Before you can choose the best urinary treatment, you must first determine what type of condition you are treating. Some mild illnesses, such as a urinary tract infection, can be safely treated at home using natural remedies. Other conditions should be treated by a doctor. To choose the best urinary treatment for you, consult your family doctor or urologist to obtain a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
The most common condition to afflict the urinary tract is a urinary tract or bladder infection (UTI). Most commonly a UTI occurs when bacteria from the rectum or vaginal opening makes its way into the urethra. They are much more common in women than in men.
Urinary treatment for a mild UTI can include drinking natural cranberry juice with no added sugar, drinking plenty of water, and taking herbal supplements that promote urinary health. Make sure you drink real cranberry juice and not cranberry juice cocktail, which has much more sugar added. More severe infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. All UTI symptoms should be investigated and diagnosed by a physician to rule out more severe ailments. If the infection makes its way into the kidneys, it will most likely be treated by a round of antibiotics.
Another common complaint regarding the urinary tract is known as incontinence. This refers to the inability to hold one’s urine, and is trademarked by a frequent and sudden urge to urinate. There are many causes for incontinence, including overactive bladder and injury, so to choose the best urinary treatment you will need to determine the underlying cause. Overactive bladder can be treated with prescription medications. Injuries may require surgery to correct the problem, or the use of absorbent undergarments to prevent leaks.
Bladder and kidney cancers are serious medical conditions that should be always be treated by a doctor. If you have been recently diagnosed, you may have several urinary treatment options available. Cancers which are caught early can often be treated by removing the tumor. Other treatments may include chemotherapy and radiation therapies, both of which can be used in conjunction with surgery when necessary. To choose the best urinary treatment for bladder or kidney cancers, have your doctor go over each option along with its potential side effects.
Some urinary conditions are caused by bladder irritation. This and other conditions can often be prevented by avoiding foods that can cause irritation within the urinary tract. These may include acidic foods, spicy foods, and highly caffeinated beverages. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive amounts of soda and alcohol are also beneficial for maintaining urinary health.