When microbes enter your urinary system, they multiply and penetrate the body’s defense mechanism, creating a urinary tract infection. Any infection in the body is uncomfortable, and different symptoms can negatively affect your day-to-day life. 

When you start experiencing a burning sensation and pain while urinating, accompanied by an unusual color of urine, you can conclude that something is not functioning properly in the body, and you might want to visit your doctor.  

A urinary tract infection, more commonly known as a UTI, can be treated in a variety of ways. Still, there are many different pieces of misinformation concerning efficient treatment methods. Killing the existing bacteria is the primary goal of any kind of treatment when it comes to infections, so treatment plans must be adjusted to efficiently fulfill this goal. 

A UTI can have a negative effect on both the lower part of the urinary tract, i.e., the bladder and urethra, and the upper part, which includes the kidneys and ureters. When the infection is in the lower part, it is referred to as a bladder infection, while the upper tract infection is known as a kidney infection.

UTIs can be very painful, so when symptoms start occurring, the first mandatory step is to find an experienced gynecologist in Doral, FL, to guide you toward an efficient treatment of a UTI. Doctors such as Dr. Pedro Brasac, who is a recognized specialist in the field of gynecology, can be a crucial factor in the successful treatment of diseases affecting the reproductive system, so make sure you pick a medical professional most suitable for your condition.

Main Causes of UTI

To avoid any confusion, it is important to emphasize that there are good types of bacteria, and it is healthy and normal to have them present in your body. They help our reproductive system fight pathogenic bacteria and protect our health. On the other hand, bacteria that cause infections are characterized as “bad,” and when they enter our urinary tract, they negatively affect our health. In 90% of UTIs, the main culprit is the bacteria called E. coli, but staphylococci and enterococcus can be present and cause issues, as well. 

There are different causes of urinary tract infections, but most often, they include:

  • Sexual relations 
  • Wiping after bathroom usage 
  • Hormonal shifts 
  • Previous UTI
  • Changes in vaginal flora
  • Pregnancy
  • Age 
  • Issues with the structure of the urinary tract
  • Poor hygiene

Whatever the cause, antibiotics are recognized as the best treatment option to fight the symptoms of a UTI. It is essential to underline that specialists prescribe UTI medication in the form of antibiotics only if the person is suffering from a bacterial infection. If fungi or a virus causes the infection, different types of treatments are recommended. 

The Woman in a White Dress Waking up to Go to the Toilet

UTI Symptoms 

When bacteria have entered your urinary tract, you might experience different symptoms, which can be:

  • Intense urge to urinate 
  • A burning sensation during urination
  • Pain during urination
  • Difficult urination 
  • Faulty urine smell
  • Blood in the urine
  • Discharge from the urethra
  • Pressure in the pelvis and abdomen 
  • Back pain 
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea 
  • Fever

In some cases, the affected person does not experience any symptoms, which can be problematic because then they are unable to take any steps towards treating the infection. 

Antibiotic Treatment of UTI

As mentioned, antibiotics are the most common treatment option for UTIs. Different kinds can be prescribed, depending on the type of infection you are suffering from, so the question of the best antibiotic for UTI cannot be answered simply. 

After a doctor has evaluated your overall health, habits, the nature of the infection (whether it is more complicated or not), and the type of bacteria found in your body, they will prescribe the most adequate option. 

Amongst a variety of offered options when it comes to UTI medication, the following antibiotics are most often recommended: 

  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a medication that is a combination of two antibiotics intended to treat the condition by interfering with the processes needed to keep the bacteria active. 
  • Nitrofurantoin is an agent that works on bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, etc. 
  • Amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate is used for different infections to stop the growth of existing bacteria.
  • Cephalexin is also recommended to stop bacteria growth and treat several different types of infections.
  • Fosfomycin is a medication that blocks the UTI-causing bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. It is given only in the form of a single dose. 
  • Ciprofloxacin is taken when the purpose of the treatment is to block the multiplication of the bacteria, but it is not used as a first choice in treatment because the side effects can be quite serious. 
  • Like the other few options, Cephalexin is also used to block bacteria growth and treat different infections.

Generally, you cannot buy antibiotics over the counter, so they are seen as prescription-based medications. If you are still deliberating on the best antibiotic for UTI, contact your chosen doctor and schedule a consultation to get an adequate treatment plan and a proper prescription. 

OTC UTI Treatment Options

Over-the-counter or OTC medication treatments are also available, but, as stated in the beginning, many different sources offer unreliable information and do more harm than good regarding advice on OTC UTI treatment.

Although the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has only cleared antibiotics as a treatment option for UTIs, there are some OTC UTI treatments, as well as at-home options, that people use to ease the symptoms of an infection. 

The most common treatments include:

  • Pain medication helps numb the pain caused by a UTI (be aware that this is not a substitution for antibiotics, it is just a pain relief option to help you mitigate aches while treating the infection with an antibiotic).
  • D-mannose is a monosaccharide (type of sugar) found in fruit, and it is often recommended to prevent UTIs. It is an effective supplement used as an infection remedy. 
  • Cranberry juice and other products derived from cranberries, such as tea, are treatment options used to prevent infection from occurring. Many people think that this product can ease the symptoms of an infection, but that is only a myth. 
  • Clothes are an important factor in soothing the symptoms of infection because wearing breathable clothes helps you feel more comfortable. Also, avoid wearing wet clothes because it can be very helpful in preventing the occurrence of a UTI in the first place.
  • Urination after sexual relations is a tip given by different experts because it helps remove bacteria from the organism before they get a chance to develop into a urinary tract infection. 

Cranberries in a Wooden Spoon and Glass of Juice

Give Us a Call!

Regardless of whether you decide to try at-home remedies such as cranberry juice, d-mannose, or something else to ease your symptoms, it is crucial to visit a doctor and discuss the most suitable treatment plan for your UTI with them. Contact our clinic and schedule a consultation today!