Urinary tract infections or UTIs are a common occurrence and can be quite discomforting. They are characterized by a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urges to urinate, and even pain in the abdominal area.
Although they are more commonly diagnosed in women, men are not entirely exempt. UTIs occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract and multiply, causing an infection.
Therefore, it is essential to be proactive about preventing UTIs from occurring.
In this blog post, we will provide ten tips that will help you in preventing UTIs. The tips outlined in this post have been compiled by medical professionals and are backed by research.
1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the most effective preventive measures against urinary tract infection (UTI).
Dehydration significantly increases the likelihood of UTI, as it reduces the body’s ability to flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day helps to dilute urine and promote bladder and kidney health.
Cranberry juice is beneficial. Additionally, juices and smoothies made of various berries are also good for preventing UTI.
2. Urinate when you feel the urge
Urinating when you feel the urge is an essential tip to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). When you resist the urge to urinate, it allows bacteria to accumulate in your bladder, leading to an infection.
Therefore, it is vital to listen to your body and respond promptly when it signals a need to pee. It is also essential to empty your bladder entirely to help prevent the growth of bacteria.
3. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing
Wearing tight-fitting clothing can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). 10 Causes of UTI.
When clothes are tight and clingy, they can trap unwanted dirt and bacteria in the genital area, leading to irritation and infection.
To prevent UTIs, it is important to wear loose-fitting clothes that allow for proper air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
4. Use the restroom after intercourse
One of the best ways to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is to use the restroom after sexual intercourse.
This simple step can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse, reducing the chances of developing an infection.
It is important to note that waiting for a long time after intercourse before using the restroom can increase the risk of UTIs.
Also it’s advisable to avoid oral-sex if you are frequently getting UTI.
5. Wipe from front to back
When using the restroom, it is important to always wipe from front to back, especially for women. This simple step can help prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, lowering the risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
Wiping from back to front can inadvertently move fecal matter and bacteria towards the front of the body, increasing the likelihood of infection.
6. Practice good hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial to preventing urinary tract infections. One of the simplest ways to avoid UTIs is by practicing good personal hygiene.
This includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the bathroom or handling any medical equipment.
Avoid using harsh soaps or douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area, leading to a greater risk for UTIs.
7. Avoid holding in your urine
Holding in urine for an extended period can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the bladder, resulting in urinary tract infections (UTIs).
It is recommended to avoid holding in urine for too long, especially when experiencing the urge to urinate.
This can also cause bladder stretching, leading to decreased bladder capacity and poor bladder health in the long run.
8. Increase fiber and probiotic intake
One effective way to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is to increase your fiber and probiotic intake.
Consuming high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
This is important because constipation can cause pressure on the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs and vaginal yeast infection.
9. Avoid using douches and other feminine hygiene products
Maintaining proper hygiene is a key factor in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, it is important to note that certain hygiene practices, such as douching, can do more harm than good.
Douching and other feminine hygiene products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area, leading to an increased risk of UTIs.
10. Visit your doctor if symptoms persist
As a final precautionary measure, it is recommended that you visit a healthcare professional or your doctor if you experience any symptoms that persist despite adopting these preventive measures or if they worsen over time.
Your doctor will be able to identify the cause of your symptoms and provide you with appropriate treatment options, including antibiotics or pain medications, if necessary.
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How to Prevent UTI?
Preventing UTIs requires daily effort and overall lifestyle changes, including proper hygiene practices, healthy eating habits, and staying hydrated.
Rosalba Sigorina is a registered nurse and primary healthcare provider who worked in UAE and Singapore. She is passionate about writing on complex medical issues with thorough research & own experience in simple to read & easy to understand language.
