According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases, or the NIDDK, more than 8 million doctor visits are the result of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. The NIDDK states that UTIs are the second most common type of bodily infection and that they are more common in women than in men. A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract that can affect the kidneys, urethra, bladder and ureters, according to the Mayo Clinic. Various effective treatments are available to cure a UTI.
Purpose
The purpose of effective treatments for UTIs is to kill the bacteria and remove it from the urinary system. Treatments can also be used for prevention if someone experiences reoccurring UTIs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Antibiotics
According to MedlinePlus.com, antibiotics are commonly given to treat and cure a UTI. Common antibiotics used are amoxicillin, fluoroquinolones, doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and augmentin, according to the website. Antibiotics' primary function is to kill bacteria. The typical prescription for antibiotics to treat a UTI is three days for women and seven to 14 days for men, according to MedlinePlus.com. Antibiotics need to be taken in their entirety, even if symptoms improve. Stopping an antibiotic before the prescription is completed can cause the infection to reoccur.
Home Remedies
The Mayo Clinic suggests home remedies to treat UTI symptoms until the antibiotics or other prescribed medications take effect. Plenty of water should be ingested to effectively dilute the urine and flush out the urinary tract. Drinks that can irritate the bladder such as citrus juice, coffee and alcohol should all be avoided. A heated pad can be placed on the lower stomach area and set on a medium setting to ease pain and discomfort from the UTI.
Preventative Treatment
Preventative treatment is recommended to people who experience reoccurring UTIs, according to MedlinePlus.com. Preventative treatment includes using pads instead of tampons; take showers, not baths; cleaning the genitals before and after sex; wiping from front to back after bowel movements; wearing loose-fitting clothing; drinking two to four quarts of liquid a day; and drinking cranberry juice. People with reoccurring UTIs may be prescribed a single-dose antibiotic to be used immediately after sexual intercourse, according to the NIDDK.
Cranberry Juice Consideration
The Mayo Clinic states that there are indications that cranberry juice can help treat and prevent UTIs, but it has not been scientifically proven. There's no recommended dosing, and consumption of cranberry juice can lead to excessive bleeding if taken with blood thinners. No treatment should be administered without consulting a doctor.
