A urinary tract infection can affect your urethra, kidneys, and other parts of your urinary tract and result in pain and other difficult symptoms. If you suffer from this condition, you may find relief when you visit a doctor to get the proper UTI treatment. Your doctor may try one or more of these urinary tract infection treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and resolve the condition.

Medication

Most doctors try treatment with medication first, as this method is often the most effective at getting rid of a urinary tract infection and preventing the problem from recurring. Since UTIs are often caused by bacteria, antibiotics are often prescribed to kill the bacteria and stop the infection. In more severe UTI cases, the antibiotics may need to be administered intravenously in a medical setting. Some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics that are used for urinary tract infection treatment include:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate
• Ciprofloxacin
• Nitrofurantoin
• Fosfomycin

Even after medication is prescribed, it may take a few days before you notice a decrease in symptoms. To relieve some of the pain that a UTI can cause in the meantime, the doctor may prescribe pain medicine that has a numbing effect so that you can experience less of a burning sensation when you urinate.  

Vaginal Estrogen Therapy

If you are a woman who is postmenopausal and experiencing frequent urinary tract infections, your doctor may recommend vaginal estrogen therapy for treatment. Estrogen cream can be prescribed to apply topically, or your doctor may insert a ring inside the vagina to provide a steady supply of estrogen so that the vaginal region can stay healthier and UTI-free. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of cancer or another medical condition that could be worsened by estrogen therapy before you start this type of treatment.

Self-Care Options

In addition to treatment that is prescribed by a doctor, you can take measures to lessen the effects of a UTI and prevent future infections. Increasing your fluid intake can help your body flush out more of the bacteria that are known to cause urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice can have a cleansing effect on the urinary tract and might reduce the infection. Using a water-based lubricant during sex can help prevent vaginal dryness that often leads to UTIs. Adopting better hygiene habits can also be good for alleviating and preventing UTIs. You should inform your doctor of any self-care treatments that you want to try, and your doctor may be able to recommend additional treatments that you can try on your own.

The pain and suffering that often come with having a urinary tract infection can be shortened with the right UTI treatment. When you visit a doctor, you can learn more about the urinary tract infection treatments that are available and get answers to your questions so that you can make the most informed choices about your care.