If you have ever felt a burning sensation while peeing for a long period, you may have a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. This happens because the washroom surface you sat on was not clean and that lead to an infection in your urinary tract. Women are the most affected by this condition. These are some treatment options for UTI, which you should know about.

Treatment for a simple infection
UTIs can be treated easily with antibiotics. The dosage and duration of the medicines are determined by the bacteria found in the urine sample. Some of the commonly prescribed medicines are-

• Septra
• Monurol
• Keflex

Symptoms often tend to go away after a few days of medication. If it’s the first time you’ve been infected or you are otherwise healthy, you may be given a shorter course of treatment. Whether the course will work depends on your infection and medical history. Sometimes, the doctor may also prescribe a pain reliever to numb the urethra to soothe the burning sensation.

Fluoroquinolones
These are a group of antibiotics like Cipro and Levaquin that aren’t always recommended for UTIs, as their risks outweigh their benefits. However, if you have a serious infection with complications, you may be given these antibiotics if normal medicines don’t work. These antibiotics are also recommended for men who have UTIs with prostate involvement.

Treatment for frequent infections
If you are someone who gets frequent UTIs, your doctor may recommend treatments like:

• Six months of low dose antibiotics
• Self-diagnosis and ways to treat the condition; you need to be in constant touch with the doctor for this
• Vaginal estrogen therapy if you have reached menopause

All these options are only recommended by the doctor and should be followed carefully under their care.

Intravenous antibiotics
If you have a complicated UTI, or are pregnant, or have a fever, the doctor may admit you to the hospital and treat you with intravenous antibiotics. IVs are also an option for people who are allergic to fluoroquinolones, cannot tolerate certain medicines, or have severe complications. In such cases, an IV like ceftriaxone is recommended.

Over-the-counter medications
There aren’t any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available to treat UTIs. However, your doctor may recommend a medicine called Uristat that can numb your bladder to relieve the burning sensation when you urinate. This medicine is not an antibiotic. Thus, it will not cure UTI but will ease your pain.

Cranberry
Cranberry can be used as a preventive measure against agents of UTIs. Studies show that the ingredients in cranberries can fight against UTI-causing bacteria but only in concentrated capsule form, and not juiced. There is no harm in drinking the juice if you believe it does prevent a UTI. However, if you do experience symptoms, please see a doctor.

Don’t fret if you get a UTI. The treatment options for UTI are varied, and your doctor will make sure it is treated properly.