MOST important thing you can do to minimize the debilitating symptoms. A true IC diet is extremely strict and there’s a total learning curve involved but if followed religiously, symptoms are lessened. I have been on every drug and have tried every protocol to help IC and diet is the key. I was told by my urogynecologist that my IC was one of the worst cases he has ever seen BUT by adhering to my very strict diet, I am the most successful patient he has ever seen as well. He has asked me to speak to his patients on occasion to give them hope as he calls me his miracle patient and he attributes my success to my diet. I only take Hydroxyzine for my IC at bedtime. If I eat something that has an ingredient in it that’s unfriendly I can be in the bathroom for days in absolutely debilitating pain. My symptoms consisted of intense urethral pain and constant burning, pelvic cramps that were completely debilitating, constant urgency and I was unable to have intercourse, just standing upright was sometimes too painful to do. I’m not completely symptom free, but I’m able to live a fairly normal life. There IS hope and now I’m even more hopeful that this D-Mannose can provide even more relief.
I also wanted to share with you something else my urogynecologist recently told me about the PH balance of a vagina. If your partner’s PH is not a match to your own then burning and irritation can happen during and after intetcourse. My ex husband I’ve now found out was not a match to my own and I never had intetcourse with him without intense burning, we were married for 23 years. My new boyfriend is a total match and I have no burning with him. Stay positive everyone! I’ll update after trying D-Mannose. Super excited to try it!
Thanks leasa for sharing! I’m also an IC patient. Tired of taking Elmiron; Amitriptyline; phenzo pyridine; Uribel. Sometimes if I dont pee right way I have hard time passing it I have to really shuffle here and there on toilet to pass. Do u think this D mannose will help? I’m worried!
I had a UTI back in March of 2015, while I was planning my wedding of all things. Anyway, went to PP as I didn’t have health coverage at that point and they gave me Bactrum (sp). It took away the majority of the problems, but the burning and urge was still there. I went back and they gave me Cipro. I only managed to take that for 2 days as it made me sick. I went back again to do another test and they couldn’t find any bacteria. I was in such pain that i would wake up in the middle of the night in tears. Thankfully it didn’t bother me on my wedding or honeymoon. So I was fine for 2 weeks and then when we came home we found out that our cat was really sick and we had to put him down in July. I’m stll not sure what triggers my flare ups, but I’m wondering if its stress. I went to 2 different urologists and was given so many different types of antibiotics and nothing helped. Finally the last test i had showed a bacteria and was given Bactrum again. I took the whole dose and was fine for abut a week after then the problem back back. I found your post just yesterday and decided to try D-Mannose. So far not feeling any difference, but going to take it until January when I plan on going to see another doctor.
I haven’t been properly diagnosed yet, so I don’t even know if D Mannose will help whatever is going on. But I’m hoping
Hi Terri,
Make sure you take the full dose of D-Mannose to give it a full shot and stay consistent with it for at least a month. I hope you get some relief!
The two most important supplements you should/need to try is Cystoprotek and Desert Harvest Aloe Vera. Take them both together. I’m serious. Go order them now. They work wonders for a lot of people, including myself. I’ve tried so many herbs, too many to mention. But at the end of the day it’s Cystoprotek and the aloe Vera pills that are the most important. Good luck everyone on your road to recovery.
Very much appreciate this discussion. Is there a recommendation as to whether the Mannose can or cannot, should or should not be taken with Uristatin? Any contraindications? Thanks in advance!
There are no contraindications that I know of, but best to check with a pharmacist or doctor.
