How to prevent UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in the United States. Each year, they lead to more than 10 million visits to healthcare providers (HCPs).

UTIs develop when bacteria travel up the urethra, the thin tube through which you urinate, and multiply. They occur most often in the bladder, a condition known as cystitis.

The symptoms of UTIs can be annoying and painful, and can include frequent urination, burning during urination, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine. While there are a number of remedies that allegedly prevent UTIs, there’s not a lot of evidence to support most of them. Here, however, are science-backed prevention tips to help you avoid UTIs.

Try drinking water

You may have heard that drinking cranberry juice helps ward off UTIs. Although many studies have tested cranberry products, the evidence doesn’t show they help. In fact, cranberries have more acidity than most fruits, which can actually irritate your bladder.

Instead, try drinking water. Some studies suggest that increasing daily water intake may lower the risk of developing UTIs. Talk with your HCP about the right amount of water for you, however. Some people with certain kidney and heart problems may need to be careful about how much water they drink.

Consider rinsing before sex

Having sex may introduce bacteria into the urethra and bladder. Some experts advise urinating before and after sex to help flush out any bacteria that’s accumulated. However, existing evidence supporting the practice is mixed. Meanwhile, other research suggests that washing the outside of the genital area before sex may offer some benefit.

Wipe from front to back

Wiping from back to front can spread bacteria from your anus to your urinary tract, and in turn, cause UTIs. Practice healthy hygiene by always wiping front to back when you go to the bathroom and cleaning the outer lips of your vagina and then your anus each day.

Wear cotton underwear

Tight-fitting clothing can trap moisture in your genital region, providing a good environment for bacteria to grow. Stick with breathable fabrics, like cotton, as much as possible when choosing undergarments and clothes that hug between your legs.

Don’t hold in your urine

Do you skip the bathroom when life gets busy, such as when a work meeting runs long or when you don’t want to miss part of a movie? If so, it can contribute to more frequent UTIs. Waiting to urinate can cause bacteria to grow. And if you’re holding in your urine over and over, it can lead to issues going in general. The best option is to go when you need to go.

Avoid douching

Douching is the act of washing the inside of the vagina with a mixture of fluids like water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. It’s not necessary, however, and can actually cause problems.

Your vagina naturally maintains a healthy balance of bacteria that protect against infections. It also cleans itself by making mucus, which flushes away things like blood, semen, and vaginal discharge.

So, when it comes to cleaning your vagina, there’s not much you need to do. It’s best to clean the outside when you take a bath or shower each day and leave it at that. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid soaps and stick with water.

Consider vaginal estrogen

Menopause occurs when a person stops menstruating for 12 consecutive months. UTI risk rises after menopause due to changes in hormones, such as estrogen. But taking vaginal estrogen in the form of creams, tablets, or rings can lower that risk—perhaps up to 75 percent. If you’ve hit menopause, talk to an HCP about whether vaginal estrogen is the right choice for you.

Although UTIs are common, taking proper care of your urinary tract can help you avoid the discomfort that often comes with these infections. If you are having symptoms, see your HCP. The earlier you seek treatment, the earlier you can feel better.