Urine Infection Cures

Some people are susceptible to frequent, reoccurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). They can be uncomfortable and foul smelling and can cause complications that could lead to an emergency room visit or hospital admittance. Cures for these infections can come from over-the-counter (OTC) and/or homeopathic methods. If these methods do not work, however, a physician should prescribe medication to clear up the infection.

Causes of UTIs

• According to the Mayo Clinic, UTIs are more common in women and can include an infection of the bladder or the urethra. These infections can occur when a woman does not wipe properly (front to back) after urination. For both males and females, it can also occur after sex or via sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms

• UTI symptoms can develop rapidly and can cause:

  • A strong urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Frequently passing of small amounts of urine
  • Strong, foul-smelling urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Bacteria in the urine

  If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a UTI. If you cannot get relief from OTC or homeopathic methods, see your physician.

Over the Counter/Homeopathic Treatment

• Many OTC medications, such as Azo, claim to clear up UTIs. An article by Carol J. Mulvihill, BSN, RN-C, with the University of Pittsburgh states that drinking cranberry juice is highly recommended because it helps to keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls and helps with the treatment and prevention of UTIs. The Mayo Clinic reports that a person with a UTI can try to treat it by drinking large amounts of water to help dilute and flush out the bacteria in the urine.

Prescription Medications

• If you choose to see your physician about a possible UTI, she may prescribe an antibiotic. The length of the dosage depends on the seriousness of the infection. Some of the more common antibiotics used to treat a UTI are:

  • Amoxicillin
  • Cipro
  • Macrodantin or Furadantin
  • Levaquin
  • Bactrim

  Typically, improvement should occur within a few days. However, if the infection is more serious, it may be necessary to use stronger medications given intravenously.