Wow…I wish I had found this blog 2 months ago! Here’s my story… Started with what we thought was a UTI… Severe pain and blood in my urine..went to my primary, they put me on an antibiotics, piridium and pain pills (said I had a raging infection) 4 days later the pain was unbearably worse…back to primary, changed the antibiotics and referral to a urologist…took a few weeks to get in meanwhile I felt like I was giving birth to my bladder and peeing hot burning lava! First visit with Urologist, she did an ultrasound..asked if I was told I had a UTI and then said she didn’t see any infection…sent me for a CT Scan and scheduled me for a cystoscopy… CT scan and ultrasound results came back normal…got a call rescheduling my cysto..I called back and told them I couldn’t wait another month and a half! Explained that I can barley walk to my car at the end of the day after work!! I had to call back to the Urologists office again to ask them to reschedule me…the PA says well your tests came back normal and the Dr is going to be off for 3 weeks so we can’t get you in before mid January…I told her you don’t understand… I can’t take much more of this pain! I explained to her that I get up in the morning, it takes me about 4-5 times going pee before I can mostly empty my bladder, I go pee about every 15-20 minutes throughout the day (which is exhausting) and between 12-2 the pain starts…burning and pressure so bad that by the end of the day I can barely walk…so she tells me that she can get me in sooner, but the Dr is triple booked so I may have to just wait… No problem…in the meantime I have been doing a lot of research about my symptoms and it looks like I possibly?? have IC… I have modified my diet…no coffee, chocolate, citrus, alcohol, no spicy foods etc… And all I can do to relieve my pain is stay in bed and take a pain pill.. Right now I hate my life, I can’t exercise..can’t go anywhere without being miserable and this is definitely getting to me emotionally as well as physically! I am grateful for the articles and blogs like these because I know I’m not alone….IF I have IC…I don’t expect a miracle diagnosis as I understand that it can take a while and I’d really like to get in to a specialist..someone that knows, accepts and understands as I don’t, at this point, have much faith in my Urologist after putting me off for so long… My cysto appointment is today…I am going to see what she says and then probably get to ordering D-Mannose and possibly some other things I have seen on here…thanks for letting me vent! And I will continue to follow…..wish me luck!
I had a UTI six months ago and was given antibiotics for only three days which I thought was extremely short, given the severity of the infection… Anyway, the symptoms certainly lessened but never entirely went away. In late October they gradually began to increase again – I’m guessing in part due to stress and diet. I have never had pain on urination, but constant urgency and frequency, burning sensations constantly and what I’m guessing are bladder spasms, at frequent intervals. I went back to the doctor in pain and was sent away with some ibuprofen and told to take it for two weeks, as my urine had come back negative for infection. I was absolutely convinced that I did have an infection due to my previous one, but I took ibuprofen for three weeks straight. In November my symptoms got rapidly worse and I went back to the doctors to get blood tests, std tests, pregnancy tests. Everything negative. I was told I needed a pelvic ultrasound but would have to wait until Jan 2016 to get one due to NHS wait lists! Last weekend out of nowhere my abdomen, right by my belly button, distended and was agonisingly and acutely painful. I could barely stand up straight and urinating became intensely painful, like a string was running from my belly button to my urethra. I went to a&e and was again sent away with painkillers. During this time I’d started searching online for my symptoms and became convinced that I was developing IC. I was terrified and went back to a doctor on Monday, who put me back on antibiotics, again a three day course, but a different type. After researching, i decided not to take them and have instead been taking at least 6grams of d mannose every day. The first days I was taking 2g with a glass of water every couple of hours, resisting the urge to urinate (I read elsewhere that the longer the d mannose can be in your bladder the better as it gives the E. coli more time to attach to the sugar). I did develop slight diahorrea on the first day but I figured it was worth it. Now, almost a week later I am taking 6g a day. It’s like a miracle, I’ve gone to the loo no more than 12 times today which is truly incredible. Having read about IC I was convinced I had it, and that the rest of my life was going to be spent in pain – as someone has commented above, so much of the literature on IC is very depressing! Now, I can’t exactly call myself a professional on the subject but I’m sure there must be many women like me who have the same issue, and have been or will be diagnosed with IC when in fact the issue is a straightforward bacterial infection. I’ve been annoyed, to say the least, by the fact that the medical community- at least the practitioners I have come across- seem to be ignorant to this, and also to d mannose and what it can do. This affects so many women’s lives and is so important. Something needs to be done! Anyway, d mannose has been wonderful. I felt the difference after the first day. Whilst I don’t feel entirely back to normal, I’m hugely improved and will continue to take d mannose from now on. I know that my symptoms and what I have gone through are so minimal in relation to what so many of you deal with everyday, but I would urge anyone who thinks there may be even a slight chance that an infection may be at the root of their IC to give d mannose a try. I havent been diagnosed with IC but I’m convinced that if I carried on down the path I was going, I would have got worse and eventually been diagnosed with it.
