Treatment for UTI – 6 Different Conditions to Consider in the Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection

January 3rd, 2010

Urinary tract infection is an infection of the urethra or the urinary tract that connects the bladder to the opening of the genitals. About ninety percent of the bacteria that causes this infection is known as Escherichia coli, or also known as E coli.

There are several ways why this particular bacteria which originates from the body’s own intestinal system, transfers from the colon or anus to the urethral opening located in the person’s genitals. The treatment for UTI will require a careful analysis of the patient’s urine sample as well as an evaluation of the patient’s personal and medical history.

The latter is important, since some bacteria may be derived from other diseases the patient may be suffering from or other health disorders that both the doctor and patient is not aware of.

Basically, treatment for UTI makes use of antibacterial drugs, hence, it is important that the doctor is provided with a basis, in order to make sure that his prescription will make use of the most effective antibacterial drug.

Examples of these antibacterial medications have the following generic names:

• trimethoprim

• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

• amoxicillin

• nitrofurantoin

• ampicillin

• quinolones

These drugs to be effective, must be taken in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. Careful analysis of the patient’s UTI condition was made before these drugs were prescribed. Depending on the doctor’s evaluation, the patient may be required to take the medication for about a week or two.

This is to make sure that the drug will have a full treatment effect. After the course of the medication, the patient will be required to undergo another urinalysis. The results of the second urine testing will confirm whether the urinary tract is now free from bacterial infestations.

The manner of treatments for UTI may differ, based on the following distinguishable conditions:

1. The underlying cause for the UTI stems from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). Group treatment is required and for a longer term.

2. The UTI is recurrent, usually 3 or 4 times in a year for some women. Treatments may include doses to be taken after every sexual intercourse which may last for 6 months or longer. The doctor will recommend the use of a “dipstick” as immediate test for the urine, to determine the presence of bacteria. This is useful for women who have frequent UTI recurrences.

3. The affected female is pregnant, hence the doctor has to be doubly careful in his assessment of the proper medication. Antibiotics or antibacterial are known to be unsafe for the baby, while leaving the UTI untreated may result to premature delivery or rise in blood pressure. In some cases, the pregnant woman’s condition will be referred to a doctor who is experienced in handling high risk pregnancies.

4. The patient is suffering from another health disorder that may be causing a blockage in his urethra or impairing his immune system. The latter, will result in the inability of the body to naturally combat the bacterial attacks.

5. The patient is a male suffering from enlarged prostates, which makes it difficult for antibiotics to penetrate the infected areas that is causing the UTI.

6. Patients who are using catheters, in which case the doctor has to identify the microorganism, in order to determine the type of antibacterial medication that can eradicate the strain.

Researchers have gathered from their studies that children and women who have frequently recurring urinary tract infections have protein deficiencies. In addition, they are found to have low levels of antibodies, hence their weak immune systems make them more susceptible to UTI.

Henceforth, doctors will often include certain recommendations for diet supplementation as well as drinking sufficient amounts of water. In all cases of treatment for UTIs, part of the recommendations will also touch on the matter of personal hygiene and the practice of safe sex.