Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more prevalent in women than men. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 50 percent of women will suffer from at least one UTI in their lifetime. The infections occur in the urinary system which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Some women suffer from chronic, recurring infections. Symptoms of a UTI include burning while urinating, lower abdominal cramps, bloody, dark or cloudy urine as well as frequent urination. A new sex partner, pregnancy, birth control pills, diabetes or even harsh soaps can cause a urinary tract infection.
Antibiotics
The most common treatment for urinary tract infections is antibiotics. According to the Mayo Clinic, the antibiotic prescribed depends on the bacteria present and a woman's overall health. Common prescribed antibiotics include amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Although a woman may no longer show signs of a UTI, antibiotic therapy often continues for about a week; however, some short antibiotic treatments take between one and three days to complete. A person with a UTI should take antibiotics as prescribed; skipping doses or ending treatment early may cause the UTI to recur.
Pain Relief
Medication to treat pain associated with a UTI is available over-the-counter at most drug stores. Phenazopyridine is an analgesic which treats UTI pain. The drug numbs the bladder and lower urinary tract, relieving pain and discomfort. However, the drug does not treat the actual infection; antibiotics are still required, according to Drugs.com. The drug should not be taken for longer than two days. Phenazopyridine temporarily changes the color of a woman's urine to bright orange or red. Women should wear panty liners and ensure toilets are flushed well after urinating to avoid stains. Women who wear contact lenses should be aware that their tears may also turn orange, thereby possibly staining the contacts, points out the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign McKinley Health Center.
Home Remedies and Treatment
Women should drink 6 to 8 oz. water daily to flush out the urinary tract. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign McKinley Health Center recommends drinking 8 oz. cranberry juice daily because bacteria does not adhere well to the urinary tract after a person drinks cranberry juice. A person should avoid intercourse for three to five days if they have a UTI. Also, she should decrease consumption of alcohol, coffee and sodas, which irritate the urinary tract and cause dehydration.
