Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections in any part of your urinary system – kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Sometimes this can spread to the vagina, uterus and ovaries causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
They are usually unpleasant especially if it keeps reccurring. It can get so bad for some women that they experience it as much as 4 to 5 times in a year. To help avoid going through such unpleasant experience frequently, here are some tips:
1. Do not hold urine for too long. Once pressed, try to urinate as soon as possible. Holding urine for too long can allow bacteria to build up.
2. Urinate after intercourse. If possible, urinate also before. Sexual activity is a major risk factor for recurrent UTIs. It is thought that during the process bacteria can transfer between the rectum/vagina/urethra. So just in case that happens, urinating after helps to flush it out.
3. Avoid spermicidal condoms. If you use condoms, its preferable to use non-spermicidal condoms. Condoms coated with spermicide can affect the delicate balance of the vagina. The spermicide can kill off the good bacteria that helps to ward off the unwanted ones. And when that happens, it makes it easier for pathogenic bacteria to enter.
4. Cut down on sugar intake. Candida particularly thrives with sugar. And it can make it grow or be difficult to treat.
5. Make use of natural preventives. Cranberry, garlic and ginger often help to prevent and knock off UTIs. Periodically, you can take cranberry fruit or supplement. Likewise ginger and garlic.
6. Drink more water. Drinking a lot of water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
7. Avoid douches or similar products, they can irritate the genital region and affect the delicate balance there, allowing infection to thrive. Its advisable to wash with only warm water or at best with non-medicated mild soap.
8. Avoid sharing toilet with multiple people. If you must, you should disinfect first before use.
9. Change your birth control method. Sometimes, the choice of birth control method (for instance, diaphragms) can predispose you to recurrent UTI. If you notice that, you should get it changed.
10. Wipe from front to back. Bacteria tend to hang around the anus. If you wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, they’re less likely to make it to the urethra, and enter into your urinary system.
We hope you found these tips helpful. Let’s know in the comments.
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
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