5 Tips For Preventing Recurring UTIs

If you have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), you may do almost anything to prevent that burning sensation and the constant urge to go. Genetics may be partly responsible for your recurring UTIs, but there are a few things you can do that may help prevent the frequency of your infections.

At Elite Gynecology, with locations in Manhattan, Forest Hills, and Rego Park, NY, our gynecology team provides expert care for UTIs.  

We know how disruptive recurring UTIs are to your daily life, so we make it as easy as possible for you to get prompt and attentive treatment. Here, we want to share with you some tips that may help prevent future UTIs.

1. Stay well hydrated

UTIs are most often caused by bacteria that enter the urinary system through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder outside the body. UTIs are more common in women than in men because women have a much shorter urethra.

Staying well hydrated dilutes your urine and assists in flushing out bacteria before it might have a chance to grow. Fluid needs vary, but you should try to drink 12-16 cups of water a day. 

2. Don’t hold in your urine

We know it’s not always convenient to go to the bathroom, but you don’t want to hold in your urine for too long if you’re trying to prevent UTIs. You want to flush out the bacteria so it doesn’t have a chance to turn into a serious infection.

3. Empty your bladder after sex

Sexual intercourse is one of the most common causes of recurring UTIs in women. Emptying your bladder after having sex is a good practice for preventing infection. Washing your genitals before sex with gentle soap and warm water may also prevent UTIs. 

4. Wipe from front to back

Some of the bacteria from your bowel live around the skin of the anus. In order to avoid transferring the bacteria from the anus to the urethra, we recommend wiping from front to back. This is especially important after a bowel movement. 

5. Limit the use of genital products

Genital deodorizers, douches, and scented powders cause more problems than they solve. These products tend to irritate the delicate skin, increasing your risk of irritation, inflammation, and infection. It’s best to avoid, or at least limit, their use if you want to prevent UTIs.

Soap and water are the best way to keep this part of your body clean. 

When you have a UTI, antibiotics can quickly clear up the infection. If you have frequent UTIs, we may recommend a course of low-dose antibiotics to reduce your risk of recurrence. Following the steps mentioned above can help too.

Don’t ignore your UTI symptoms. If you need immediate medical care, we can help. Call or book an appointment online today at an Elite Gynecology location nearest you.