Treatment FAQ

what treatment to alleviate discomfort for urinary tract infection

by Leon Rath Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) are OTC pain relievers that could help ease some of the pain and discomfort UTIs can cause. Phenazopyridine is another pain reliever that could help relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Some forms of phenazopyridine are OTC while others require a prescription. Antibiotics.

Medication

How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) with 10 Home Remedies

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar. How to treat uti with ACV? ...
  2. Cranberry Juice. Drinking a small glass of cranberry juice can prevent you from UTI. ...
  3. Indian Gooseberry. Indian gooseberry or Amla is highly effective for UTI. ...
  4. Baking Soda. ...
  5. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  6. Vitamin C. ...
  7. Blueberries. ...
  8. Pineapple. ...
  9. Uva Ursi Herb. ...
  10. Drinking water. ...

Self-care

It’s not uncommon for UTIs to go away on their own without the use of antibiotics. In fact, some research states that up to 42% of UTIs can go away on their own without medical treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that there are risks to leaving UTIs untreated.

What is the best natural remedy for urinary tract infection?

UTIs are often preventable simply by making certain lifestyle changes:

  • Wear loose clothing, such as loose pants, skirts, dresses, and cotton underwear. ...
  • Drink plenty of water. It’s good for you and helps flush bacteria from your system.
  • Wipe from front to back, to stop bacteria from spreading.
  • After sexual intercourse, urinate to clear out any bacteria.

Will UTI go away on its own without antibiotics?

other herbs and supplements

  • Berberine: An alkaloid which can prevent UTI’s by inhabitating bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder
  • Garlic capsules: Garlic has strong anti-bacterial properties that fighs the bacteria safely
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C may help limit the growth of the bacteria by making the urine acidic ( source)

More items...

How to cure urinary infection naturally?

How do you cure UTI without antibiotics?

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Why are women at a higher risk for UTI?

People with female reproductive organs are at a higher risk for UTI because of their anatomy. The female urethra, the tube which empties urine from...

Should UTI treatment vary according to what’s causing the infection?

Your UTI treatment may vary according to what's causing the infection. Certain UTIs, especially chronic and recurring ones, will need antibiotic tr...

Will over-the-counter products (OTC) products like AZO get rid of my UTI?

Maybe. OTC products like AZO contain active ingredients that have antibacterial properties. In the case of AZO, the active ingredient is a compound...

Can you get rid of a UTI naturally at home, or do you need antibiotics?

Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to...

When do I need to see a doctor for a UTI?

UTIs do have a risk of severe complications if they're left untreated. UTIs that affect your kidneys and bladder need to be treated by a profession...

What is the treatment for urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections are relatively common and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Treatment with antibiotics are usually needed to eradicate the infection and reduce the potential for complications.

How to get rid of a urine infection?

Urinary tract infections can be unpleasant, but there are ways to alleviate your pain and make you more comfortable. Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of your bladder. You’ll know you’re drinking enough water when your urine is light yellow.

How to stop a spasm in the bladder?

Take over-the-counter medication for bladder spasm. Medication containing phenazopyridine can help to alleviate pain associated with bladder spasms, as they can numb your urethra and bladder to prevent burning during urination. One such medication is Pyridium, which can be taken at 200 mg three times a day as needed for up to two days. Another OTC medicine is Uristat. These medications will turn urine red or orange.

How to stop urination pain?

Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking more fluids will help you to flush out the bacteria from your bladder and urethra and prevent your UTI from getting worse. This can help lessen discomfort or pain caused during urination.

How long does it take for a UTI to go away?

Call a doctor. To reduce the possibilities of permanent damage, you need to know when to contact the physician. Unless your symptoms disappear within 24 hours with home treatments, it is very important to see your physician for antibiotic treatment. Reducing the pain of a UTI does not mean you have cured it. If you do not see a doctor, you can develop a kidney infection. Most UTIs do not go away on their own.

What does it mean when you pee?

A strong desire or urge to urinate frequently. A burning sensation or burning pain during urination. Passing small amounts of urine frequently. Red, pink, or coca-cola colored urine, which indicate the presence of blood in the urine. Pelvic pain in the center of the abdomen around the pubic bone in women.

Can a UTI be cured?

Reducing the pain of a UTI does not mean you have cured it. If you do not see a doctor, you can develop a kidney infection. Most UTIs do not go away on their own. Your physician can prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

What is the best medicine for urinary tract infections?

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections.

How to prevent a UTI infection?

Without further ado, here are the top 6 home remedies to fight UTI. 1. Drink Plenty of Fluids. Hydration status has been linked to the risk of urinary tract infection.

What is UTI in medical terms?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra ( 1 ).

What are the most common UTI strains?

The most common strains of bacteria that account for UTI cases are Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus ( 2 ).

Why are women more prone to infection?

This is because the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, is shorter in women than men. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter and reach the bladder ( 2. Trusted Source. ).

How to tell if you have a UTI?

Common symptoms of UTI include ( 1 ): 1 A burning sensation when peeing 2 Frequent urination 3 Cloudy or dark urine 4 Urine with a strong odor 5 A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying 6 Pelvic pain

How much does drinking reduce UTIs?

