The most useful strategy is to wait until another UTI occurs. Each episode is treated as needed. Laboratory susceptibility tests are helpful to guide the selection of the best drug. A useful tactic is to provide the patient with a small supply of drug sufficient to treat one or two episodes. 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.