- Don’t become just another statistic; read on below…
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are surprisingly common, in part because people don’t like disclosing that they have one. This is a private issue, but it’s one that affects millions of people every year. Fortunately, most UTIs are entirely preventable.
So what strategies can you use to prevent these infections reliably?
Wipe Intelligently
For starters, when wiping yourself after using the bathroom, wipe front to back. This is a habit that most people are taught from an early age, but if you’re currently wiping back to front, it’s time for a change. Wiping back to front increases the likelihood of fecal matter and bacteria making their way to your urinary tract. Wiping front to back doesn’t completely eliminate this possibility, but it does significantly minimize it.
Better Yet, Use a Bidet
An even better way to practice bathroom hygiene is to use a bidet. Bidets are devices designed to clean you with a jet of water, rather than using the antiquated practice of wiping with paper products. This system is arguably more hygienic, resulting in a much more thorough clean and reducing your likelihood of getting a UTI. At the same time, you’ll be cleaning yourself with an environmentally friendly solution and saving money on toilet paper.
Drink Lots of Water
Your body has natural filtering mechanisms designed to rid itself of toxins, bacteria, and other problematic compounds. But if you want your urinary system and these natural filters to work properly, you need to provide them with a steady stream of water. When your kidneys have more water to process, they can do their job more effectively; additionally, more water and urine flowing through your urinary system has a kind of cleansing effect, making it more challenging for infections to take hold. Accordingly, you should drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Urinate Whenever You Have the Urge
You can increase your risk of developing a UTI if you hold your pee too long. Because of this, it’s a good idea to urinate whenever you have the urge to do so. It might be inconvenient, or you might end up urinating more frequently, but those are small prices to pay to reduce your risk of a UTI.
Urinate Before and After Sex
Urinating before and after sex is a great way to flush out your system during one of the riskiest activities for developing a UTI. It doesn’t take long, so there’s no excuse not to commit to this practice. Note that this is important regardless of what types of birth control or contraception you’re using.
Avoid Products That Interfere With Your pH Balance
Certain types of products can interfere with your pH balance, ultimately making a UTI more likely. Douches, scented pads and tampons, scented powders, and deodorizing sprays are among some of the worst offenders. Even certain types of scented soaps, bubble bath products, and oils can cause problems and increase your risk of infection. Read labels properly, use products cautiously, and always be ready to discontinue the use of products if you notice signs of infection.
Consider Alternative Birth Control Products
Some types of birth control, like diaphragms and spermicide, can increase your risk of a UTI. Consider talking to your doctor about alternative birth control products and strategies.
Use Probiotics
You may be able to decrease your risk of developing a UTI by building up “good” bacteria in your body. The most straightforward way to do this is to use probiotics. Eating certain types of fermented foods, like sauerkraut or yogurt, can naturally introduce good bacteria to your digestive system. You can also take probiotic supplements to achieve the same goal. Additionally, eating a wide range of different fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help you achieve the proper balance of bacteria in your body.
Eat More Cranberries
It may sound like an old wives’ tale, but cranberries are shown to be possibly effective in preventing and managing UTIs. Cranberry compounds called proanthocyanidins play an active role in preventing bacteria from connecting to the tissues in your urinary tract. There’s also some evidence to suggest that the vitamin C content of cranberries can increase your urinary acidity – and If this is the case, you can also get protective benefits by eating foods high in vitamin C, like oranges and other citrus fruits. If you don’t like to eat cranberries, drinking cranberry juice could be a suitable alternative.
These strategies should help you prevent the majority of possible UTIs. If you end up with an infection, don’t panic; most UTIs go away on their own. Drinking extra water, drinking cranberry juice, and urinating frequently can help you overcome this type of infection. If the infection persists, or if symptoms grow worse, see a doctor right away.
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