Urinary tract infections or UTIs are common in both men and women. UTIs can be painful and cause discomfort. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and start to multiply.

Depending on the severity of the infection, a UTI can be treated using a combination of home remedies, medications or antibiotics.

What Are the Symptoms of UTIs?

UTI symptoms vary depending on the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms include:.

Frequent urination
A strong urge to urinate
Burning sensation during urination
Cloudy or bloody urine
Lower abdominal pain
Fever or chills

Home Remedies to Treat UTIs

There are several home remedies that can be used to treat UTIs, including:.

Drinking plenty of water to flush out bacteria
Applying heat to the abdominal area to ease pain and discomfort
Drinking cranberry juice to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract
Taking probiotics to restore the balance of good bacteria in the body

Over-the-Counter Medications for UTIs

There are several over-the-counter medications available to treat UTIs, including:.

Pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) to ease pain and reduce inflammation
Antibacterial creams (such as Neosporin) to prevent infection and promote healing
Urinary pain relief medication (such as phenazopyridine) to relieve discomfort during urination

Prescription Medications for UTIs

If your UTI is severe or does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter medications, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTIs include:.

Amoxicillin
Ciprofloxacin
Nitrofurantoin
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim

Preventing UTIs

UTIs can be prevented by taking the following precautions:.

Drink plenty of water
Wipe front to back after using the bathroom
Urinate after sexual intercourse
Avoid using irritating feminine products (such as douches or powders)
Wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect that you have a UTI, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause more serious health problems.

Your doctor will be able to diagnose the infection and recommend appropriate treatment.

In Conclusion

UTIs are common and can be uncomfortable and painful. They can be treated using a combination of home remedies, over-the-counter medications and prescription antibiotics.

UTIs can be prevented by drinking plenty of water, wiping front to back after using the bathroom, urinating after sexual intercourse and avoiding irritating feminine products.