Antibiotics usually are the first line treatment for urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition.

Diagnosis

  • Analyzing a urine sample

Your doctor may ask for a urine sample for lab analysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. To avoid potential contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to first wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad and to collect the urine midstream.

  • Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab

Lab analysis of the urine is sometimes followed by a urine culture. This test tells your doctor what bacteria are causing your infection and which medications will be most effective.

  • Creating images of your urinary tract

If you are having frequent infections that your doctor thinks may be caused by an abnormality in your urinary tract, you may have an ultrasound, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

  • Using a scope to see inside your bladder

If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may perform a cystoscopy, using a long, thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) to see inside your urethra and bladder.

What tests will be done to diagnose a UTI ?

  • Urinalysis

During this test, you’ll pee into a special cup. The provider will send the sample to a laboratory, where technicians will examine it for signs of a UTI using multiple variables such as nitrites, leukocyte esterase and white blood cells.

  • Urine culture.

You’ll pee into a special cup, and lab technicians will test your sample to grow and identify any bacteria that are present. Urine cultures are important because they help your provider determine the most appropriate treatment. If your infection doesn’t respond to treatment, a provider may order the following tests to examine your urinary tract for a disease or injury.

  • Ultrasound

An ultrasound is an imaging test that helps your provider look at your internal organs. An ultrasound is painless and doesn’t require any preparation.

  • Computed tomography (CT) scan

A CT scan is another imaging test. It’s a type of X-ray that takes cross-section images of your body — like slices — that create 3D images of the inside of your body. A CT scan is more precise than a standard X-ray.

  • Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy uses a cystoscope to look inside your bladder through your urethra. A cystoscope is a thin instrument with a lens and a light at the end.

Home Remedies

  • Drink plenty of fluids

Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs. This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When you’re dehydrated, you aren’t urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

  • Increase vitamin C intake

Some evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs. Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.

  • Take probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt.

  • Drink unsweetened cranberry juice

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for UTIs. If drinking unsweetened cranberry juice isn’t your thing, you can also take it in capsule form. Cranberries work by helping to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

  • Practice healthy hygiene habits

Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits. First, it’s important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.

  • Consider switching birth control

Some older researchTrusted Source suggests that certain contraceptives may contribute to the cause of UTIs in some women. If you use diaphragms, spermicides, or nonlubricated condoms and get frequent UTIs, it may be worth talking with your doctor to consider other methods of birth control.

  • Use a heating pad

Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen can help ease some of the discomfort that comes with a UTI and reduce frequent trips to the bathroom that can cause painful burning. If you’re experiencing severe pain that doesn’t let up even with at-home methods, it’s probably best to see a doctor about your symptoms.

  • Bearberry

Bearberry is also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi or upland cranberry. The leaves of this plant might exhibit potent antibacterial properties. It might be a potent herb for bladder infections. It might specifically have antibacterial activity against E. coli, which is known to be the primary causative agent of UTIs. It contains a compound, arbutin, which might be responsible for its diuretic (increased urine production and excretion) and astringent (acidic or bitter) property, which might be helpful against UTIs. However, more research is necessary to prove these effects.

  • Cinnamon

It is known that cinnamon might have an action against the bacteria causing UTIs in long- term catheter users. This activity might be due to its potential effect of preventing the bacteria from coating the urinary tract. Therefore, cinnamon might be an effective natural remedy for UTIs. However, more research is required to prove such claims. Kindly do not self-medicate

  • Punarnava

Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is also known as horse puselene and Hog weed in English. It might be helpful in recurrent urinary tract infections. Your Ayurvedic physician might prescribe you a decoction containing the leaves of Punarnava, Tribulus (Gokshura) and coriander for UTIs. This decoction might also be helpful in treating pain or burning sensation felt during urination in people not having UTIs. However, these claims need to be backed up by more research. Kindly do not self-medicate.

Prevention

  • Drink lots of water and urinate frequently.
  • Avoid fluids such as alcohol and caffeine that can irritate the bladder.
  • Urinate shortly after sex.
  • Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement.
  • Keep the genital area clean.
  • Showers are preferred to baths and avoid using oils.
  • Sanitary pads or menstrual cups are preferred to tampons. If you want to buy menstrual cups, then there is an excellent selection on Amazon with thousands of customer reviews.
  • Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control.
  • Avoid using any perfumed products in the genital area.
  • Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry.

What specific antibiotics are used to treat a UTI?

  • Nitrofurantoin. (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
  • Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs), such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.(Bactrim, Bactrim DS)
  • Amoxicillin.
  • Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin.
  • Doxycycline.
  • Fosfomycin.
  • Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
  • Azithromycin
  • Meropenem
  • Do not take these medicines directly without consulting doctor.
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About UTI - Urinary tract infection Treatment