Cause

• According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have recurrent urinary tract infections may have an impaired immune system that allows bacteria to more easily infect the urinary tract.
  
  

Types

• The types of antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Cotrim), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin) and cephalexin (Keflex).
  
  

Long-term Antibiotics

• Recurrent urinary tract infections can be treated with low doses of antibiotics over six or more months. The typical antibiotics used are trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin.
  
  

Short-term Antibiotics

• Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a self-treatment plan, providing you with a supply of antibiotics. These antibiotics are to be used after the onset of future symptoms.
  
  

Single-dose Antibiotics

• Some doctors prescribe single-dose antibiotics, to be taken after sexual intercourse to prevent redevelopment of infections.
  
  

Warning

• Be sure to talk with your physician if you're planning to become pregnant or if you're taking oral contraceptives. Also, always take antibiotics as prescribed.