A study examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake, which decreased UTIs requiring antibodies by 56 percent ( 6 ).

How to prevent urinary tract infection?

To prevent urinary tract infection, some research suggests that the following may be helpful: Increasing fluid intake: The doctor may recommend increased fluid intake to help flush bacteria out of the urinary system. Drinking cranberry juice: Drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice a day may help prevent recurrent UTIs.

What to do if you have a recurring urinary infection?

Treatment may include longer doses of antibiotics or more potent doses of antibiotics delivered intravenously.

What is the most common urological condition?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary tract -- including the urethra ( urethritis ), bladder ( cystitis ), and kidney ( pyelonephritis ). These infections are among the most common urological conditions, with cystitis occurring most frequently, and both women and me n are susceptible.

How long should I take phenazopyridine for UTI?

This medication should not be taken for more than two days and has side effects that include headache, nausea, and changes in urine color (orange).

How to prevent UTIs?

Drinking cranberry juice: Drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice a day may help prevent recurrent UTIs. People who take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or are prone to kidney stones should check with a physician before trying this approach.

Is trimethoprim good for UTI?

Trimethoprim: Trimethoprim is the standard treatment for urinary tract infections in otherwise-healthy adults. It is one of the more potent UTI antibiotics, so most patients only require a three-day course. Trimethoprim is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, which generally include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation or stomach pain.

What to wear to keep urethra dry?

Consider wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so air can keep the area around the urethra dry.

How to clean a woman's urethra after sex?

Urinate after sex to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex. Clean the genital area before and after sex. If you’re a woman, wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra.

Why do men need antibiotics?

Men may need to take antibiotics longer because bacteria can move into the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra. Bacteria can hide deep inside prostate tissue. Follow your health care professional’s instructions carefully and completely when taking antibiotics.

Can you take antibiotics with relief?

Follow your health care professional’s instructions carefully and completely when taking antibiotics. Although you may feel relief from your symptoms, make sure to take the entire antibiotic treatment.

Do you need antibiotics for bladder infection?

If you have a bladder infection caused by bacteria, a health care professional is likely to prescribe antibiotics. NIH external link. . If the diagnosis is not certain, based on your symptoms or lab test results, you may not need antibiotics. Instead, your health care professional will work to find the cause and the best treatment for your symptoms.

What is the best way to treat UTI?

But there is not a lot of evidence supporting the effectiveness of vitamin C as a UTI treatment. 3. Cranberry juice.

How to get rid of UTI?

Drinking lots of water is one of the easiest things you can do to get relief from UTI symptoms, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. By staying hydrated, you’re flushing away the bacteria by urinating more frequently. It’s best to drink water and not sugary drinks, such as soda. 2.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a bacterial infection of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. UTIs are very common, especially in women, who are more likely to develop them than men. Older adults are more vulnerable to infections of the bladder.

How long does antibiotic treatment last?

Antibiotic treatment usually lasts for 3 to 5 days, depending on which antibiotic you are prescribed. Pain medication should be taken only as needed.

Does UTI go away with treatment?

While most UTI symptoms go away with treatment, some may linger because it may take time for the bladder to return to normal even after getting rid of the infection.

Can UTIs progress to sepsis?

UTIs can progress to infections in the blood, known as sepsis, so don’t wait a long time to get treatment. —Dr. Jason Chandrapal

Can acupuncture help with UTI pain?

These treatments may relieve pain in your lower abdomen and in the area just above your pubic bone. But there’s very little evidence that acupressure or acupuncture is effective for UTI pain, so it should only be used as a last resort.

How to get rid of a urinary infection?

Avoid foods and beverages that will irritate your bladder. Drinking coffee and alcohol, and eating spicy food or foods with lots of added sugar will irritate the urinary tract. They can decrease the blood flow to the bladder, which will make it harder for your immune system to fight off the infection.

How to flush a UTI?

Drink lots of water and empty your bladder often. According to Chicago-based OB/GYN, Jessica Shepherd, MD, drinking lots of water when you are experiencing UTI symptoms can help flush away the bacteria. “Draining your bladder frequently is essential to getting rid of the bacteria,” Dr. Shepherd explains. The more water you drink, the more you’ll ...

Why do women get UTIs?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract and causing inflammation and pain. “The female anatomy is a set up for infections of the bladders,” explains Sherry A. Ross, MD, a women’s health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period.

Can Uva Ursi be taken with bearberry?

Try an herbal remedy. Recent studies have shown that uva ursi plant extract, also known as bearberry, may help combat UTIs through the plant’s antimicrobial properties. However, there can be side effects, and uva ursi can be harmful if not taken properly, so be sure to consult your doctor before trying the supplement.

Does vitamin C help with UTI?

Avoid vitamin C if you're already experiencing UTI symptoms. Vitamin C is known to help prevent UTIs by acidifying the urine, which can kill certain bacteria present in the urinary tract. But Dr. Sherry warns if you already have a UTI or are experiencing real symptoms of one, vitamin C will not be effective in killing off bacteria.

Can you drink cranberry juice with UTI?

