How To Prevent a UTI: 7 Tips
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not only painful, but they are common and can reoccur. In fact, 4 in 10 women who have a UTI will get at least one more within six months, according to information from the Office of Women’s Health. Therefore, we’ve compiled these seven useful tips on how to prevent a UTI.
At Associate’s in Women’s Healthcare, we’ve helped hundreds of patients overcome the inconvenience and discomfort associated with UTIs. By carefully monitoring your health, we want you to remain well throughout your life, whether you’re starting a family or entering menopause. Scheduling an appointment with us is easy, just contact us.
How to Prevent a UTI: 7 Tips
A UTI occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract, resulting in burning pain when you urinate, coupled with frequent urges to go to the bathroom. By following these simple, yet effective, strategies, you’ll learn how to prevent a UTI.
1. Stay Hydrated
When you drink plenty of water, it flushes bacteria from the urinary tract. This can reduce the risk of getting a UTI. However, remember to stick with water: Sugary energy or sports drinks can harm your overall health.
2. Use Good Bathroom Hygiene
After using the bathroom, remember to always wipe from front to back. This keeps bacteria from your anal area away from your urethra.
3. Avoid Tight-fitting Clothes
Remember that this area needs to “breathe.” That means avoiding tight-fitting clothes and opting for cotton underwear, which is key to UTI prevention.
4. Use the Bathroom When You Need To
“Holding it” for long periods is not a good idea. If you hold in your urine for long periods, you cannot flush out bacteria. This can set the stage for a urinary tract infection.
5. Urinate After Having Sex
Here’s how to prevent a UTI after sex: After you have intercourse, urinate as soon as possible. This flushes out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during sex. This is one of the most effective ways on how to prevent a UTI.
6. Avoid Certain Feminine Products
For UTI prevention, avoid using deodorant sprays or powders “down there.” We also suggest that you forgo douching as well. These products can all irritate the urethra and increase your chances of getting an infection.
7. Talk to Us About Your Birth Control Method
If you’re prone to UTIs you may want to avoid certain kinds of birth control like diaphragms or spermicidal agents for UTI prevention. These could increase your risk of getting a UTI.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Fortunately, most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, provided they are caught early. If a UTI isn’t treated promptly, it can progress to become much more serious. Therefore, if you have any symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms of a UTI include:
However, it’s important to note that some STDs can also cause similar symptoms, such as painful urination. Therefore, it’s important to seek care from one of our gynecologists in Raleigh who can provide an accurate and timely diagnosis.
For UTI Prevention and Treatment, Associate’s In Women’s Healthcare Offers The Care You Deserve
How to prevent a UTI involves a combination of these tips in addition to working closely with our gynecologists in Raleigh to reduce the chances that you’ll develop a painful and irritating infection. We focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care with a wide range of obstetrical and gynecological services, including:
Our team-based approach empowers our patients on their healthcare journey. We’d consider it a privilege to be your medical home. Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
