Wed consider that all more reason to learn how to prevent UTIs in the first place.
So its well worth some extra effort on the front end to avoid UTIsand the complications they can bring.
Wipe from front to back when you use the bathroom.
Ashley Armitage/Getty Images
This tip makes perfect sense when you consider your anatomy.
Dont hold your pee for hours when you better go.
Pee after having sex.
The mechanics of sex, however great it may be, can make a UTI more likely.
Its the reason whypeeing after sexis sage advice.
Dr. Kaufman recommends drinking water to give a shot to refill your bladder.
Dont use anything scented on any part of your sexual anatomy.
To that end, you should also avoid usinganybody wash or other hygiene products internally.
Drink plenty of water.
Its not that water itself has magical UTI-busting properties.
(If only.)
You dont need to guzzle so much water that you feel uncomfortable.
(For more intel, check out our full guide onhow much water you should drink every day.)
Reconsider your birth control method.
A couple things youll want to avoid if youre trying to ward off UTIs: unlubricated and spermicide-treated condoms.
(This is more likely if the diaphragm doesnt fit you properly.)
So…what about cranberry juice or supplements to help ward off UTIs?
You also may have heard that this whole concept is BS.
Hence why youll see varying recommendations from medical orgs.
If youre still tempted to try out cranberries for UTI prevention, talk to your doctor first.
For years, it was unclear whether consuming probiotics (a.k.a.
Your body may just have a harder time clearing even a small amount of bad bacteria, she explains.
Some aspects of just having a vagina might be in play here too.
If youre dealing with frequent UTIs, its important to see your doctor.
Plenty of other conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction,interstitial cystitis(a.k.a.
painful bladder syndrome), and yeast infectionscan be easy to confusewith UTIs.
Particularly gnarly cases of recurrence might require taking a preventive low-dose antibiotic daily for up to six months.
You might also get some relief via topical estrogen if low levels of this hormone are making you extra-susceptible.
And if nothing seems to be helping?
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