How to Prevent Urinary Infection in Women?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) starts as a mild burning sensation during voiding and can lead to more dangerous kidney infection. The scientific basis of UTI is to be understood in order to stop it. Normal urine is sterile, that is it does not contain any bacteria. When some bacteria enter the urinary bladder through natural urinary passage (urethra), they are usually washed away. However, if the bacteria are virulent or the natural defenses are weak, then they can multiply and stick to the bladder wall, causing an infection.

I have compiled the various measures which can be easily adopted to prevent UTI:

1) Stay Hydrated:

Avoid dehydration at any cost. The whole urinary system needs to be continuously bathed in water. This means that you need to drink fluids throughout the day. This will keep the kidneys healthy and also wash out any bacteria that enter the bladder.

2) Empty Bladder Frequently:

Regular and frequent emptying of the bladder is important to prevent bacteria from staying for long and multiplying. If you are getting recurrent UTI, empty your bladder more frequently. For example, empty your bladder every three hours.

3) Learn and Use Proper Toileting Techniques:

The anal region teems with bacteria and genital region is relatively clean. Therefore, prevent contamination from the back to the front. Always wipe from front to back. Use two separate wipes for cleaning genital region and anal region.

4) Always Pass Urine After Intercourse:

Clean the genital region before having sex. Always remember to pass urine after intercourse. This will help to wash away the bacteria which have entered the urethra during sex.

5) Prefer Shower to Take a Bath:

If you get recurrent UTI, try avoiding bathtubs. These can easily get contaminated with bacteria from all over the body and facilitate bacterial entrance into the bladder.

6) Avoid Artificial Feminine Products:

Scented feminine products can irritate the urethra and the vagina. They can also alter the normal healthy bacteria present in the vagina, thus promoting harmful bacterial growth.

7) Avoid Diaphragms and Spermicidal Condoms:

Diaphragms and spermicidal condoms can promote bacterial overgrowth and change the normal vaginal pH respectively. Use other birth control measures if you are getting a UTI.

8) Choose Appropriate Underwear:

Use cotton underwear and loose garments which allow good aeration and prevent accumulation of moisture. Moisture is a prerequisite for bacterial growth.

9) Take Natural Remedies:

Yogurt and curd are rich in lactobacilli. These protective bacteria are normally present in the vagina and help in preventing harmful bacterial growth. Cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins. These prevent bacteria from sticking on to the bladder wall. Apples, oranges and peaches are naturally rich in D-mannose. This also helps in preventing UTI.

10) Take Vitamin C Supplement:

Taking vitamin C 500 to 1000 mg per day can help to keep the urine acidic and prevent bacterial growth.

11) Apply Vaginal Estrogen Cream:

Postmenopausal women can have low estrogen levels and unhealthy vaginal lining. Applying estrogen cream in vagina (strictly under medical supervision only) if approved by your local urologist can help in keeping the vagina healthy.

12) Rule Out Organ Prolapse:

In the presence of bladder or uterine prolapse (descend down), urine emptying can get interfered. If you feel like having such a problem, please visit your gynecologist or urologist.

If you have any further doubts regarding UTI then please feel free to consult a urologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/urologist