Whether you have a simple or severe UTI, your health care provider will be able to diagnose and treat your infection. You may have to take antibiotics, which can help you feel better in a short time. You should also drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria that can cause an infection.
In addition, your health care provider may prescribe pain relievers. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain. A heating pad may also be helpful. You may also want to avoid drinks with caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
Your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics, which should last for as long as needed. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which are responsible for your infection. They also help prevent another infection from happening.
Your doctor will likely ask you to provide a urine sample. This sample will be used to test for bacteria in your urine and will also be used to find out what antibiotics to prescribe. You may also have to take an MRI or CT scan to get a clearer view of the inside of your bladder. Your doctor may also use a cystoscope to look inside the urethra. A cystoscope is a special instrument fitted with a lens.
Typically, the antibiotics you receive will last for five to ten days. However, some infections may require a longer course. This can happen if you have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system. You may also need to take time off from work or school to recover.
Some people may experience nausea and vomiting when taking antibiotics. This is because the antibiotics can destroy bacteria that are normally helpful with bodily functions. If this happens, you can try taking the medicine with a meal to lessen these side effects. You should also drink plenty of fluids and stay in contact with your health care provider.
If your UTI is not treated, it can cause serious health complications. If you experience severe symptoms, you may need to be hospitalized. You may need to take IV antibiotics. In addition, you may also need surgery to repair your bladder or kidneys.
You should take all of the medicines that your health care provider prescribes. This can include antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medicines. You may need to take a few days off work or school to recover from your infection.
You can also use home remedies to treat UTIs. You can use a heating pad to apply heat to your bladder, or you can take a warm bath to relax the muscles. You should also urinate often to help flush the bacteria from your urinary tract. You may also want to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and certain foods.
The most common antibiotics used to treat UTIs are ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. You may also receive other medicines, such as an ointment or suppository. Taking these medications on schedule will help you feel better faster.
Your doctor can tell you if you need to take a course of antibiotics, and they may prescribe a longer course if your infection is more severe. However, most UTIs are easy to treat with a short course of antibiotics.