Have you ever experienced that burning sensation when you pass urine? Or that annoying and frequent urge to pee but very little comes out? Or those fever and chills that all point to having a Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) ? According to medical studies, 4 in 10 women experience UTIs and women are far more likely to get them than men due to our shorter urethra that enables the bacteria to travel faster.
But that doesn’t mean we should live with it. Here are 5 very preventive steps to prevent UTIs:
Urinating before and after sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse increases the likelihood of contracting a UTI. To reduce this, one must pee both before and after having sex. The purpose for this is to flush out the bacteria that could potentially cause a UTI. Washing your genital area before sex could help also prevent the present bacteria to spread in your urethra.
Increasing your fluid intake
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, reduces the risks of contracting a UTI. Drinking water helps to dilate your urine, thus making you urinate more frequently allowing bacteria to be flushed out from your urinary tract at a faster rate, preventing infection.
Switching your birth control method
Some types of birth control increase your chance of developing a UTI. These include diaphragms, unlubricated or spermicide condoms. They could all contribute to bacterial growth. Consulting your gynaecologist for other options of birth control could definitely help.
Avoiding scented feminine products in your genital area
Using deodorant sprays, douches, powders or other products that have fragrances in your genital area could irritate the urethra leading to a UTI. Opt for non-irritating, pH-balancing formulas created for your intimate area such as our Foaming Intimate Wash.
Dietary changes
Dietary preferences may not completely ward off a UTI, but there are a few food items that could definitely help. Fruits such as cranberries and blueberries are said to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining. Probiotics are said to contain traces of a ‘good gut’ bacteria and some evidence suggests that they help to keep the ‘bad bacteria’ from growing in the vagina.
To know more about UTIs, read a few other articles here.
UTI is usually reoccurring everytime in my body. That urgency and difficulty while I pee. And burning sensation and itching while passing urine.
Hi Shipra,
We’re very sorry to hear that. We hope the tips in the article above help in preventing the recurring Urinary Tract Infections you experience!
I had UTI for long time and I didn’t notice it coz of unawareness. Resulted in urinary bladder walls got well extended and they are not contracting anymore i.e, I have to pee immediately when the bladder gets fluid .. i cannot control urine for half minute also..
Then, the below tips helped me :
Avoid using public rest rooms mostly.
Try to wash the genital area always when you pee even at home so that this becomes a habit.
Drink lots of water
There are excercises which makes those urinary bladder muscles strong… you can try them.
Hi Pavani,
thank you for sharing these tips with us:)