What Happens If Antibiotics Don’t Work For a UTI?

Typically, when home remedies don’t work to banish a pesky UTI, the first thing you do is go to your doctor for antibiotics that are sure to knock the problem out for good. For most, this step puts the entire issue to rest, and the antibiotics they’re prescribed allow them to go about their business comfortably and worry-free. However, for a few unlucky souls, antibiotics sometimes simply can’t get the job done. This can happen for several different reasons, but the result is usually the same: a chronic UTI that requires special treatment.

What is Chronic UTI?

A chronic UTI is an infection that, despite being treated with antibiotics, continues to come back time and time again. This happens when bacteria hide out in the bladder, adhering to walls and covering itself with a film that protects it from the effects of the antibiotics meant to wipe it out. These can then re-emerge after the antibiotic cycle has been completed and start the infection anew. Furthermore, new bacteria can enter the urethra at any time, aggravating the issue.

This problem is on the rise, becoming more and more common each year due to a surge in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While this is a serious problem, it doesn’t mean you’re entirely out of luck if you’ve been experiencing recurrent symptoms. There are of chronic UTI treatment options that can help get your bladder back on track.

What are the Treatment Options?

With antibiotics off the table, chronic UTIs can be difficult to treat. Furthermore, it’s an ongoing process rather than a quick fix. First, your doctor may decide to use a different type of antibiotic for a short period of time, one that’s stronger and that the bacteria causing the infection may not yet be immune to. When and if this step manages to take care of the dormant bacteria that keep causing recurrent infections, it’s time to move on to the most important step: prevention.

How Do You Prevent a Recurring UTI?

As is the case with most ailments, prevention is key when it comes to chronic, antibiotic-resistant UTI. There are a number of ways to discourage bacteria from entering the bladder and causing issues, some of which include:

  • Always wiping from front to back
  • Investing in non-biotic treatments that keep bacteria in check
  • Wearing underwear that breathes well and changes frequently
  • Staying hydrated
  • Urinating after sex

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While these and a few other simple steps will drastically reduce your chances of experiencing another UTI, there are risk factors that are out of your immediate control, such as diabetic status, sex, genetics and more. This is why it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about how to prevent a UTI after sex and other activities that could put you at risk for infection.

Treat Your Body Right

UTIs are no joke, and having one that just won’t go away is like a nightmare come to life for many. However, by practicing proper hygiene, nourishing your immune system from the inside out with probiotics designed to keep your bladder healthy and consulting with your doctor about how to prevent a UTI, you can keep bacterial growth and infection under control. If you’ve recently experienced a UTI that resisted antibiotics, reach out to your medical professional to discuss other options.

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