10 Tips to Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

November 9, 2022

4 2 minutes read

A UTI is an infection that can occur in any portion of the urinary arrangement. Though both men and women can get UTIs, they are much more common in women. In fact, according to las vegas urologists, women are four to five times more likely to develop a UTI than men.

Tips to Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing a UTI. These include:

– Having unprotected intercourse

– Smoking cigarettes

– Using certain diaphragms or spermicide for birth control

– Using a urinary catheter

– Being pregnant

– Having diabetes

– Having certain kidney stones

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to decrease your risk of developing a UTI. Keep reading for 10 tips you need to know to avoid urinary tract infections.

1. Drink plenty of fluids.

Drinking fluids helps to flush out bacteria from your system before it has a chance to reach your bladder and cause an infection. In addition to water, unsweetened cranberry juice is also effective in flushing out bacteria. Aim for six to eight glasses of fluid per day.

2. Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.

Waiting too long to urinate allows bacteria time to multiply. It also increases the risk that bacteria will be pushed back up into your urethra where it can cause an infection.

3. Wipe front to back after using the restroom.

This helps to prevent bacteria from your anus from spreading to your urethra and causing an infection.

4. Avoid using feminine hygiene products.

Douches and other feminine hygiene products can irritate the delicate skin around your urethra and increase your risk of developing an infection.

5. Choose cotton underwear over synthetic fabrics.

Cotton allows air circulation and prevents moisture buildup which can lead to bacterial growth. Be sure to change out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes as soon as possible as well.

6. Empty your bladder immediately after sex.

Sexual intercourse introduces new bacteria into your system which can cause an infection if not flushed out right away.

7. Avoid holding in your urine.

Holding in your urine gives bacteria time to multiply. If you have trouble emptying your bladder completely, see a doctor as this could be a sign of another underlying medical condition.

8. Practice good hygiene.

Be sure to cleanse the area around your vagina daily with mild soap and water.

9. Take probiotics.

Probiotics help balance the good bacteria in your body, which can help prevent infections. You can find probiotics in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, or you can take them in supplement form.