Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are caused by bacteria that make their way into a person's urethra or bladder. ITUs are usually treated with antibiotics, and are responsible for millions of visits to the doctor every year. Women are more susceptible to these infections, but they also affect men. Learn how to prevent UTI with simple lifestyle changes, practicing good hygiene, and integrating preventative nutrients and herbs into your diet.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Prefer showers to bathrooms
Especially for women, lying in the tub can lead to urethral infections, because water and bath products are easy to enter the body. Showering eliminates the problem and can go a long way in preventing ITUs.
Step 2. Wear the right underwear
Believe it or not, the underwear you wear can have a big impact on the likelihood of an ITU. Keep these factors in mind next time you shop:
- Underwear made of silk or polyester traps moisture and bacteria against the skin, increasing the risk of an infection. Cotton is a more breathable fabric, which allows air to circulate and prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Wearing thongs and other tight underwear can cause problems. Reserve them for special occasions and don't wear them for more than a few hours.
- Avoid wearing tights and shorts that are not made of breathable fabrics.
- Always choose comfortable clothing.
Step 3. Drink at least 2 liters of fluids per day
Drinking more water helps cleanse your system and allows you to produce more urine. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. However, increase the amount of fluids if you are active, sick, or live in a warm environment.
- Drink some water after sexual activity to cleanse your system.
- If the urine is darker than pale yellow, it is a sign of dehydration. It means you need to get more water.
Step 4. Urinate often
Holding urine when you feel the urge to go to the bathroom increases the chances of bacteria near the urethra finding their way into the body. The urine removes bacteria from the area, reducing the chance of an infection.
- To cleanse the area often, drink plenty of water. Try to urinate every hour - hour and a half.
- If your urine is yellow, you should drink more water. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day to promote urinary tract health.
Step 5. Get moving
Sitting cross-legged for too long, especially if you do it every day, can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. It is important to get up and walk several times a day.
- If you sit at a desk to work, make an effort to take breaks to walk in the fresh air.
- Long air travel may force you to sit in the same position for hours. When you can unfasten the seat belt, get up and walk down the aisle a couple of times.
Part 2 of 3: Hygienic Habits
Step 1. Clean from front to back
After defecating or urinating, it is very important to clean yourself from front to back, so as not to risk contact between the stool and the urethra. It is a very common cause of ITU, so taking this simple measure will save you a lot of trouble.
Step 2. Wash before and after sex
Sexual intercourse is another situation in which bacteria are more likely to enter the urethra. Wash with soap and water before and after intercourse to greatly reduce the risk of contracting a UTI.
- Ask your partner to do this too. Many ITUs are contracted when a person is touched by their partner's hand or other body parts that have not been washed with soap and water.
- Urinating after sex helps remove bacteria that may be present near the urethra.
- Avoid having sex with someone with ITU. Men are especially at risk of getting an infection from a partner who already has it.
- ITUs are more common with a new sexual partner. The risk will reduce as the relationship becomes more "stable".
Step 3. Avoid feminine sprays and douches
These products contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the urethra and cause an infection. The body produces natural cleansers to keep the inside of the vagina clean, so using soap and water on the outside should be enough.
- Powders, especially perfumed ones, should be avoided, as they can irritate the urethra.
- Use gentle, natural cleansers if you decide to clean the inside of the vagina.
Part 3 of 3: Diet and Nutrition
Step 1. Drink cranberry juice
Studies show that drinking cranberry juice regularly prevents infections. ITUs are often caused by E. Coli, and cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins, which prevent E. Coli to adhere to the bladder and urethra.
- Try to drink unsweetened cranberry juice, as it will contain more cranberries.
- Unfortunately, cranberry juice does not cure existing infections; it is only a preventive measure.
Step 2. Take herbal supplements
There is no conclusive research showing that these supplements prevent UTI, but they are believed to help treat infections.
- Hydraste extract is suitable for the prevention of all types of infections, and is also believed to be useful in the prevention of UTI.
- Juniper oil increases urine volume, and will help remove bacteria from the urethra.
Step 3. Avoid substances that irritate the bladder
Certain foods and drinks may put you at an increased risk of contracting or worsening a UTI.
- Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you when consumed in large quantities. If you feel a start of ITU, they can turn it into a real infection.
- Acidic foods and drinks such as orange, lemon, and tomatoes can irritate the bladder. Avoid them altogether if you have a tendency to get urinary tract infections frequently.
Step 4. Include fiber rich foods
Fiber helps the bowel work, which prevents constipation. Constipation can weaken the pelvic floor and increase the risk of contracting a UTI. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grains.
