Treatments for A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections are primarily treated with antibiotic medications. The goals of treatment are to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and to relieve the discomfort.

Treatment involves the following:

• Lifestyle changes

• Medications

• Alternative and complementary treatments

Surgical procedures are generally not considered for the treatment of urinary tract infections.

References:

American Foundation for Urologic Diseasewebsite. Available at: http://www.auafoundation.org/auafhome.asp .

Griffiths 5-Minute Clinical Consult. 2001 ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ .

Last reviewed January 2007 by Jill D. Landis, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.