Bladder infections, also known as "cystitis" and "urinary tract infections" (UTI) may stem from several different outside factors that need to be treated in order for the infection to not return. Before treating a bladder infection, it is important to rule out any other conditions that may cause, or mimic a bladder infection.Your physician will almost definitely prescribe you antibiotics and may suggest a few things to do at home to ease the discomfort.

Antibiotics and Prescription Medications

Bladder infections are mainly treated with antibiotics. However, before prescribing them, your physician will check to see if you have a condition that may cause the infection to become more severe. These conditions include diabetes and a weakened immune system. These conditions may require the use of a higher and more potent form of antibiotic to be taken over a longer period of time, in order to prevent the infection from returning. Taking antibiotics by mouth for more than three days is the most effective way to eliminate the infection. For more resistant bacteria, you may have to take antibiotics for seven to 10 days. In men, bladder infections are usually brought on by prostatitis, in which case the antibiotics are usually given for several weeks. People who develop frequent bladder infections may have to take antibiotics at least three times a week, or directly after sexual intercourse (if this is what causes your bladder infections). Other drugs can be given to minimize the discomfort associated with bladder infections. Oxybutynin and tolterodine may help prevent bladder spasms, which cause you to feel the constant need to urinate, and phenazopyridine minimizes pain and inflamed tissues. Rarely, surgery may be required to treat bladder infections where there are physical obstructions that cause these infections to be more frequent.

Natural Remedies

There are some effective home remedies that may help to reduce the frequency of bladder infections and the discomfort experienced with a bladder infection. These measures are not FDA-approved, and they will not cure an infection. Drinking plenty of fluids may help in prevention, and may also help to flush away bacteria when you have a bladder infection. For women, wiping front to back, wearing breathable cotton underwear and urinating after sex may help. Cranberry juice may also help prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, although its acidity may irritate the bladder once an infection has set in.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Urinary Tract Infection

Medicinenet.com: Urinary Tract Infections in Adults

Merck: Bladder Infection (Cystitis)