UTI treatment options
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common health issue for both men and women. According to internist Dr Samantha Nicholson, UTIs are more common in women than men because the female urethra is close to the anus, thus facilitating the transmission of bacteria. UTIs are treated using antibiotics. Over-the-counter drugs can help with the symptoms, but do not kill the infection. Dr Nicholson pointed out that although there are no natural remedies for this common infection, there are preventive measures that can help to lower the risk of UTIs.1. Drink a lot of water. Water flushes the bacteria out of your system. Dr Nicholson recommends that you increase your water intake to at least six 8oz glasses a day.2. Drink water before and after sexual intercourse.3. Urinate after sex.4. Drink cranberry juice. Cranberry reduces the probability of bacteria developing into a UTI.5. Do not hold up your urine.6. After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back. Wiping in the opposite direction can carry bacteria from the anus to the urethra, causing an infection.Usually, if you have a UTI, you might notice burning while passing urine, frequent need to pass urine, or lower abdominal pain. UTIs should not be taken lightly as they can cause serious complications. Dr Nicholson says if a UTI is untreated, or progresses because of a pre-existing condition such as HIV or diabetes, you can get pyelonephritis, a kidney infection. Pyelonephritis is treated using IV fluids.In men, UTIs are often mistaken for STDs due to the overlapping symptoms. In older men the infection can spread to the prostate and develop into prostatitis (swelling of the prostate gland). Dr Nicholson says the recommended treatment for this condition is administration of oral antibiotics for six weeks. She added that in rare instances where the person is resistant to the antibiotics, then IV fluids are given every day during the six-week period.It is strongly recommended that individuals seek medical attention to avoid further complications.— Falon Folkes
