No More UTIs: 6 Prevention Techniques Women Can Use Everyday
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Time to read 3 min
As a woman, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be a real pain—literally! Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms like a burning feeling during urination, frequent trips to the bathroom, and abdominal discomfort. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to prevent UTIs and keep your urinary tract healthy. Here are some of the most effective prevention techniques.
TL;DR
How to Prevent UTIs
1. Drink More Fluids
Always keep your body hydrated to maintain a healthy urinary tract. Consuming sufficient amounts of water and other fluids can eliminate bacteria from building up in the urinary tract, lowering the chances of infection. This is not because hydration itself is a way to prevent UTIs, however by drinking more water you will urinate more which will flush out any bacteria that is present in your urinary tract.
Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily, or even more, is recommended if you engage in physical activities or reside in a hot climate.
2. Urinate Before and After Intercourse
One of the most common causes of UTIs in women is sexual intercourse. During sex, bacteria can be pushed into the urethra, increasing the risk of infection.
The source of the bacteria could be sweat, bacteria on bed linen, or your own underwear. It is impossible to avoid however by remembering to urinate both before and after sex you will flush out any bacteria that is in your urinary tract.
This practice lowers the risk of infection. Moreover, using a water-based lubricant during sex can decrease friction and irritation, thus providing further protection against UTIs.
3. Take Cranberry Supplements
Cranberry supplements have substances that can stop bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract walls, lowering the chances of infection. Although cranberry juice is commonly suggested for preventing urinary tract infections, it's crucial to know that many store-bought cranberry juices have extra sugar, which can raise the risk of infection. Therefore, opting for a cranberry supplement is better if you want to include cranberry in your diet.
4. Wipe From Front to Back After Urinating
Wiping in the opposite direction can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and increase the risk of infection. That's why women must always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. This prevents the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, reducing the chances of a urinary tract infection.
5. Incorporate Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements have live bacteria that support a healthy urinary tract. They help maintain a balance by controlling harmful bacteria and lowering the chances of infection. Moreover, probiotics enhance the immune system, providing further protection against urinary tract infections.
6. Take Preventive Antibiotics
If you frequently get urinary tract infections (UTIs), your doctor might recommend taking antibiotics as a preventive measure. These antibiotics can be taken daily or after sexual intercourse to help prevent UTIs by stopping the growth of bacteria.
It is crucial to understand that excessive use of antibiotics can result in antibiotic resistance. This means that infections may become more challenging to treat in the future. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to your doctor's instructions and only take antibiotics as directed.
This should be seen as a last measure once you’ve tried all other methods to try to prevent UTIs.
Final Thoughts
UTIs can be a nuisance for women, but you can use several effective prevention techniques to keep your urinary tract healthy. By adopting these measures, you can reduce your risk of developing a UTI.
Additionally, using a safe water-based lube during sex can diminish friction and irritation, which can also contribute to UTIs. With these strategies, you can prioritize your urinary tract health and enjoy a more comfortable and infection-free life.
