Can Cranberry Help Prevent Cystitis?

Prevention and treatment are different

Have you heard that cranberry juice may help prevent bladder infections? Cranberry is a red fruit sold as juice, supplements and other products. It may help reduce recurrence in women who experience repeated cystitis.

However, prevention is not guaranteed, and evidence that cranberry treats an existing bladder infection is insufficient. It is important to distinguish prevention from treatment.

Preventing repeated bladder infections

Cystitis can return after successful treatment. This is called recurrence. Most cranberry research has examined whether regular use reduces future infections in women with recurrent urinary tract infections. Cystitis, an infection of the bladder, is one type of urinary tract infection.

A 2023 Cochrane review combining several studies found that cranberry products may reduce infection risk in women with recurrent urinary tract infections. Results varied between studies, and the benefit is not the same for everyone.

What do international guidelines say?

Clinical guidelines bring together research to guide testing and treatment. The 2025 guideline from the American Urological Association (AUA) and partner organizations recommends offering cranberry as an option for prevention in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.

The 2026 European Association of Urology (EAU) guideline also discusses cranberry for preventing recurrence, while emphasizing that patients should be informed about inconsistent findings and uncertainty in the evidence. Cranberry is therefore an option to consider with an understanding of its limitations.

How might cranberry help?

Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs). These are thought to hinder bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract, which may make infection less likely.

Summary

Cranberry is one option women with repeated bladder infections can consider for prevention. Discuss care suited to you, keeping treatment of current symptoms separate from prevention of future infections.

Ask at our clinic

Our clinic stocks cranberry juice, jam and supplements (not covered by health insurance). Please ask our staff if you are interested.

References