Burning pain whenever you go to the bathroom, feeling like you need to pee all the time, pain in the lower back, nausea, vomiting, dizziness—these are just a few of the symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection. And although some women will always be more prone to UTIs (like diabetic women and those past menopause) there are steps you can take to avoid future infections, no matter your risk level.
Most Important
A UTI happens in one of two ways: when outside bacteria get pushed into the urethra, or when bacteria already in the bladder multiply to unhealthy levels. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that’s already in the bladder, so flushing it out is the most important way to stave off infection. Here’s how:
Flush out bacteria. Drink plenty of fluids. The usual 6 to 8 glasses of water will do, but cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder. Heed the call of nature and urinate when you first feel the urge. If you leave the loo trip till later, you risk bacteria growth. Also, urinate soon after sex to clear out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
Practice good toilet hygiene. As mentioned, go when you’ve got to. And after you’re done, always wipe from front to back to keep from pushing bacteria nearer to your urethra. This is especially important after a bowel movement. If you have young children, remind them of the importance of proper wiping and check in on how frequently they visit the bathroom. Constipation has been linked to UTIs in children, so make sure you get to the root of any causes of constipation.
Create an environment inhospitable to bacteria. Cranberry, long lauded as a UTI-fighting fruit, actually changes the surface of E. coli bacteria so that it cannot bind to the urinary tract. If it can’t take hold, your body has more time and opportunity to flush it out of your system before it has a chance to grow in large amounts. Try cranberry juice or tablets, but check with your doctor because cranberry may not be good for those with a history of kidney stones or for those on blood-thinners.
Protect your urethra. Although they haven’t been conclusively linked to raising UTI risk, bubble bath and bath oils, perfumed products used on or near the genitals, and poor hygiene can irritate the urethra. Some doctors suggest switching from tampons to sanitary pads, since tampons may give bacteria more opportunity to enter the body and irritate the urethra.
Maintain balanced flora. A woman’s vaginal area contains naturally protective bacteria to fend off infection. If the balance of this so-called “vaginal flora” is upset, harmful bacteria may flourish and a woman’s UTI risk may increase. Feminine hygiene products, including douches, sprays, and powders, may upset this balance. On the other hand, consuming probiotic bacteria, found in fermented milk products like yogurt, may promote the balance and reduce recurrent infection risk.
Be intelligent about intimacy. Sexual intercourse can also irritate the urethra and may be one of the reasons that sexually active women are more prone to UTIs. Always urinate soon after intercourse to clear out any bacteria that has been introduced to the body and may reach the urethra. A woman’s contraceptive choice could affect her risk of UTIs. A diaphragm may compress the urethra and make it hard to empty the bladder. Urine that lingers too long in the bladder may gather more bacteria. And use of spermicides may also trigger bacteria growth by upsetting the natural balance of the vagina.
Dress for prevention. Breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothing allow a woman’s vaginal area to stay dry, a deterrent to bacteria growth. Skip the skin-tight jeans and opt for natural fibre underwear, and don’t lounge around in a wet swimsuit. Also, wash intimates using a mild detergent.
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms of a UTI, as antibiotic treatment may be required to clear up infection and prevent complications.
