Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can occur in both men and women, and can become more common as you age. Symptoms include painful urination, more frequent urination or urgency to urinate. In some cases, your urine may appear cloudy or bloody. Most such infections are readily treatable with medication, so see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and prescriptions for medications. Never disregard symptoms, warns the Cleveland Clinic, because urinary tract infections can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Step 1
Take all prescribed antibiotic medication until it is gone, even after your symptoms go away. Stopping treatment too soon cause can the infection to recur. Because urinary tract infections can spread bacteria to the kidneys, your doctor will probably recommend treatment with oral antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
Step 2
Ask your doctor about phenazopyridine hydrochloride if you are suffering from burning pain or urgency to urinate. This drug can help relieve the discomfort that often accompanies a urinary tract infection, and may make you feel better even before the antibiotics begin to eradicate bacteria.
Step 3
Drink plenty of water to dilute your urine, which helps to flush bacteria from your system. Avoid any beverage that could potentially irritate your bladder, such as coffee and alcohol.
Step 4
Apply a warm heating pad to your abdominal area to help relieve pain and discomfort.
Step 5
Add cranberry juice to your diet. Anecdotal evidence reveals that cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties and can be a beneficial preventative for many women who are prone to urinary tract infections.
Step 6
Choose showers over baths and sanitary pads over tampons to help prevent any future infection, recommends the MedlinePlus.
Step 7
Urinate both before and after sexual activity to help flush bacteria from your body. If you suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections that are brought on by sexual activity, you may benefit from a single-dose antibiotic following intercourse.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak to your doctor about vaginal estrogen therapy if you are postmenopausal and are bothered with recurrent urinary tract infections.
Things You'll Need
- Prescribed antibiotic
- Prescribed pain reliever
- Fluids
- Heating pad
- Cranberry juice
