Clearing a urinary tract infection (UTI) typically involves antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Understanding UTI Treatment
A UTI is an infection in your urinary system, which can include your bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Because UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, the primary method for clearing them is through antibiotics.
Antibiotics for UTIs
- Prescription: It's standard for a doctor to prescribe antibiotics for UTI treatment.
- Improvement Timeline: After starting antibiotic therapy, symptoms usually improve within 2–4 days.
- Treatment Duration: Many doctors prescribe an antibiotic for at least 3 days.
- Ineffective Antibiotics: If the UTIs don't clear up after antibiotic therapy, it may mean that you need a different type of antibiotic. Your doctor may need to perform tests to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection to prescribe the most effective antibiotic.
What to Do if Symptoms Persist
If your UTI symptoms persist despite completing a course of antibiotics, consult your doctor. They may need to:
- Perform additional tests to identify the specific bacteria.
- Prescribe a different antibiotic that targets the specific bacteria.
- Investigate other potential causes of your symptoms.
