If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how quickly they can wreak havoc. UTIs are notorious for causing burning pain (dysuria), urgency, and constant trips to the bathroom. For some people, the frustration doesn’t end after one infection.
Recurrent UTIs, which are defined as two or more UTIs within six months, are surprisingly common. About 50% of women have at least one UTI in their lives, and 26% of women who have a UTI struggle with recurrent infections.
If you’re plagued with UTIs, you may be wondering what you can do differently to stop the cycle. During your sick visit at Walker Family Care in Little River, South Carolina, our team diagnoses and treats your UTI and provides tips to help prevent recurrent infections.
Read on as Dr. Rogers Walker and Shelley Gilbert, PA-C, share some of those tips below.
This first tip may seem simple, but it’s the simplest way to help prevent UTIs: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Staying hydrated helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract before they have a chance to multiply and cause infection. When you drink enough water, you naturally urinate more often, which helps clear bacteria from the bladder.
Unfortunately, most people don’t drink enough water. Women should drink 11.5 cups of fluids each day. Some of that can come from broth or herbal tea, but the majority should be water. By comparison, men should drink 15.5 cups of fluids per day.
According to research published in the Journal of Family Practice, premenopausal women who don’t currently drink enough water are encouraged to increase their water intake by 1.5 liters to reduce their risk of UTIs.
Pro tip: Try to drink water consistently throughout the day rather than all at once.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is most often responsible for UTIs, and unfortunately, holding urine for long periods allows E. coli bacteria more time to grow in your bladder. If you feel the urge to go, it’s better not to wait.
Regularly emptying your bladder reduces the amount of time bacteria have to settle and multiply in your urinary tract.
It’s also important to fully empty your bladder each time you urinate. (Incomplete emptying is a risk factor for UTIs.)
Good hygiene habits can help reduce the spread of bacteria that may lead to UTIs.
Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from the anal area from moving closer to your urethra.
It’s also wise to avoid heavily scented soaps, douches, or feminine hygiene sprays, which can irritate sensitive tissues and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you always avoid these products, whether you’re battling a UTI or not.
Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Urinating shortly after intercourse can help flush out bacteria before they have time to cause infection.
For women who notice UTIs after sexual activity, this simple step can be especially helpful.
Washing your genital area before and after intimacy can also help prevent recurrent UTIs. Cleaning beforehand can reduce the amount of bacteria transferred during intercourse, while washing afterward helps keep the area clean and may further lower your risk of infection.
Tight clothing and non-breathable fabrics can trap moisture, creating an environment where bacteria grow more easily.
Choosing loose-fitting clothing and 100% breathable cotton underwear can help keep the area dry and reduce bacterial growth. In fact, wearing 100% cotton underwear can help reduce your risk of several issues, including bacterial vaginosis, vaginal itching, and yeast infections.
It’s also helpful to change out of damp clothing, such as workout clothes or swimsuits, as soon as possible.
Are you experiencing frequent UTIs? Typically, two or more infections within six months or three or more within a year are considered frequent. If so, it’s important to speak with Dr. Walker. That being said, even if you don’t have recurrent UTIs, but suspect you have your first one, visit us as a walk-in.
Common UTI symptoms include:
Dr. Walker can evaluate possible underlying causes, test your urine, provide treatment if needed, and recommend other strategies to help reduce the risk of future infections.
Don’t let recurring UTIs disrupt your life. Schedule a visit, call us at 843-280-8333, or walk in.
