Doctors may use several approaches to manage these patients after the most recent infection has been eradicated. A common therapy is for the patient to take low doses of an antibiotic such as Bactrim or Macrodantin daily for six months to one year to allow the bladder to heal completely and regain its normal resistance to infection. If taken at bedtime, the drug remains in the bladder longer and may be more effective. Taking a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual activity may also treat these infections or in some cases, they may be treated by taking a short one to three-day course of antibiotics when symptoms of urinary tract infection appear. TOP Tips for reducing the frequency of UTI One of the most frequent questions asked by patients with urinary infection is how to prevent a recurrence.
Women can take steps on their own to avoid infection.
To keep your bladder flushed out, take at least a small amount of water or other liquid every hour of the day when you are awake. Some medical professionals feel that drinking large quantities of cranberry juice may be beneficial since it contains a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Acidifying the urine with vitamin C may have a similar inhibitory effect on bacteria as well. Urinate at least every 2 hours, the bladder should be emptied when the need to urinate arises since holding the urine may be harmful. Wiping with toilet tissue should be done from front to back to keep anal bacteria away from the urethral area.