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How Can I Self-Treat a Bladder Infection?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Updated: March 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: How Can I Self-Treat a Bladder Infection?
Answer: While antibiotics prescribed by a physician are the only way to cure a bladder infection, you can do some things to self-treat the symptoms and to help prevent future bladder infections.

An all-time favorite way to treat and prevent bladder infections at home is to drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice often helps reduce frequency of bladder infections. Cranberry herbal supplements are available over-the-counter and many women find they work amazingly quickly when an UTI has occurred.

A drug called Azo-Standard is available OTC and often relieves the pain associated with urinary tract infections. Azo-Standard, does not however, cure the underlying infection.

Remember to see your healthcare provider when you have a bladder infection for proper diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.

What You Should Know About Urinary Tract Infections

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