Who Gets Urinary Tract Infections
Anybody can get a UTI, but they are more common in women than men. This is because women prone to urinary tract infections have a shorter urethra, meaning bacteria doesnt have to travel as far to reach the bladder.
As mentioned earlier, sexual activity can introduce more bacteria to the region around the urethra. As a result, sexually active peopleespecially sexually active womenare more likely to develop UTIs.
Young children and elders also have a higher risk of developing UTIs. This is probably because they have weaker immune systems. Urinary tract infections are most common in children under five years old, who may still be learning appropriate personal hygiene regarding toileting. Older adults may suffer from incontinence or urinary retention problems that make them more vulnerable to UTIs.
Once a woman goes through menopause, her vaginal estrogen will be different. This changes the good bacteria in her groin region that protect her from infections. As they age, men may develop an enlarged prostate that could cause a UTI if left untreated.
Some people are at higher risk of a UTI due to pre-existing health conditions. These can include congenital structural abnormalities in the urinary tract, catheter use due to surgery or health conditions, a recent urinary procedure, or a suppressed immune system.
Also Check: Over The Counter Yeast Infection Oral Pill
How Is Vaginal Infection Diagnosed
Your health care practitioner will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Urine tests and samples of any discharge will likely be done.
You may be asked questions including the following:
- When did this condition begin? Has the discharge been the same throughout the month?
- What does the discharge look like? What are its color and consistency? Is there an odor?
- Do you have pain, itching, or burning?
- Does your sexual partner, if you have one, have discharge from his penis?
- How many sexual partners do you have?
- Do you use condoms?
- What helps relieve the discharge? Do you take frequent baths? Have you tried over-the-counter medications? Douching?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- What medications do you take for all conditions?
- Have you changed detergents or soaps recently?
- Do you often wear tight underwear or pants/jeans?
After visiting your physician, abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and symptoms subside.
Do I Need A Prescription For Antibiotics
There are many topical antibiotic creams used for minor cuts, scrapes and burns that do not require a prescription. If you are looking for oral antibiotics you will need a prescription from a doctor.
Oral antibiotics are prescribed to either treat or prevent an infection. If being used to prevent infection, once it is clear that there is no infection, the antibiotic should be discontinued as directed by your physician
However, if a known source of infection is confirmed, then antibiotic treatment should be completed for the full course of antibiotic therapy.
Donât Miss: Natural Antibiotics For Dogs Skin Infections
Recommended Reading: Can Sinus Infection Make Your Head Feel Weird
Ofloxacin Eye Drops Pink Eye
This is another good conjunctivitis solution or drop that belongs to the ophthalmic fluoroquinolone antibiotic it treats bacterial conjunctivitis as well as corneal ulcers. It further helps in stopping further spread of the bacterial by killing bacteria that are susceptible while it stops the growth of others.
What Oral Antibiotics Are Used To Treat An Uncomplicated Uti In Women
The following oral antibiotics are commonly used to treat most uncomplicated UTI infections :
Your doctor will choose your antibiotic based on your history, type of UTI, local resistance patterns, and cost considerations. First-line options are usually selected from nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Amoxicillin/clavulanate and certain cephalosporins, for example cefpodoxime, cefdinir, or cefaclor may be appropriate options when first-line options cannot be used.
Length of treatment for cystitis can range from a single, one-time dose, to a course of medication over 5 to 7 days. Kidney infections may require injectable treatment, hospitalization, as well as a longer course of antibiotic, depending upon severity of the infection.
Sometimes a UTI can be self-limiting in women, meaning that the body can fight the infection without antibiotics however, most uncomplicated UTI cases can be treated quickly with a short course of oral antibiotics. Never use an antibiotic that has been prescribed for someone else.
In men with symptoms that do not suggest a complicated UTI, treatment can be the same as women. In men with complicated UTIs and/or symptoms of prostatitis are not present, men can be treated for 7 days with a fluoroquinolone . Tailor therapy once urine cultures are available.
Don’t Miss: Oil Of Oregano Pills For Yeast Infection
Can A Pharmacist Give You Antibiotics
In some states, pharmacists have prescriptive authority for a few conditions. Some prescriptions include minor ailments that would require antibiotics or other medications.
A pharmacist can prescribe medications for the following uncomplicated conditions:
- Vaginal yeast infections
Pharmacists that have prescriptive authority have specialized training. In general, based on the state they practice in, a pharmacist is required by a state board to meet 2 out of the 3 conditions below before prescribing antibiotics, independently.
- The pharmacist must earn a certification in critical care, ambulatory care, or oncology.
