5 Tips for Preventing a UTI

Urinary tract infections account for roughly 10 million doctor visits every year in the United States, making them one of the most commonly treated bacterial infections in adults. Women are especially vulnerable to UTIs. As many as 60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and many will have recurrent infections.

The Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology team emphasizes prevention as the foundation for staying healthy, and that philosophy extends to urinary tract infections (UTIs). The encouraging news is that simple steps can slash your risk. 

Here are five practical, research-supported strategies you can start using today to keep UTIs at bay.

No 1. Build the habit of staying well hydrated

It sounds almost too simple, but increasing fluid intake is one of the most practical ways to prevent a UTI. When you stay hydrated, you urinate more frequently, and that regular flushing helps wash bacteria out of your urinary tract before they have a chance to multiply and cause an infection.

No 2. Don’t skip the bathroom before and after intimacy

Sexual activity increases the risk for UTIs in women. During intercourse, bacteria from the genital area can enter the urethra. Urinating shortly before and after sex helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract before they can settle in. 

No 3. Reconsider certain hygiene and contraceptive products

Some of the products you use every day could be raising your UTI risk. Scented soaps, douches, and feminine sprays can irritate the urethra and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area. Spermicides and diaphragms have also been shown to alter vaginal flora in ways that may raise the risk of UTIs.

If you’re prone to recurring UTIs and use any of these products, it’s worth having a conversation with us about alternatives. Simple changes like switching to unscented soap and warm water for cleansing can make a meaningful difference. Breathable, cotton underwear also helps keep the area dry and less hospitable to bacterial growth.

No 4. Listen to your body’s signals to empty your bladder

Regularly delaying urination can give bacteria time to multiply in your bladder. Additionally, when you go, make sure you empty your bladder completely. Incomplete emptying leaves residual urine where bacteria can thrive. 

If you frequently feel like you can’t fully empty your bladder, mention it to your doctor since that symptom can sometimes point to an underlying issue that’s worth evaluating.

No 5. Consider cranberry juice

You’ve probably heard that cranberry juice prevents UTIs. Studies found a strong link between daily intake of cranberry products rich in plant nutrients called proanthocyanidins and UTI prevention. 

Proanthocyanidins have antibacterial properties and are shown to prevent E. coli – the bacteria that cause most UTI infections – from adhering to the bladder wall.

If you’re curious about whether cranberry juice or supplements might be right for you, our team can discuss it with you. 

Signs your UTI may need professional treatment

Prevention goes a long way, but UTIs can still happen even when you’re doing everything right. If you’re experiencing a burning sensation when you urinate, frequent urges to go with little output, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or pelvic pressure, don’t wait it out. UTIs are highly treatable, but left untreated, they can spread to the kidneys and become a more serious issue.

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, our goal is to ensure patients can access medical care promptly when they need it most. We offer same-day sick visits, and our on-site lab allows us to rapidly diagnose infections so we can begin the right treatment as soon as possible.

Dr. John Terzian and our team are also here to help if you’re dealing with recurring UTIs. If you’re getting them more than twice a year, there may be an underlying factor worth investigating.

If recurrent UTIs are a concern or you’d like guidance on protecting your urinary health, you can rely on our team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology. You can schedule an appointment online or call our office to get started on a plan that supports your long-term urinary wellness.