But even with this information, studies have conflicting evidence about cranberries being a reliable source for prevention.”. So if you’re prone to UTIs, it won’t hurt to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. But it’s definitely not the UTI cure-all it has always been thought to be.

Do you need antibiotics for UTI?

“A true UTI needs antibiotics to clear the bacteria responsible for the symptoms and infection,” Dr. Sherry explains, so call your doctor if you're experiencing UTI symptoms. While you wait for your appointment, though, there are some home remedies you can try to help relieve some of the discomfort.

What is the best medicine for bladder infections?

Cranberry juice. Why it helps: Cranberry has been used as a natural treatment for preventing bladder infections for generations. According to a 2012 review, cranberry juice and cranberry tablets show some promise as a remedy for women who frequently get bladder infections.

How to prevent bladder infection?

The following lifestyle changes may help reduce the occurrence of bladder infections: 1 Drink six to eight glasses of water per day. 2 Urinate as soon as you feel the need. 3 Take showers instead of baths. 4 Wear cotton underwear. 5 Change your underwear daily. 6 Urinate before and after sexual activity. 7 Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide, and change to an alternate form of birth control. 8 Men: Use nonspermicidal lubricated condoms. 9 Women: Wipe from front to back after urinating. 10 Women: Don’t use douches or vaginal sprays.

Why do antibiotics help with bladder infections?

Why they help: Antibiotics kill the bacteria causing the bladder infection. If you have a UTI, you usually need medication to get rid of the germ causing the infection. Experts recommend treating UTIs with antibiotics.

Why do antibiotics help with UTI?

Why they help: Antibiotics kill the bacteria causing the bladder infection. If you have a UTI, you usually need medication to get rid of the germ causing the infection. Experts recommend treating UTIs with antibiotics. If you have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal infections, ...

What is the most common type of urinary tract infection?

Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly.

Why is dark urine painful?

Urine is made of waste products from your body. Concentrated, dark urine may be more irritating and painful to pass when you have a bladder infection. Diluted urine is lighter in color and usually doesn’t irritate as much. 2.

How to get rid of a swollen bladder?

Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Limit caffeinated drinks, including coffee, tea, and soda. Caffeine can irritate your bladder even more when you don’t have an infection.

What is the best medicine for UTI?

Antibiotics aren’t the only option and there are other prescription medications available to treat UTIs. Many UTI analgesics include phenazopyridine for relief from the pain, itching, burning, and urinary urgency. It’s available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms.

How to help a UTI at night?

But it can be difficult to sleep with some of the uncomfortable symptoms that may accompany a UTI. Here are some things you can do at home to help you sleep comfortably: Drink plenty of water during the day to help flush out bacteria.

How to stop urinating in bed?

These can lessen the concern of urinating in your sleep or give you the option of not getting out of bed to urinate. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to warm your abdomen to minimize bladder discomfort or pressure.

What antibiotics are used for kidney infection?

trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) If you have a complicated UTI or kidney infection, your doctor may prescribe a type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin (Levaquin) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro). To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, you should receive the shortest treatment course possible.

How to make UTI sleep easier?

Once your doctor has diagnosed and recommended treatment for your UTI, talk to them about steps you can take to make sleeping easier. They can recommend prescription or OTC pain medications. You can also try heating pads and hot water bottles.

What antibiotics are used for UTI?

Based on your current health and the type of bacteria in your urine, your doctor might recommend antibiotic medication for a simple UTI, such as: 1 ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 2 cephalexin (Keflex) 3 fosfomycin (Monurol) 4 nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) 5 trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

What to do if your doctor hasn't prescribed pain medication?

If your doctor hasn’t prescribed pain medication and you feel it would help you sleep, ask them for a recommendation for either OTC or prescription pain medications.

What to do if you have a UTI while taking antibiotics?

Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic. Sometimes other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases, have symptoms similar to UTIs. Your doctor can determine if a UTI or different illness is causing your symptoms and determine the best treatment.

What is a UTI?

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).

Why does my urine burn when I urinate?

Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

What age group is most likely to get UTIs?

Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs) Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as prostate enlargement. Poor hygiene, particularly in children who are potty-training.

How to help with pain from antibiotics?

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

What are the factors that increase the risk of UTI?

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs: A previous UTI. Sexual activity, and especially a new sexual partner. Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina (vaginal flora), for example caused by menopause or use of spermicides. Pregnancy.

Can a UTI cause vomiting?

Fever. Chills. Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back. Nausea or vomiting that your child may have a UTI. Younger children may not be able to tell you about UTI symptoms they are having. While fever is the most common sign of UTI in infants and toddlers, most children with fever do not have a UTI.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Pawan Katti
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment. Type of antibiotic, its dosage and duration depends on the type of organism and severity of infection.
Medication

Antibiotics: Fight bacteria. Intravenous administration of antibiotics is recommended in severe cases.

Nitrofurantoin

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Complete the prescribed course of antibiotics
  • Drink plenty of water to flush out the germs
  • Use heating pads to get relief from back pain

Specialist to consult

Urologist
Specializes in the urinary tract disease.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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Tests and procedures used to diagnose urinary tract infections include: 1. 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 are…
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