- The pharmacist must complete at least 1-year residency program after pharmacy school
- The pharmacist must prescribe under a physician for one year prior to solo prescriptive authority privilege.
Even with this training, a pharmacist may not feel comfortable prescribing antibiotics to you. They will often refer you to see a doctor. Usually a pharmacist distributes antibiotics but does not prescribe antibiotics. Sometimes pharmacists will double check with a doctor to make sure they prescribed the correct antibiotics for the written indication. Otherwise, pharmacists typically do not directly prescribe you oral antibiotics.
Can Bv Come Back After Medication
According to research from 2018, a person may develop BV again after a few weeks. About experience symptoms again after 1 year of getting the first infection.
In these cases, a doctor may recommend a different treatment plan.
This research also states that because antibiotics affect all vaginal bacteria, using antibiotics to treat BV may lead to a vaginal yeast infection. This occurs in about of those who take clindamycin or metronidazole.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include lumpy, white vaginal discharge or vaginal itching and redness.
Recommended Reading: Natural Ways To Kill Tooth Infection
Can You Cure Bv In One Day
When you have BV, you want it to go awaynow! But try to be patient. Conventional antibiotic medications are available as a single-dose or seven-day oral medication or a five- or seven-day intravaginal treatment. Most people who use a week-long course of antibiotics report that their symptoms subside within 2-3 days after they begin this treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Take your medication exactly as directed, even if you no longer experience symptoms. If you stop taking your medicine early, your BV may come back and be more challenging to treat.
Also Check: Over The Counter Bladder Infection
What Is The Quickest Way To Treat Bacterial Vaginosis
The fastest way to treat BV is to visit your doctor and get a prescription to treat the condition.
A prescription treatment will likely clear up your symptoms in 2 to 3 days. If youre pregnant or undergoing any medical procedures, its especially important to have your BV taken care of sooner rather than later.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral or vaginal antibiotic, like clindamycin, metronidazole, or tinidazole.
Also Check: Ampicillin 500mg Dosage For Tooth Infection
When To See A Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, its best to see your doctor as soon as possible. For those who are pregnant, a UTI can be dangerous for both mother and child.
Your doctor will perform the necessary tests, like a urine culture, to figure out the primary bacteria responsible for your infection. Theyll then prescribe medication that is targeted for your specific needs.
Again, this isnt something you want to ignore for too long because your UTI could get a lot worse. Ramin said, in rare cases, the bacteria could make its way to your kidneys, which makes the UTI more difficult to treat.
In more serious cases of urinary tract infection, antibiotics may need to be administered intravenously and then followed by a course of oral antibiotics for several days to weeks, he said.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Do not freeze.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDAs Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Recommended Reading: Do Antibiotics Kill Tooth Infection
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Tooth Infection Out
What Happens If Bacterial Vaginosis Is Left Untreated
Though BV isnt an STI, it may increase your risk of getting onespecifically chlamydia or gonorrhea.
This is because any imbalances in vaginal flora make it easier for the bacteria that cause these infections to settle in and spread up. Its a one-two punch, as BV also reduces your immune systems ability to fight off infection, making it easier for pathogens to take hold .
This is especially critical for people who have HIV or have a partner with HIV. BV may increase the risk that you contract HIV from your partner or pass it to a partner if you are HIV positive .
An increased risk of contracting an STI isnt the only issue with leaving BV untreated. Pregnant women can get BV, which increases the risk of delivering prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight .
You May Like: Urinary Tract Infection After Prostate Surgery
What May Interact With This Medicine
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 or 3 days.If you are diabetic, you may get a false positive result for sugar in your urine with certain brands of urine tests. Check with your doctor.Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.
Read Also: Antibiotics For Pets Over The Counter
Recommended Reading: Natural Remedy For Infection In Urinary Tract
Who Cannot Take Antibiotics
It is very rare for anyone not to be able to take some type of antibiotic. The main reason why you may not be able to take an antibiotic is if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic in the past. Even if you have had an allergic reaction to one antibiotic, your doctor or health professional will be able to choose a different type of antibiotic, which you will be able to take. If you are pregnant, there are certain antibiotics you should not take, but your health professional will be able to advise on which one is suitable if an antibiotic is needed. If you are on some medication, certain antibiotics may need to be avoided, or your regular medication stopped whilst you take the antibiotic. As above, when prescribed an antibiotic, make sure the prescriber knows about any other medication you take.
How to use the Yellow Card Scheme
If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme. You can do this online at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused. If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:
- The side-effect.
- The name of the medicine which you think caused it.
- The person who had the side-effect.
- Your contact details as the reporter of the side-effect.
When Should I See A Doctor
If youve never had a yeast infection, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before you try any OTC treatments.
You should also talk with a doctor if you dont notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. In this case, you may need a prescription-strength treatment, or you could have a different infection.
Recommended Reading: Amoxicillin For Tooth Infection 500mg
Active Ingredients Of Antibiotics For Urinary Tract Infections
There are several different types of antibiotics that can be used, if they are needed, to treat urinary tract infections. The best antibiotic for your infection will depend on the type of infection you have and what bacteria are causing it.
Antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections
May be prescribed for: |
---|
Over The Counter Antibiotics Results After First Use:
Antibiotics start working on your system right after the first dose. You may not, however, be able to feel any difference immediately after the first dose, but the drug would have started acting internally, controlling the further growth of the bacterial colony. Allow your body enough time to respond to the antibiotic and complete the entire course of the antibiotics. Other costumers also asked a lot of questions about products for weight loss like Chrissy Metz
Read Also: How To Tell Tooth Infection
How Are Yeast Infections Treated
Prescription and OTC medications both treat vaginal yeast infections. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, its best to talk with your doctor for an official diagnosis.
However, if youre familiar with the symptoms, youll likely be able to pick up an OTC medication to treat the yeast infection.
Talk with your doctor to assess your symptoms and treatment needs if:
- your symptoms dont go away after finishing treatment
- the infection comes back within 2 months
- you have four or more yeast infections within 12 months
Prescription yeast infection medications can include oral pills, creams, ointments, or gels. Diflucan is an oral medication usually prescribed as one dose. For a severe yeast infection, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription course.
Other available OTC or prescription medications include:
Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.
Most OTC treatments are either topical creams and gels or oral medications. Although they all have the common goal of alleviating symptoms, they tend to work differently.
Infected Belly Button Piercing Bubble And Bumps
img source: quoracdn.net
Sometimes you might end up with navel piercing bumps or bubbles. This is a sign on an infection and you need to treat them. There are many treatments that include applying aspirin, warm saline compresses, applying chamomile teabags, piercing solutions, and the use of tea tree oil.
Our experience and feedback from our readers have shown that most people tend to get the best and quick results with tea tree oil followed by the saline compresses. Piercing solutions have also been found helpful in getting rid of infected belly piercing bumps.
Also Check: What Prescription Medicine For Sinus Infection
Complications And Side Effects Of Cellulitis
Cellulitis can quickly turn serious or life-threatening if it isnt treated properly. Some complications may include:
- Tissue damage and tissue death, known as gangrene
- Infection that spreads to the blood, called
- Infection that spreads to the bones, lymph system, heart, or nervous system
- Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh eating disease, results in soft tissue death
These problems can lead to:
Mild cellulitis resolves quickly with antibiotic treatment, but it is important to speak to your doctor to monitor your condition.
How To Care For Your Nipple Piercing
While its healing, keep your pierced nipple clean to prevent infection:
- Wash your hands with antimicrobial soap and warm water before you touch or wash your nipple.
- If you see any crusty stuff around your nipple ring, gently rinse it off with warm water.
- After you wash your nipple, pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
- You can also soak your nipple in a saltwater solution made of a half-teaspoon of sea salt and warm water. You can let it air dry or pat it dry.
- Try not to let your nipple ring snag on your clothes, towels, or sheets. This could tear your skin and lead to an infection.
- You can wear a padded bra, thick sports bra, or cotton T-shirt to protect your newly pierced nipple.
Recommended Reading: Why Should We Care About Antibiotic Resistance
Read Also: Acv For Urinary Tract Infection
How Should Flagyl Be Taken
Flagyl is supplied in 250 and 500 mg strength tablets, Flagyl ER is available in 750 mg strength tablets, and Flagyl Injection in 500 mg strength in a buffered 100 ml vial. Dosage is quite variable and dependent upon the severity of disease and other considerations made by the treating physician. Most of the serious side effects may occur with any of these three preparations of Flagyl. Flagyl may cause liverenzyme levels to increase lithium and creatinine levels should be checked to avoid lithium toxicity or renal compromise. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Flagyl. Patients on disulfiram should not take Flagyl until they have had a two week interval without taking disulfiram, especially alcoholic patients, to avoid psychotic reactions. Treatment in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should only be done if the benefits outweigh the potential problems. Flagyl passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Except for use in amebiasis, studies in pediatric patients are not available Flagyl ER has no pediatric studies.