This can be taken at the earliest sign of infection and avoids the need for telephone calls to doctors, trips to the emergency room and unnecessary discomfort. Some women believe that their episodes are triggered by sexual intercourse. Taking a single dose before or after intercourse can prevent the episodes. This is highly effective and avoids controversy about the relation between intercourse and UTIs. There is no optimal duration of time for prophylactic therapy.
Most physicians recommend a period of six months.
UTIs may never occur again or may recur eventually. Intermittent short course or prophylaxis can be used again guided by laboratory susceptibility tests. The treatment of acute pyelonephritis and complicated UTI's is beyond the scope of this article, but follows the same principles. Work with your physician to develop a strategy to manage the problem. This measure is of some help, but may delay more effective treatment with antimicrobial drugs.