Ever felt like you are sitting on something hot, or experienced a burning sensation that just won’t go away (particularly when using the bathroom)? If so, you are likely dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections are common but are quite painful. A constant urge to pee, a burning feeling when you go, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine are just a few of the unsavory symptoms that instantly compel you to find ways to prevent dealing with them ever again.
UTIs are usually caused by a bacteria called E. coli, which normally lives in the colon. It can affect any part of your urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra) and the issue arises when it finds its way from the digestive system into the urethra and starts multiplying.
This common issue affects millions globally, with women being more susceptible and often experiencing recurrent infections due to shorter urethra. However, with proper care and knowledge, you can maintain a healthy urinary tract. Here are 14 ways to prevent this bothersome infection.
1. Keep Your Hydration in Check
Hydration is important for regulating the urinary tract and other bodily functions. It helps regulate body temperature, supply oxygen to cells, and flush toxins from the liver for improved cognition. According to experts, you can prevent or treat 50% of UTIs by keeping yourself well-hydrated.
Experts say that drinking enough water can prevent or treat about 50% of UTIs. When you’re well-hydrated, your urine dilutes, making it harder for bacteria to grow. Plus, drinking more water helps wash harmful bacteria out of your system. The more you pee, the more bacteria you flush from your bladder.
2. Avoid Holding Your Pee
If you hold off on urinating for too long, you’re more likely to develop a UTI. When you do this, bacteria in your bladder can multiply, leading to an infection.
In addition, it puts a strain on your bladder muscles, which might make it harder to empty as you get older. Doctors recommend that if you’ve had UTIs before, frequent urination can help keep them at bay.
3. Wipe Correctly
Always wipe from front to back after urinating. Wiping the wrong way can introduce germs into the urethra, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria and increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Also, avoid wiping twice with the same tissue, and stick to the front-to-back motion to keep things safe. The most effective practice is to wash your genital area with water each time you use the restroom.
4. Avoid Scented Feminine Products
Harsh or heavily scented products such as douches, powders, and deodorant sprays, may seem smart in advertisements, but they offer little benefit to your body. In reality, these products pack a punch of irritating chemicals and fragrances that can cause discomfort, and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria down there, leading to infections.
To avoid these problems, it’s a good idea to use gentle, unscented products that keep your urinary tract’s natural pH and protection.
5. Avoid Tight-fitting Clothes
Tight clothes made of non-breathable material are a big no-no if your UTI keeps recurring. Avoid wearing skin-tight jeans, non-cotton underwear, spandex, etc., especially on your lower body.
The problem with tight-fitting clothes is that they make it difficult for air to pass through. As a result, they lock in moisture and create a damp environment that is favorable for bacteria to grow and cause UTIs.
6. Use Cranberry Supplements
Cranberry supplements are a fantastic way to help prevent UTIs. Packed with flavonoids, they stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary bladder.
Additionally, cranberry extract creates an acidic environment that makes it tough for bacteria to survive. According to recent research from the NIH, using cranberry products can actually reduce the risk of UTIs, especially for people who deal with them frequently.
7. Add Probiotics to Your Diet
Probiotics are an excellent way to maintain overall health. They help control urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infections by creating a balanced environment in the body. Research shows that probiotics, particularly those from the Lactobacillus family, can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that may lead to infections in the urinary tract.
Consider adding foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, into your diet can support the growth of these good bacteria. And if you can’t get enough probiotics through food, taking a probiotic supplement can be an effective alternative.
8. Avoid Excessive Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can have several side effects, one of which is increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially for those who have had them before.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more, leading to dehydration as your body loses fluids faster than it can keep up. When you’re dehydrated, it can create a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive in the urinary tract, raising the chances of getting an infection.
Alcohol can also irritate the bladder lining, which interferes with the body’s natural defenses and makes it easier for bacteria to hang around and multiply.
9. Don’t Consume Excessive Sugar
Sugar has a major effect on urinary bladder function. Although it may differ for most people, eating too much sugar can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Sugary foods raise glucose levels in urine, and bacteria thrive in such environments. High sugar can also change the pH balance of the urinary tract, making it more acidic and prone to infections.
10. Avoid Hot Bubble Baths
The lining of the v*ginal walls and urinary tracts are quite delicate. Too much exposure to high temperatures can irritate its tissues.
Additionally, the products used to create bubbles and lather and hot water create a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. If you really want a relaxing bath, use lukewarm water without harsh soaps or shower gels.
11. Don’t Use Diaphragms or Spermicides
Diaphragms and spermicides are contraceptives that are placed inside the v*gina to prevent the sperm from reaching the cervix.
Although they are good for birth control, they can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina and urethra.
12. Always Pee After Intimacy
Peeing after intimacy is always a good idea, especially if you’re prone to UTIs.
It helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered during the activity. The path from the urethra to the bladder is short, especially for women, making it even more prone to infections.
13. Maintain Good Hygiene
Regardless of what you wear or do, it is important to keep yourself clean at all times. Some general practices include washing your hands frequently, showering, and changing clothes or undergarments regularly.
You should avoid adding do*ching to your hygiene routine, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase your risk of infections.
14. Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is good for overall health and not just to prevent UTIs. Regularly eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can keep your bladder healthy.
In addition, avoid processed foods, as they contain many hidden sugars and additives that are detrimental to your health.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