Sorry for the long post, but I thought being as specific as possible is always helpful as IC seems to vary so much from case to case. Thank you for this website and the work you do, and good luck to everyone struggling with this awful condition.
I have been reading a lot about D Mannose, so I ordered some. Received it today. I have IC, and when I get a UTI its unbearable. I sure hope this works. I take Elmiron, Gabapentin, Hydroxyzine and do home instills which consists of Marcaine and Heparin. But I only do the instills when I’m in a flare. And its seems like when I have to do the instills several times I end up with a UTI. Sure hope the D Mannose will keep the UTI’s at bay.
Hi I’m 25 and like everyone else I’ve been in misery. Not been diagnosed with ic but I,m sure i got it. Had a uti around xmas and felt awful since.going to try d mannose.
I have had 4 back to back UTI’s since September, all different bacteria. What I thought was UTI number 5 came back negative. I started having some pressure in my pelvis but no other symptoms. This has now progressed in to blood in the urine, frequency, and burning. Because I thought I was getting another UTI I started pure cranberry juice. Day 4 I was in serious pain. Quite that and started Marshmellow root capsules. These worked great for a couple of days, but now I have blood in my urine. So have started another round of antibiotics. Is it safe to take Marshmellow root along with antibiotics? Is it common for IC to have blood in the urine? Can I take d-mannose at the same time as the antibiotic. Can I take all three together? I am so glad that I found your website. It has given me hope and it’s nice to know I am not alone.
Hi Julia,
In general you have to take marshmallow root away from medication and this would most likely include antibiotics because it can affect absorption. The D-Mannose should be fine with it. Don’t forget about taking probiotics ongoing!
I was diagnosed with Moderate to Severe IC in January 2013. I tried physical therapy, acupuncture, Botox injections in my cervix, and instills. Nortriptyline worked for most of the urgency, but NOTHING worked for the pain. Any physical activity, including walking, increased my pain exponentially. I began taking d-mannose, and Vitamin D drops 2x per day along with my Elmiron (which I started in June of 2013, but never seemed to do anything) when I began my instills, to prevent UTI’s from the catheters I had to endure every week. I took 1/2 tsp d-mannose powder 2x per day from the end of August 2014-now. I went into remission October 2014. I’ve been in remission since then and never miss my doses of traditional western meds and my d-mannose and vitamin d drops. I still keep to a basic IC diet, but seem to be able to have a little chocolate and a couple drops of ketchup now on my burgers! I don’t know if it was strictly the d-mannose or the combination, but I can now clean my house without sitting down every 15-20 minutes to rest. Sex has greatly improved, and I’m down to 2-3 bladder infections a year. From where I first started with this horrible disease, I feel so much better.
Currently in the throes of a horrible infection, so I was checking this site for dose recommendations to rid myself of it. Three days of Cipro appeared to irritate my bladder, so I’m upping my d-mannose to 1 tsp every 2 hours to hopefully get some relief. My doctors have been no help.
My recommendation is try it. It took 2 months to work for my IC, but if it might work, stick with it. It’s worth finding out.
Awesome feedback 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
I’ve had one UTI. My doctor put me on a round of antibiotics. I still had symptoms, so they tested, and found I still had the UTI. The doctor was stunned, and put me on a second round of much more potent antibiotics. When I still has symptoms and asked him to check, he was adamant that I couldn’t still have the infection. I insisted he test, and yes I still had the infection. After a third round of antibiotics still left me with symptoms, I began to look elsewhere. My wife and like to use natural means of health maintenence and health care when possible. I did an internet search for UTI treatment, and found numerous reverences to d-mannose. Ordered some, started with the therapeutic dose, and within a couple of days, the symptoms began to subside. The only side effect that I noticed, other than softer than normal stools – not diarrhea. I took the therapeutic dose for about six weeks just to be sure, and began decreasing the dose. Symptoms gone within about two weeks. I now take a prophylactic dose of ½ teaspoon daily, just to make sure I never get another of those. Hope this helps put d-mannose in perspective for some of you.
