How to Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI

Getting rid of a urinary tract infection or UTI involves using medication coupled with home treatments to ease the pain. Typical signs of a urinary infection include a burning sensation while urinating, cloudy urine, pelvic pain and back pain. Because UTIs can escalate and cause a kidney infection, treatment is necessary to quickly remove bacteria from your urinary tract.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Cranberry juice
• Antibiotics
• Heating pad
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen and aspirin)

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Instructions

• 1

  Expel bacteria from the urinary tract with extra fluids. Drinking promotes urination and this response helps flush bacteria from your body and get rid of a urinary tract infection. Consume drinks such as water and cranberry juice. Stay away from soda, coffee and alcohol. These can irritate the urinary tract.

• 2

  Fight an infection with antibiotics. A three- to 14-day course of antibiotics is usually prescribed to help get rid of a urinary tract infection or UTI. Follow your doctor's instructions and take medications as directed.

• 3

  Alleviate stomach pain with a heating pad. Heat helps reduce muscular contractions and inflammation, which are common with urinary tract infections. Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen to relieve pain. Heat is also an effective remedy for back pain.

• 4

  Speed your recovery by avoiding bath gels and scented hygiene products. Bubble bath, shower gels and feminine hygiene sprays may irritate the urinary tract and prolong an infection. Use hypoallergenic or gentle products to help get rid of urinary tract infections sooner.

• 5

  Combat pain with over-the-counter medication. Anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen help fight pain and inflammation associated with UTIs.