A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects the urinary system and is more common than you think. The symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, bloody or cloudy urine, increased urge to pass urine, and even fever and chills.
UTIs are usually easily treatable. However, it can be pretty annoying if you’re suffering from recurring infections. We share five ways you can prevent UTIs so that you can avoid the pain.
Drink lots of water
This seems like a no-brainer but drinking plenty of water and other hydrating fluids is one of the best ways to help prevent UTIs. Staying hydrated means you’ll need to pee more frequently, which helps to flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. Similarly, try to avoid holding in your pee for too long as this allows bacteria to build up in your urinary tract, leading to infections.
Keep your intimate area clean
UTIs happen when bacteria enters your urinary tract. As such, it’s important to keep your intimate area clean. This includes good hygiene habits such as:
Wiping from back to front after you use the bathroom, to lower the risk of bacteria from your vaginal or anus openings from entering the urinary tract
Showering after a workout and getting into clean, fresh clothes
Changing your sanitary pad frequently when you’re on your period
Stock up on cranberries
Cranberry juice doesn’t treat UTIs, but it may be effective in helping to prevent them. Some research has suggested that cranberries can make it difficult for bacteria to stick to your urinary tract, thereby preventing infections from occurring.
Urinate after sex
Sexual activity can increase the risk of contracting a UTI as bacteria can enter the urinary tract during sexual intercourse. Peeing after having sex can help to flush any bacteria out of your system, to prevent infections.
Invest in probiotics
Probiotics contain large quantities of good bacteria. They can help to prevent UTI by preventing the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics can be found in foods like Greek yoghurt, cheese and kefir products. You can also take probiotics in supplemented forms. This enables you to take larger and fixed concentrations in a single capsule.
Preventive methods can go a long way to stop recurrent infections from happening. However, if you suspect that you’ve contracted a UTI, do see a doctor for medical advice. Our doctors are available over video-call, with medication delivery straight to your door.