Wow. So glad to know I’m not alone in this! I got my first UTI ever over a year ago that I believe was due to sex. Got antibiotics and it cleared up. A few montns later I felt the symptoms again and went back to the doctor. Culture came back negative. The doctor told me that sometimes the bladder stayed irritated for a while after a UTI. Randomly I would get the urgency and burning symptoms and nothing else. It would last anywhere from a few hours to a whole day. They did a cytoscopy (sp?) and my bladder looked fine. But I wasn’t having symptoms that day. They said they didn’t think it was IC but that it could be and basically told me to try an elimination diet. I got another UTI not long after. Treated it. And then weeks later again I randomly had urgency and burning. I still don’t know if I actually have IC but I suspect I do.
Anyway, I found out about D-mannose and I ordered the Solaray capsules with cranactin. Omg. Next time I had symptoms, I popped like 4 of them (1000 mg/2) and symptoms were gone within an hour. I took 2 daily for weeks then went down to 1 daily. I had zero symptoms for months. Then this past weekend they were back! But I realized I hadn’t taken any d-mannose for several days. Looks like I’ll have to take these for life 🙁 I hope they continue to stay effective.
I’m curios though because these have cranactin in them and they help me but I’ve read that cranberry is horrible for IC. Now I’m really confused as to what is actually going on with my bladder!
I was advised to take D Mangoes last month & it had the opposite effect for me. It actually made my food sensitivities worse & gave me the worse symptoms I have ever had. And I have been struggling with IC for about 20 years. I’m actually struggling with which diet to follow. I’ve heard of a rescue diet but have been unable to find one online (my symptoms prior were never bad enough to go beyond the elimination of lemons & caffeine). Advice?
I am not sure if I have IC, but my urologist suggested it after I was treated for a a UTI (only a few bacteria were found) with several courses of Antib’s. After they didn’t find anymore bacteria and the symptoms didn’t go away they suggested IC. I am really scared after reading so many horror stories on the Internet about people not wanting to live anymore, having no quality of life and apparently 50% have to be on disability!! My symptoms are not that bad, so I am still hoping I don;t have IC and my bladder my just be inflamed after the UTI or actually after the antibiotics….. my symptoms got more constant after the 4 rounds of those! I do not have pain during urination or when the bladder fills up, nor pain during sex. I just have like a constant bit of pressure on my pubic bone the occasional feeling like someone is sticking a needle in my pelvis area and I sometimes a bit of frequency, although I do drink a lot of water!! Does this really sound like IC?? I have just started on Atarax, Valium and anti-inflammatories not much change though. 3 days ago I started with D-Mannose nad Prelief (although food doesn’t seem to make anything worse really, I don;t seem to flare just have a constant discomfort!! Can anyone give me some advice, I think I may be slightly better since the D-Mannose, could this work this quickly already? And if it does, does it mean I may not have IC????
I hope someone may have some answers for me……I am not sure if I have IC, but my urologist suggested it after I was treated for a a UTI (only a few bacteria were found) with several courses of Antib’s. After they didn’t find anymore bacteria and the symptoms didn’t go away they suggested IC. I am really scared after reading so many horror stories on the Internet about people not wanting to live anymore, having no quality of life and apparently 50% have to be on disability!! My symptoms are not that bad, so I am still hoping I don;t have IC and my bladder my just be inflamed after the UTI or actually after the antibiotics….. my symptoms got more constant after the 4 rounds of those! I do not have pain during urination or when the bladder fills up, nor pain during sex. I just have like a constant bit of pressure on my pubic bone the occasional feeling like someone is sticking a needle in my pelvis area and I sometimes a bit of frequency, although I do drink a lot of water!! Does this really sound like IC?? I have just started on Atarax, Valium and anti-inflammatories not much change though. 3 days ago I started with D-Mannose nad Prelief (although food doesn’t seem to make anything worse really, I don;t seem to flare just have a constant discomfort!! Can anyone give me some advice, I think I may be slightly better since the D-Mannose, could this work this quickly already? And if it does, does it mean I may not have IC????
