A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) poses some really discomforting symptoms that can affect a patient’s daily life. UTIs mostly affect the bladder and urethra but can also affect the kidneys and ureters. They are accompanied by symptoms like an uncontrollable urge to urinate, increased frequency and painful urination, and frequent bathroom visits at night. The treatment method is based on the severity of the infection and the intensity of symptoms. Read on to understand a few treatment options for UTIs.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics generally make for the first step of treating a UTI. Medications are prescribed after considering the type of bacteria responsible for the infection and which part of the urinary tract it has affected. The antibiotics prescribed can vary for every individual, and the course of the medication is also different. That said, it’s imperative to follow the prescribed course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from recurring. The antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to treat a UTI may include nitrofurantoin, sulfonamides, fosfomycin, cephalosporins, and doxycycline.

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics
For postmenopausal and pregnant women and for people running a high fever or unable to keep food and liquids down, the doctor may recommend intravenous antibiotic treatment for a UTI. This means the antibiotic is administered directly into a vein to immediately enter the bloodstream for quicker progress. A complicated UTI calls for immediate attention and treatment, and intravenous treatment is followed by an oral antibiotic dose once the condition begins improving.

Intake more fluids
If one has or had a UTI, it’s highly recommended to stay hydrated. A higher intake of water aids in diluting the urine and helps flush out bacteria through frequent urination.

The continuous research on treatment and management of UTI symptoms has resulted in several treatment options for UTIs, including therapy. Additionally, here’s a list of a few risk factors to help prevent an infection in the first place:

Sexual activity
Sexually active women are more susceptible to developing UTIs. Changing the sexual partner or engaging in sexual activity for the very first time can cause a UTI. It’s ideal to empty the bladder soon after intercourse to prevent an infection.

UTI is common among women
Women’s urethra is shorter than men’s, which means bacteria have to travel a shorter distance to latch on to the bladder. This makes women more susceptible to developing a UTI than men.

Birth control options
Using diaphragms and spermicidal agents can result in multiplying bacteria. Also, a flavored condom can contribute to an infection.

Deodorants or soaps
Deodorants, soaps, powders, and other products with intense fragrances can irritate the urethra. It’s ideal to resort to using warm water for cleansing and ditch douching altogether.

Wipe front to back
After a bowel movement or urination, it’s ideal to wipe from front to back and never the other way around. This practice keeps bacteria from the rectum from reaching the vagina or urethra.