how to treat a uti

Effectively treating a UTI starts with finishing any prescribed course of antibiotics as they’re the frontline treatment to clear the infection caused by bacteria. It’s important you complete the full course, even if symptoms start to improve, to prevent the UTI from coming back. Sometimes, symptoms like urgency or discomfort might linger for a few days even after the bacteria are cleared, but it shouldn’t be as severe. If the symptoms persist more than a few days after finishing antibiotics, or they’re getting worse, it’s important to follow up with your doctor. There might be a resistant strain at play or it could be a different issue altogether, like interstitial cystitis, needing further evaluation and possibly different treatment. In addition to antibiotics, stay really well hydrated; water helps flush out bacteria. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and fizzy drinks as these can irritate your bladder. Some people find relief using a heating pad on their abdomen for the discomfort. While drinking cranberry juice is commonly discussed, evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing or treating UTI’s is mixed, so don’t rely solely on that. Remember, it’s also crucial to practice good personal hygiene, wiping from front to back and urinating after intercourse. If the UTIs are recurrent, your doctor might suggest lifestyle adjustments or possibly prophylactic antibiotics. Ensuring you’re wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding any tight clothing can also help minimize risk of UTIs. Always consider discussing these strategies with your provider to tailor them to what’s feasable for you. If any fever, chills, lower back pain, or blood in your urine occurs, seek immediate medical advice, as these indicate a possible kidney infection.