How are UTIs treated? 

Once it  is determined that your symptoms have been caused by an infection,  your doctor will prescribe an  antibiotic. Antibiotics can kill  the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the  type of bacteria found. 

For simple infections, you’ll be given 3 days of therapy. For more serious  infections, you’ll be given a prescription  for 7 days or longer. Be sure to  follow your instructions carefully and completely. If you have any allergies to  drugs, be sure your doctor knows what they are. 

Will UTIs come back? 

Most healthy women don’t have repeat infections. However, about one out of  every five women who get  a UTI will get another one. Some women get three or  more UTIs a year. Men frequently get repeat infections. Anyone who has diabetes  or a problem that makes it difficult to urinate may get repeat infections. 

If you get repeat infections, talk  with your doctor about special treatment  plans. Your doctor may refer you to a  urologist, a doctor who specializes in  urinary problems. Your doctor may have you take  antibiotics over a longer period  to help prevent repeat infections. Some doctors give patients who  get frequent  UTIs a supply  of antibiotics to be taken at  the first sign of  infection. Make  sure you understand and follow the instructions your doctor gives you. 

Men may need  to take antibiotics for a longer time. Bacteria can hide deep in  prostate tissue. Men shouldn’t take their spouse’s pills  and think they will  cure the infection. See a doctor for  treatment that fits your needs. 

Top? 

How can I prevent more UTIs? 

Changing some of your daily habits may help you avoid UTIs. 

• Drink lots of fluid to flush the bacteria from your system. Water  is best.  Try  for 6 to 8 glasses a day. 

• Drink cranberry juice or take vitamin C. Both increase the acid in your urine  so bacteria can’t grow easily. Cranberry juice also makes your bladder wall  slippery, so bacteria can’t stick to it. 

• Urinate frequently  and go when  you first feel the urge. Bacteria can grow  when urine stays in the bladder too long. 

• Urinate shortly after sex. This can flush away bacteria that might  have entered your urethra during sex. Drinking  a glass of water will also help. 

• After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back, especially after a  bowel movement. 

• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so that air can keep the area  dry. Avoid tightfitting jeans and nylon underwear, which trap moisture and can  help bacteria grow. 

• For women, using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control can lead to UTIs  by increasing bacteria growth. If you have trouble with UTIs, consider modifying  your birth control method. Unlubricated condoms or spermicidal condoms increase  irritation, which may help bacteria grow. Consider switching to lubricated  condoms without spermicide or using a nonspermicidal lubricant. 

Hope through Research 

Scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health are working on a  vaccine to help prevent UTIs. The vaccine may be a  suppository  to place in the vagina or a  pill to make the body’s infectionfighting cells stronger.