How Urinary Tract

Infections (UTIs) Are Treated ## Treatment depends on the severity of the UTI and the underlying cause. For uncomplicated UTIs in otherwise healthy people, the treatment is usually a short course of antibiotics such as: - Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) - Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) - Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim) - Fosfomycin (Monurol) - Trimethoprim - Levofloxacin (Levaquin) - Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) ## For more severe UTIs or those that occur in people with compromised immune systems, longer courses of antibiotics or hospitalization may be necessary. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct an underlying structural abnormality that is causing the UTI. ## To prevent UTIs, it is important to: - Drink plenty of fluids - Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom - Avoid using harsh soaps or feminine hygiene products - Change tampons and sanitary pads frequently - Empty your bladder completely when you urinate - Avoid holding your urine for too long - See a doctor if you have any symptoms of a UTI, such as: - Pain or burning when you urinate - Cloudy, foul-smelling urine - Frequent urination, especially at night - Pelvic pain - Fever - Chills ## Risk Factors for UTIs - - Being female - - Having a history of UTIs - - Having a weakened immune system - - Being pregnant - - Using a catheter - - Having diabetes - - Having kidney stones - - Being sexually active ## When to See a Doctor See your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of a UTI, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant. ## Summary Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can be caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Symptoms can include pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination, pelvic pain, fever, and chills. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and preventive measures include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding harsh soaps and feminine hygiene products, and emptying your bladder completely when you urinate. See a doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of a UTI, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant.