Urinary Tract Infections in Teens and Adults

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If you have infections often, you may need extra testing to find out why.

How are they treated?

Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor will usually cure a bladder infection. It may help to drink lots of water and other fluids and to urinate often, emptying your bladder each time.

If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take the pills exactly as you are told. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to finish taking them all so that you do not get sick again.

Can urinary tract infections be prevented?

You can help prevent these infections.

Drink lots of water every day.
Try drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills.
Urinate often. Do not try to hold it.
If you are a woman, urinate right after having sex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about urinary tract infections:	What is a urinary tract infection? What causes these infections? What are the symptoms? How common are urinary tract infections? Why are they more common in women than in men? Why are older adults at increased risk? What can I do to prevent a bladder infection?
Being diagnosed:	How are these infections diagnosed? When is additional testing needed? What other conditions might be causing my symptoms?
Getting treatment:	How are urinary tract infections treated? What can I do at home to treat an infection?
Living with infections that keep coming back:	What can I do to prevent future infections? Can antibiotics prevent future infections?

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 15, 2007

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.