I REALLY hate sharing this information, but the Azo you buy OTC is the same as the Rx stuff you get from the Dr. This will make the UTI more bearable, but will NOT NOT NOT stop the infection. I was sometimes able to flush my system (drinking large quantities of water and cranberry juice) before it becomes a full blown infection.

HOWEVER!!!!!
If a UTI is not properly taken care of it can spread to your kidney's. These are VERY fragile organs and will not tolerate much abuse, one nasty infection can ruin them forever. DO NOT MESS WITH YOUR KIDNEYS!

As previously stated there are a million ways to get a UTI. I've been getting them for over 20 years now and for the first time ever a doctor told me that sex could be a contributing factor.