4 Tips To Help You Prevent A UTI
Posted on: 6 March 2019
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Urinary tract infections are an issue commonly faced by many women. Women are more prone to catching UTIs due to their shorter urinary tracts. When left untreated, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection that can cause significant organ damage or even death. Here are four tips that can help you prevent urinary tract infections.
1. Drink lots of water.
Keeping yourself well-hydrated can help you prevent UTIs. This is because when you're hydrated, you naturally urinate more frequently, which can push harmful bacteria out of your body. Make an effort to drink water, tea, or other beverages throughout the day. Keeping a water bottle with you can encourage you to drink more, since the water is so easily accessible.
2. Urinate after intercourse.
Sexual intercourse is a leading cause of urinary tract infections in women. This is because the action of intercourse can push bacteria into your urethra, where it can multiply in your bladder. Make it a habit to always go to the bathroom after you have sex. This will remove unwanted bacteria, keeping you protected from UTIs.
3. Drink cranberry juice.
Cranberries contain nutrients that protect your bladder. These nutrients prevent bacteria from colonizing in your urinary tract, which can stave off UTIs in people who are prone to them. In order to get the full benefits of cranberries, you should drink at least 8 ounces of cranberry juice each day. Sugar can encourage bacterial growth and yeast, so don't drink sugary cranberry cocktail that has added sugar. Instead, drink pure cranberry juice. The taste may be a little bitter, so you can dilute it with ice and water to make it more palatable.
4. Take supplements designed to prevent UTIs.
In some cases, drinking cranberry juice isn't enough to prevent UTIs. If you have recurring urinary tract infections, you should consider taking supplements designed to prevent them. In fact, you may have seen a company advertise things like "Buy our UTI prevention supplements for women!" These supplements are made from all-natural ingredients, and they can help your body fight off the bacteria that causes infection. Always take your supplements according to the directions on the bottle, and ask your doctor if you have any questions about potential drug interactions. UTI prevention supplements are a safe and effective way to keep your urinary tract functioning well.
These are just a few tips that can help you prevent UTIs. With a little bit of effort and care, you can significantly reduce your chance of contracting this painful infection.