Should You Get Antibiotics for UTI? How to Get Your UTI Treated

antibiotics for uti

 

If you’re a woman, you have a good chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in your life. If you’ve already had one, you may be at risk of getting another. But men can get UTIs too.

UTIs are extremely common. They’re a result of bacteria entering the urethra and taking hold. They have the potential to be very damaging, but there are some easy ways for you to treat UTIs before things get that far.

We’re going to discuss antibiotics for UTI in this article, as well as other methods you can try out and start feeling some relief.

Symptoms of a UTI

If you haven’t had a UTI yet and you’re experiencing new symptoms, it’s likely that you’re a bit concerned. The symptoms are uncomfortable and can interfere with daily life.

The hallmark sign of a UTI is a burning, irritated feeling during urination. You may also feel compelled to urinate more frequently than normal, running to the toilet only to find that very little comes out.

The color and odor of your urine may be different as well. UTIs can cause urine to be bloody or cloudy and smell distinctly different than normal. As things progress, you might notice that you’re a little more fatigued than normal.

Feeling weak and tired is a sign that the infection may have moved into the bladder. Finally, having a high fever is an indication that the infection has moved from your bladder and into your kidneys.

The safety of your bladder and kidneys is extremely important, and any sign of the symptoms above is a serious matter. While the risk of an untreated UTI is real, you shouldn’t be too concerned if you notice and treat the symptoms early.

Treatment: Antibiotics for UTI

The most common treatment for a UTI is an antibiotic. A doctor can prescribe an antibiotic, although there are a number of over-the-counter options as well.

In addition to antibiotics, be sure to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently. The more liquid you can pass, the faster the infection will diminish.

You can also ask your doctor about options for controlling the pain while the infection persists. A combination of antibiotics and water is the most common and effective treatment for UTIs.

Drug stores will also sell cranberry juices, capsules, and treatments for UTIs. Cranberry juice helps to fight bacteria in the urinary tract very quickly.

Keep in mind that UTIs are preventable. Making sure to urinate after sex and wipe from front to back are surefire ways to diminish your risk of contracting an infection.

Feeling Some Discomfort?

A medical professional is the best person to ask about antibiotics for UTI. If you’re showing any signs of an infection, it’s important that you make an appointment to see your primary care physician, or more conveniently, drop by an urgent care near you for a urinalysis and a prescription.

While most UTIs are relatively tame, you should have an inspection to ensure that it hasn’t traveled to your bladder or kidney. In those cases, more immediate treatments are needed.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, and think you may have a UTI, drop by or contact us to get relief fast.