People with a family history of duodenal ulcers are more likely to get ulcers. The problem is four times more common in men than in women. Most cases of ulcers occur between ages 40 and 50. Your health care provider will review your symptoms, ask about your medical history, and examine you. The goals of treatment are pain relief, healing of the ulcer, and prevention of complications.
Treatment can also help prevent recurrence of the ulcer.
You will probably take the antibiotics for 1 to 2 weeks. You may take medicine to decrease acid for at least 6 weeks. Sometimes medicine needs to be taken for 6 to 12 months to prevent new ulcers. Duodenal ulcers respond well to treatment but they can recur. You can help reduce the chance that an ulcer will recur by taking your medications.