I have just been diagnosed with IC and am having trouble finding something that works for me. My doctor is just having me try changing my diet, but I think I am experiencing a flare and it will not go away. It has been about 3 weeks of pretty much constant pain (burning). I am currently taking uribel for the pain, but it just isn’t that effective. I have not tried D-Mannose, but after reading the responses on here I am going to. I also wanted to try marshmallow root and baking soda. Do you think it would be a bad thing to try all of these at once? I am in constant pain and I am looking for something to at least alleviate the pain.
PS: I have been having a very hard time dealing with all of this but your blog as well as the comments and posts from others are really helping me calm down. Thank you so much!
I hope this might help someone. I have found that when I have hot stinging feelings in the vagina/urethra area that plain yoghurt helps and is very cooling. You can also buy mini panty liners and put the yoghurt on that. At night don’t wear undies just put some yoghurt into the vagina and genital area and put a tissue below on the anal area so that the yoghurt doesn’t drip onto the sheets as it “melts”.
I have had a shocking time since Christmas 2015 with UTI after sex. I usually clean up straight away but this time I didn’t and I’m paying for it bigtime 3 months later. I have had bad reactions to antibiotics especially Cephalexin. I’m now on Amoxicillin which seems to be helping although I still have some irritation.
What has also helped me is having test strips so that I can test myself at home as to whether I have a UTI or IC. Saves going to the doctor for no reason. The test strips are Combur10 with 100 strips in it, not cheap but well worth it. When I have a doctor’s appointment I wee in a bottle and test it myself and if it is a UTI I take in the sample and get an antibiotic.
I also always have a repeat prescription on hand just in case. I have had this doctor for over 20 years and he is happy to write out a prescription over the phone.
I’m hoping that in 2 days time I will be better but with all the trouble I’ve been through I’m not holding my breath. I bought D-mannose the other day in tablet form and hope to start that when I’m done with this antibiotic.
Sorry for the long rave ????
Also, my sister and niece have both got painful bladder syndrome. They use Ethical Nutrients Urinary Tract Support: http://tinyurl.com/hwzzohf (pic of tablets), and have really been helped, especially my niece who’s had trouble since she was very young and just discovered them. I also bought some but I actually had an infection so they didn’t work at the time but I’m going back on those as well, for maintenance.
I haven’t been diagnosed with IC but I was left with constant bladder pain and urgency after a UTI in March last year (2015). I was given three lots of antibiotics by my doctor which reduced the symptoms but as soon as I stopped taking the course they’d come back even if my urine results were negative. I have done a lot of research on the internet like most of you. I have good days and bad days. I think my bladder still has signs of an infection but I also think the lining of the bladder is damaged for the long term. If I feel a bladder infection coming on I take D-Mannose, it works but MY does it make you pee (a lot) I take the tablets 2 or 3 for a couple of days until the feeling has passed. My bladder remains irritated at all times whether there is an infection coming on or not, I manage this in a number of different ways as I find taking D-Mannose when I don’t actually have a bladder infection can make my IC symptoms worse. The key to healing a damaged bladder and keeping infections at bay is to maintain an Alkaline environment for your bladder. I drink bottled water with a high calcium (Alkaline) content (not tap water) you can also buy Alkaline water filters but I do not find them as effective. I always drink lemon juice in my water when I can because although acidic, when your body processes lemon juice it actually changes to alkaline, sounds bizarre but when it hits your bladder it is Alkaline not Acidic. I also take a few supplements. Calcium Magnesium Citrate to Alkalinize the urine and Hylauronic Acid Tablets with Collagen (Solgar do these) in an attempt to help repair the damage to my bladder. Although I am not completely symptom free I am in a lot less pain, my flair ups continue now and again but now I know how to treat them and have no need for hopeless antibiotics or wasted visits to the doctor. Avoid acidic foods at all costs, easier said than done…my worst irritant is tomatoes, which I love, but they cause me no end of problems (highly acidic). Get yourself an Alkaline cookbook or chart of the internet, there are loads out there and they can really help you avoid making your symptoms worse!
Thanks for all your comments, always like to hear of new things to try
I am confused I thought d-mannose is for UTI bacterial infections? My understanding is that IC is not an infection rather painful bladder syndrome with no known confirmed cause. Studies suggest it can be due to weakened or overactive pelvic floor muscles. I am going to try d-mannose but am unsure if it will work for IC. Until I can get in to see a uro-gynecologist it can’t hurt to try it. But can someone confirm if they actually have been diagnosed with IC and not just a UTI where d-mannose has helped your symptoms?
