How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are very common, especially in women. Learn a few simple tips to preventing this very painful infection from occurring.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by a bacteria called E.coli. This bacteria is usually found in the digestive tract, but can make it's way to the urethra and thus can migrate up to the bladder. Not everyone who has a urinary tract infection will have signs and symptoms, however most do. A few of the signs and symptoms can include: urinary frequency, burning during urination (especially at the end of urination), urinary urgency, strong-smelling and dark or cloudy urine, blood in your urine, feeling of having to urinate (even though little or no urine comes out).

2. WIPE FRONT TO BACK:
   Wiping from front to back is the old adage to preventing these infections. Simply put, it will prevent you from bringing the bacteria into the region of the urethra.

3. DRINK FLUIDS:
   Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It is also thought that drinking cranberry juice (or other acidic juices) can help to prevent urinary tract infections.

4. AVOID URETHRAL IRRITATION:
   Be sure to avoid anything that may irritate the urethra. Some examples are intercourse without lubrication, feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches or bubble baths.

5. FREQUENT URINATION:
   Whatever you do, don't hold it! When you feel the need to urinate, make it a point to do so.

6. AVOID CERTAIN BIRTH CONTROL MEASURES:
   It is important that you try to avoid spermicides with nonoxynol-9 or diaphragms for birth control as they are often a cause for recurrent urinary tract infections in women.

7. URINATING BEFORE AND AFTER INTERCOURSE:
   Urinated before and after intercourse can help to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract and greatly reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important, if you feel as though you have a urinary tract infection, to consult and seek treatment from your physician
• If you take Coumadin (Warfarin), it is important to inform your physician if you are drinking cranberry juice, as this may change the effect of the Coumadin dosage.

[miasavc]

on 1/3/2009 Great info about UTI! I practiced step 2. I know how painful this condition is. Drinking plenty of water also helps...

[aew4]

on 12/11/2008 great article. i've had these and this article is right on the money

[cadence]

on 12/4/2008 Good tips - I would definitely like to avoid these. :)

[NatalieEngland]

on 12/4/2008 Good to know. Thanks.

[RustyPrimitives]

on 12/3/2008 Awesome article,I had one a while back and let me tell you it was horrible!, you just have to take the azo medication and pray you will be able to pee normal soon :) 5 ☆'s