Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a frequent and painful issue, especially for women. Once you’ve experienced the burning sensation and constant need to pee, you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid another. Unfortunately, if you’ve had one UTI, your chances of a recurrence are high. Studies show that 30% to 44% of individuals will develop a second UTI within six months of their first.
But here’s the good news: You can reduce your risk by making a few changes to your daily habits. Let’s dive into expert-backed tips to keep UTIs at bay.
In This Article-
Don’t Hold It: Pee Often to Flush Out Bacteria
The primary cause of UTIs is bacteria entering the urinary tract. The simple act of urinating can help flush bacteria out of your system before it causes trouble.
How Often Should You Pee? Urologists recommend going to the bathroom every 4–6 hours.
Special Cases: Older adults, children, or those with mobility issues may need extra reminders or assistance to urinate regularly.
Stay Hydrated: Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water isn’t just good for overall health—it’s a UTI prevention strategy.
Why It Works: Staying hydrated makes you urinate more often, flushing out harmful bacteria. Diluted urine also reduces bacterial growth.
Research Says: A 2018 study found that individuals who drank an extra 1.5 liters of water daily had significantly fewer UTIs than those who didn’t.
Daily Goal: Aim for 6–8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and healthy.
Wipe the Right Way: Front to Back Only
One common mistake can significantly increase your risk of UTIs—wiping incorrectly.
The Problem: E. coli, the bacteria responsible for most UTIs, lives near the anus. Wiping from back to front can push it toward the urethra.
The Fix: Always wipe front to back, whether you’re using the toilet yourself or helping someone else.
Pee Before and After Sex
Sexual activity increases the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Timing Matters: Peeing within 30–45 minutes after sex can help wash away bacteria before they cause an infection.
Why Women Are More Prone: Women have shorter urethras, giving bacteria a quicker path to the bladder.
Consider Cranberry Supplements
Can cranberries prevent UTIs? The research is mixed, but there’s some evidence they might help.
How It Works: Cranberries contain proanthocyanidin-A (PAC), which makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder.
The Studies:
A 2017 review found cranberry products reduced UTIs in people prone to infections.
A 2014 study showed benefits only for high-risk individuals, not the general population.
What Doctors Say: Supplements are often more effective than juice due to their concentrated PAC levels.
Talk About Hormone Replacement Therapy
Postmenopausal women face a higher risk of UTIs due to hormonal changes.
The Role of Hormones: Estrogen helps maintain healthy urinary tract tissue and supports good bacteria.
Considerations: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help but comes with risks like increased chances of blood clots and heart disease. Discuss your options with your doctor.
Reevaluate Your Birth Control
Your choice of contraception could contribute to frequent UTIs.
What to Avoid:
Spermicides and spermicidal lubricants can disrupt vaginal pH and promote harmful bacteria.
Diaphragms may also increase UTI risk.
The Solution: Talk to your ob-gyn about switching to UTI-friendly contraception.
Avoid Irritating Hygiene Products
Feminine hygiene sprays, douching, and even bubble baths can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina, increasing UTI risk.
What You Need to Know:
Your vagina is self-cleaning; warm water is all you need.
Harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate sensitive tissue.
Preventing UTIs often comes down to simple lifestyle adjustments. From staying hydrated to peeing on time, these expert tips can help you avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of a UTI.
If you’re prone to recurring infections, consider consulting your doctor for personalized advice.
SOURCES
We have a very strict reviewing guidelines on how to run every article in the website. Everything we write follow a very strict reviewing process by following high quality peer-reviewed studies. Every source we follow are credible and accurate and again reviewed by our doctors to give you all high quality advise and content.
Office on Women’s Health. Urinary tract infections.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vulvovaginal health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health. Urinary tract infections.
American Urological Association: “Urinary Tract Infections in Adults.”
American Family Physician: “Common Questions About Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women.”
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