Greetings. I have had IC for many years. I take quercetin and D-mannose twice daily. I also use oregano oil, and I follow the IC diet. The quercetin I take has bromelain in it. It helps a lot. If I don’t take these I have intolerable pain. I also use unscented laundry soap, cotton panties, and of course no bubble baths or tub baths. I also had some urethritis, which makes it all the more interesting.
Hello – I found this website from doing multiple google searches about recurrent UTI’s and possibly having IC… I had been taking d-mannose for about a week or so only to find out that it kills sperm. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for a year now and these issues of mine were all brought on because of that. I’m so discouraged as this was the one thing that had given me hope to finally clear up these issues and now I’m feeling hopeless again. Anyone out there found another solution while your trying to conceive and in your fertile window? Also does anyone know how long D-Mannose stays in your system (so I can figure out if I can take it on the off days of trying to conceive)? Someone else has to be experiencing this too right?
I’ve also been stressing about all of this making my PH levels too acidic in my cervix (therefore also killing sperm)… why is this all so difficult? Feeling a little hopeless :/
Hi, I found this site through google, I am a healthy, fit woman in her 50’s, with a grown up family, as busy professional life and still want the most from life. My experience of urinary infections started in my late 40’s and I suppose around the start of the menopause. The pattern of my infections are definitely connected to sex and over the years have moved from the traditional symptoms of cystitis with the urge to pee and then awful, painful burning pain when you do manage to urinate to a deep consistent dull pain in my pelvic area, a tingling urge to pee and general feeling of weariness and being dragged down by this annoying condition. And of course the frustrating knowledge that within 12 hours of any sexual contact the symptoms will flare up, which is not conducive to a fulfilling sex life, which we are all entitled to, whatever age ! I have taken more antibiotics than I care to remember over the last 5/8 years, had a cystoscopy, multiple urine tests most of which had negative results. I recently saw another gynecologist who performed an internal scan and confirmed I had a healthy uterus etc, no visible bladder prolapse and good pelvic floor control, in other words fit and healthy, yet I persistently have the debilitating condition. The gyne thinks I may have IC and recommended I try D-Mannose, which I will order today, as I will try anything to be rid of this and not have to take anymore antibiotics. My assumption from reading the many experiences is that the powder is the best approach to start with to get it under control and probably follow up with tablets as an ‘on going’ management of the condition?
Hello, be careful- D mannose will lower your testosterone and increase estrogen activities so if you have estrogen dominance which actually causes UTI because estrogen do change your PH AND MAKE IT acidic- — D mannose will affect your hormones and do not tell me is not true or no research has been found about that– when i say something it is it — make sure if you want to take it do so with it grape seed extract will fight estrogen dominance regardless do not take a high level of D mannose for it does increase estrogen and blood pressure- im 100 percent sure- be careful
I was recently diagnosed with cystitis. I’ve been doing crunches and leg lifts, but stopped when I found out that these types of exercises can cause blood in urine. I’ve been “self-medicating” with two Ellura in the morning taken with 2 Prelief, but as Ellura is expensive, I’ve cut it down to one per day. Then I take one Zantac a day and a Benadryl at night, and also take three Ester C in the morning and two Ester C in the afternoon. I drink water with baking soda at night and am on a low-acid, low-histamine diet. I do a couple pelvic floor exercises that I learned about online. I rarely feel the burning/stinging of cystitis now. I’m scheduled for my first ever cystoscopy next week. I feel lucky, as I know a lot of people suffer greatly with IC. I’m going to try the D-Mannose powder and am hoping that will completely do the trick. The worst part is being a chocoholic and not being able to eat chocolate! I do indulge in a little white chocolate now and again and it doesn’t seem to make symptoms worse. Also drinking only white rum and vodka, but not often. When I do, I take three Prelief. The other night I had the bartender make me a blueberry mojito with fresh blueberries, sugar, water and white rum (no club soda as we can’t drink anything carbonated) and it was amazing!