Victor replied: "Prevention The following are a list of things that can be done to avoid a urinary tract infection. As many people, especially women, experience recurrent infections some commonly recommended preventative measures are: * Having adequate fluid intake, especially water. * Not resisting the urge to urinate. * Taking showers, not baths, or urinating soon after taking a bath. * Practising good hygiene, including wiping from the front to the back to avoid contamination of the urinary tract by faecal pathogens. * Cleaning the urethral meatus (the opening of the urethra) after intercourse has been shown to be of some benefit; however, whether this is done with an antiseptic or a placebo ointment (an ointment containing no active ingredient) does not appear to matter.[1] * Cleaning genital areas prior to and after sexual intercourse. * For sexually active women, and to a lesser extent men, urinating within 15 minutes of sexual intercourse to allow the flow of urine to expel the bacteria before specialized extensions anchor the bacteria to the walls of the urethra. * It has been advocated that cranberry juice can decrease the incidence of UTI. A specific type of tannin found only in cranberries and blueberries prevents the adherence of certain pathogens (eg. E. coli) to the epithelium of the urinary bladder (studies referenced in External Links section) Treatment Most uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics such as trimethoprim, cephalosporins, Macrodantin, or a fluoroquinolone (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). (Whilst co-trimoxazole was previously used (and continues to be used in the U.S.), the additional benefits of the sulphonamide gave little additional benefit compared to the trimethoprim component alone, but was responsible for its both high incidence of mild allergic reactions and rare but serious complications). If the patient has symptoms consistent with pyelonephritis, intravenous antibiotics may be indicated. Recurrent UTIs Patients with recurrent UTIs may need further investigation. This may include ultrasound scans of the kidneys and bladder or intravenous urography (X-rays of the urological system following intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material). Often long courses of low dose antibiotics are taken at night to help prevent otherwise unexplained cases of recurring cystitis. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in both treating urinary tract infections, (sometimes along with chinese herbs with antibiotic compounds) as well as preventing new infections in chronic cases. A study published in October 2002 in the American Journal of Public Health showed that urinary tract infection occurrence was reduced by 50% for 6 months[5] . Acupuncture appears to reduce the total amount of residual urine in the bladder. If there is no response to treatments, Interstitial cystitis may be a possibility. I do have some alternative medication (nutritional supplement & therapies) may help to prevention and maintaining good health. I can recommend some if you need it. It's safe and natural. you can email me or meet up to know more. "

A W replied: "It should but with any antibiotic and any bacterial infection, it may take more than one course of antibiotic. Cipro is a VERY strong antibiotic. Let me warn you.....have some Immodium AD and some Tums on hand. There is a GOOD chance it will tear you up inside. It is a common side effect so don't worry. I had to take it once for a UTI and I had to send my boyfriend out to Walgreen's at 3am on Thanksgiving morning for a bottle of Tums. I found out after the fact it is a side effect."