Treatment of a Urinary Tract Infection

Treatment of a Urinary Tract Infection

Specific treatment for UTIs will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• Antibacterial medications
• Other medications and/or a heating pad to relieve pain
• Behavior modifications, including the following:
  • Drink plenty of water to help cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria.
  • Avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods.
  • Quit smoking.

Preventing Future Urinary Tract Infections

To reduce the likelihood of developing another UTI, a patient may consider doing the following:

• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Drink cranberry juice. Large amounts of vitamin C inhibits the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
• Urinate when you feel the need, and do not resist the urge to urinate.
• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
• Take showers instead of tub baths.
• Cleanse the genital area before and/or after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches.