How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection ( UTI )

First
Evaluate your symptoms. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is most common in women, and it's caused by bacteria in the urethra and the urinary bladder.[1] Left untreated, this bacteria has the potential to make its ways to your kidneys, where it can damage them. The signs that you may have a UTI include:

 

The feeling that you need to go frequently but little or nothing actually comes out

Pain/burning during urination (dysuria)

Fever and/or chills

Abdominal aching and pain in the pelvic region

Cloudy or unusually colored (dark yellow or greenish) urine

Blood in the urine

Foul-smelling urine

Second
Go to the doctor if you think you have a UTI. You need to get an accurate diagnosis, particularly if this is your first infection.

UTIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites. Knowing the cause will ensure that you get the right treatment. A doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals or even anti-parasite drugs.

You need to know what type of UTI you have. For example, urethritis is the infection of the urethra (the channel that carries urine from your bladder outside your body) while cystitis is an infection of the bladder.[2]

Only a doctor can prescribe drugs for such conditions as bladder spasms (e.g., atropine) and intense pain. Moreover, only a doctor will be able to determine whether surgery is needed.[3]


Third
Take the entire course of medication that's prescribed to you. Unfortunately, UTIs easily become resistant if you don't finish antibiotics,[4] so follow the instructions carefully and take all of your pills for the specified time period.

Do not drink alcohol if you are on antibiotics. It weakens their effectiveness.

Stay out of the sun if you're prescribed bactrim or any sulfa medications.



Fourth
Call your doctor if you don't notice improvements within a 24-hour period. Even if you feel better, take all of your medication to completely wipe out the infection.

Fifth
Control fever and pain using over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. If you have questions about what works best, talk to your doctor.

Sixth
Take an over-the-counter medication like Azo Standard: Fast Relief for Urinary Pain. Note that this medicine will turn your urine a bright yellowish orange color.