Tips to Prevent UTIs
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) affect over 8 million people every year, and an estimated 12% of men and 60% of women are likely to develop UTI at least once in their life. On the positive side, following a few simple and practical prevention tips for UTI can help keep the condition at bay:
- Drink plenty of water
Drink a lot of water daily helps keep the urinary tract clean through frequent urination, preventing UTI. - Urinate after sex
One should urinate immediately after sex, as it helps remove any bacteria in the urinary tract and reduces the risk of UTI. - Avoid holding urine
Another simple prevention tip for UTI is to avoid controlling the urge to urinate. Holding urine can cause an infection in the urinary tract. - Use condoms
Condoms help prevent bacteria transmission, but it’s best to stay away from flavored condoms, as they can cause irritation. - Showers instead of taking a bath
Women should opt for showers instead of a bath, as baths can change the pH levels of the vagina and create an imbalance due to the chemicals in soaps. - Probiotics
One of the simplest prevention tips for UTI is to include probiotic foods in one’s diet. Yogurt is an excellent probiotic, and one can also take supplements after consulting a doctor to help prevent bacteria growth. - Don’t use a diaphragm
If one is prone to developing UTI, they should avoid using a diaphragm. The E Coli bacteria can grow due to the use of a diaphragm, so it’s best to avoid it. - Stay away from douching
Women should avoid douching, as it increases the risk of UTI because it provides an environment for the infection to grow. - Wash the rectum
Washing the rectum is another effective prevention tip for UTI. One should wash the rectum every day so that bacteria from the rectum area cannot spread to the nearby tissues. - Wash the foreskin
Men should wash under their foreskin daily, as this is where bacteria can flourish. Avoiding cleaning the foreskin can lead to men being at a higher risk of developing UTI. - Wipe front to back
Women should always wipe front to the back after using the toilet. This prevents the bacteria in the anus from entering the vagina, which can cause UTI. - Opt for cotton underwear
One of the easiest prevention tips for UTI is to wear cotton underwear. Breathable cotton underwear allows the circulation of air. - Avoid scented products
Scented hygiene products and soaps can irritate the intimate areas and increase the risk of UTI. Instead, one should opt for mild soaps and stay away from soaps with harsh chemicals. - Drink cranberry juice
Women should drink a glass of cranberry juice every day, as it decreases the risk of UTI. - Clean up before and after sex
One of the main prevention tips for UTI is to clean up before and after indulging in sexual activity, ideally with mild soap and warm water.