The first line of treatment for UTI is usually antibiotics, as UTI is caused due to a bacterial attack. However, medication and duration of treatment depend on patient health and the type of bacteria. Also, there are several natural remedies for this condition. Read on to know more about all these treatment options available.

1. Treatment for simple UTI
Doctors usually prescribe drugs like Monurol, Bactrim, Septra, and Keflex. For simple infections, a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones are not commonly prescribed because of their side effects. These drugs are only prescribed during severe UTI, where no other treatment works. The symptoms of UTI will go away in a few days. However, doctors will prescribe medication for a week or more. 

2. Treatment for frequent UTI
The treatment options for frequent UTI include antibiotics in low dosage. The antibiotic course can last for six months or even longer in some cases. One dose of antibiotics can also be prescribed for post-intercourse usage. This will happen if a person is at risk of developing a UTI due to sexual activity. In case a woman is undergoing menopause, the course of treatment can include vaginal estrogen therapy.

3. Treatment for severe UTI
If a person suffers from a severe UTI, then antibiotics are intravenously administered into the body.

4. Home remedies for UTI

Stay Hydrated
Hydration goes a long way in treating and preventing UTIs. Drinking fluids increase urination frequency, resulting in flushing of UTI-causing bacteria from the body. A 2003 study analyzed 141 females and found that low intake of fluids led to less urination, increasing the chances of UTIs. To keep your body hydrated, keep drinking water throughout the day.

Increase vitamin C intake
Research shows increasing the intake of vitamin C can prevent UTIs. Vitamin C makes the urine more acidic, killing UTI-causing bacteria. In a 2007 study, the impact of taking vitamin C every day on UTIs was studied in pregnant women. The results of the study showed that taking 100mg of vitamin C every day reduced the chances of developing UTI by more than half in women who took it than women who didn’t.