I have a Urinary Tract Infection. What should I do?

Question

I won't be able to see my doctor until after New Years and I have a Uninary Tract Infection. When I had it before my doctor perscribed me penicilin. Can I buy penicilin for a UTI at my local pharmacy? What over the counter medicine can I take to help cure it?

Answer 1

If you have a UTI then see another doctor right away. While it is quite possible it may resolve itself before then, you might also get a worsening of symptoms and widening of the infection. My grandma had a UTI that went untreated too long. May God rest her soul.

There are OTC medicines than can lessen the risk of getting UTI's and one that can lessen the burning and irritation. There are none that will get rid of them though. I know some knucklehead is going to give you something contrary to what I am telling you. Do yourself a favor.....take my advice.

Answer 2

If you can't get in to your primary care doctor then go to urgent care. Only antibiotics can cure a true infection. No, you can't buy penicillin over the counter.

You can, however, buy over the counter pain meds such as -- AZO and Uristat. These work pretty well. They will turn your urine orange, so don't be alarmed.

Do NOT drink cranberry juice while you have an infection, as some have suggested here. Your urinary tract is raw and it will irritate it. Trust me on this, I know from lots of personal experience plus the advice of my urologist. Cranberry juice is good for UTI prevention, but once you've got an infection lots of water is best.

Answer 3

Did you call your doctor and explain that you do not need a "routine" appointment? I'm certain that for a UTI they would not tell you to wait until after the New Year.

If you can not get into your doctor, then you need to go to the ER, because it will not go away and there are no OTC medicines you can take, penicillin is an antibiotic that must be prescribed.

You may be able to call your doctors office and explain the situation and ask if he will call in a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Answer 4

Until you can get to a doctor, use over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., Tylenol®, Advil) and a heating pad may be used to relieve discomfort caused by UTI. Drinking plenty of water helps to cleanse bacteria out of the urinary tract. Coffee, alcohol, and smoking should be avoided.

Also drink plenty of cranberry juice and take vitamin C. Both increase the acid in your urine so bacteria can't grow easily. Cranberry juice also makes your bladder wall slippery, so bacteria can't stick to it.

Urinate frequently and go when you first feel the urge. Bacteria can grow when urine stays in the bladder too long.

After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement.

Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so that air can keep the area dry. Avoid tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear, which trap moisture and can help bacteria grow.

Then get to a doctor asap to clear it up.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, you need to get an antibiotic to clear it up, and you can only get antibiotics with a prescription. If you can't see your doctor, go to a hospital or something, because I imagine you're in a a lot of pain. Also, if you leave it for too long, it can lead to other, more serious problems, like kidney infections.

Be sure to drink lots of fluids. Some people swear that cranberry juice helps speed up the healing, while others say apple juice.

Good luck! I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

You need to get it treated ASAP. Try an urgent care facility or your local ER. If a UTI is left untreated for too long it can spread to your bladder and eventually to your kidneys. Once you have a kidney infection, you'll be in pretty bad shape and may need to be hospitalized. Antibiotics are by prescription only. That is what you need. Drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice may help, not cure your UTI and is certainly no substitution to antibiotics.

Answer 7

Heck with "your" doctor! See an urgent care facility or go to the ER! You'll be in so much pain by New Years, and you need to treat this NOW. I really do mean NOW!

PLEASE, DO NOT DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE. It has sugar and that won't help the infection. Buy FRESH lemons and make dilute unsweetened lemonade and drink lots. It's a natural tonic and is a specific for UTI's. It will help with the pain and to clear up the infection., but it's not a substitute for medical treatment.

You CAN clear it up with burdock root tea, but I'd rather drink lye than burdock root tea. It WILL work, believe me. It will also remind you of drinking a boiled tree, with notes of old sneakers and the contents of a vacuum cleaner bag. NAS-TEA!!! So gross! It really does work, but it's awful to ingest. You also have to drink it 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Burdock root in capsules from the health food store will also work, but drink LOTS and LOTS of water.

Please, just see a doctor. Best of luck and Happy Holidays!

Answer 8

Drink tons of cranberry juice. It will flush your system, and you'll start feeling the relief within a day or so. By tons, I mean, grab a couple of gallons of it, and drink at least 8 or 9 glasses of it today.

Seriously, you'll feel better. I got UTI's every time I turned around while I was pregnant. After a while, I quit going to the doc about it, and just did that. Works like a charm every time.

Answer 9

No, I would call your doctor again and explain you need this medicine and can't wait until the new year. You don't want to let an infection go. It could spread to your bladder, and kidneys. Or go to an ER and get their doctor to give you something. I don't believe you can buy penicillin over the counter.

Answer 10

If you have a UTI you need an antibiotic. You may not want to wait until the new year as you will probably be very uncomfortable for that time. I would go to a clinic or an emergency room and get a prescription.