Does your pee burn or smell? If yes, you may have a urinary tract infection. Don’t worry. You are not alone.
Almost 26% of women in India have the same problem.
Furthermore, once you have had a UTI, the chances of getting it again are high. The good news is you can easily prevent it from recurring by using these seven useful tips that are backed by science.
Let’s get started!
What is UTI
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system. It majorly affects your urethra and bladder.
Women, especially those who are young and sexually active, are at a higher risk of UTI as compared to men due to shorter urethra.
If you have a UTI, you may have a frequent urge to urinate. Burning while you pee, and cloudy urine are other symptoms of a UTI.
Seven Tips to Prevent UTI that are Backed by Science
Prevent UTI with these seven simple tips.
1. Drink enough fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day will make you frequently pee, flushing the bacteria out.
Try and have 6-8 glasses of water daily. If you are unable to take much water, include decaffeinated herbal tea, sparkling water, smoothies, or milk.
Besides, try and limit your intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
2. Wipe front to back
The rectum is the primary source of E. coli – the most prevalent bacteria causing a UTI. Wiping from front to back prevents the risk of introducing E. coli from your anus to the urethra. Doing this is even more important when you have diarrhea.
3. Pee before and after sex
Sexual intercourse increases the risk of getting a UTI in a woman as bacteria can easily get access to the urethra. To prevent this, urinate before and after sex to flush out bacteria. It is also advisable to wash your private parts before sex. This will clean your genitals, lowering the risk of bacteria spreading to your urethra.
4. Avoid holding urine
Holding your pee encourages bacteria to grow. So, it is a good idea to pee every 3-4 hours and empty your bladder completely every time.
This is more important if you are pregnant as pregnancy increases the risk of UTI, and holding your urine further increases that risk.
5. Avoid the use of feminine hygiene products
Woman’s hygiene products, such as deodorants, washes, and scented sprays, may have chemicals that kill protective bacteria naturally present in your vagina. These bacteria prevent the growth of infection-causing pathogens, keeping UTI at bay.
6. Increase your consumption of cranberries
Cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins – compounds that may inhibit E. coli from attaching themselves to the tissues of your urinary tract. Besides, berries are rich in vitamin C that increases the acidity of urine, reducing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
7. Sanitize while using a public washroom
It’s a good idea to keep a toilet seat disinfectant spray or a sanitizer handy while using public toilets as there is a high risk of catching an infection. Besides, trying using an Indian style toilet whenever possible.
So, you have heard the common tips, ladies! Follow them and keep UTI at bay.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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