Tips to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection

If you’ve ever experienced a urinary tract infection, or UTI, of any kind, you will need these tips to prevent another one from occurring. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse, urinary tract infections are the second most common type of bodily infection. Most urinary tract infections occur in women but can affect men as well. Find out four helpful ways to reduce the risk of contracting a UTI.

Risk factors for developing a UTI. Theoretically, everyone is at risk of getting a UTI, but some people are more disposed to this infection than others. Spinal cord injuries and surrounding nerve damage may lead to incomplete bladder evacuation. Residual urine allows bacteria to thrive and increase the risk of a UTI. Abnormalities of the urinary tract can also increase the chances of getting a UTI. Sexual activity, especially for women, is a common reason for developing a UTI. Catheter usage or a compromised immune system also ups the risk for this infection. Most urinary tract infections are not serious but some can be serious and lead to complications, permanent damage or life-threatening conditions like a blood infection.

You can reduce the risk of developing a UTI. There are a few useful ways you can stack the odds in your favor. Knowing these tips to prevent a urinary tract infection puts the power to manage your health back in your hands.

1. Clothing habits — Making some simple changes in the way you dress can actually help keep you free from UTIs. Avoid super tight pants, jeans and underwear. Make sure to buy cotton garments that fit comfortably loose. These measures allow air to circulate and prevent the buildup of bacteria-loving moisture.
2. Bathroom habits — How you go to the bathroom matters. If you’ve never heard it before, be sure to always wipe front to back. This keeps bacteria out of the urinary tract. Do not hold your urine. If you have to go, go! Women should drink lots of water and urinate right after sex. This flushes the urinary tract of bacteria.
3. Nutrition habits — Another lifestyle change is related to your diet. A healthy, varied diet and plenty of plain, clear water is a great way to arm yourself against the bacteria and susceptibility of urinary tract infections. Check with your doctor about how much water is best for you. If you have kidney issues, too much water can be a problem.
4. Birth control (women) — Some forms of birth control leads to an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Diaphragms, spermicide, unlubricated condoms and spermicidal condoms increase irritation and the chances of getting a UTI. Using lubricated condoms and avoiding spermicidal products will help keep UTIs at bay.