I have just recovered from a bad bout of UTI which lasted for 4 months. How can i prevent a recurrence?

Question

I got married recently and i have been on antibiotics since i was diagnosed with the infection. i had cystitis

Answer 1

Urinary tract infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or some types of parasites. The most common types of urinary tract infections are bladder infections, called cystitis; kidney infections, called pyelonephritis; and infections of the urethra, called urethritis. They are caused by bacteria that are normally present in your digestive system and on the skin around the rectum and vagina. This bacteria can pass through the urethra and up into the bladder. Urinary tract infections are not contagious. However, bacteria in the area of the vagina can get pushed into the urethra during sexual intercourse. Infections can also be caused by irritation to your genital area, such as using a diaphragm or spermicides as contraception, wearing tight pants, and using perfumed soaps. Children, especially girls, are more likely to get UTIs from bubble baths and other irritants. Men are more likely to get UTIs when an enlarged prostate gland presses on the bladder and prevents it from emptying completely, or because of kidney stones.

Cystitis commonly occurs in women as a result of sexual intercourse. But even sexually inactive girls and women are susceptible to lower urinary tract infections because the anus, a constant source of bacteria, is so close to the female urethra. More than 90 percent of cystitis cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) , a species of bacteria commonly found in the rectal area.

Risk Factors
Some people appear to be more likely than others to develop UTIs. Women are one such group. Up to 20 percent will develop a bladder infection over a lifetime. A key reason is their anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men have, which cuts down on the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.

Women who are sexually active tend to have more UTIs because sexual intercourse can result in bacteria being pushed into the urethra. Studies have also shown that women who use diaphragms for birth control may be at higher risk. After menopause UTIs may become more common because tissues of the vagina, urethra and the base of the bladder become thinner and more fragile due to loss of estrogen.

Other risk factors include anything that impedes the flow of urine, such as an enlarged prostate or a kidney stone . Changes in the immune system, which can occur with conditions like diabetes , also can increase the risk of UTIs. So can the prolonged use of bladder catheters, which may be needed by the chronically ill or older adults.

New research funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests that a woman's blood type may play a role in her risk of recurrent UTIs. Bacteria may be able to attach to cells in the urinary tract more easily in those with certain blood factors. But more research is needed to determine whether an association exists and whether it could be useful in identifying people at risk of recurrent UTIs.

Self-care tips
You can prevent urinary tract infections by making sure you always empty your bladder completely when you go to the bathroom. Women, in particular, may benefit from the following:

Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties.
Urinate frequently, and avoid retaining your urine for a long time after you feel the urge to void.
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
Take showers rather than bubble baths.
Wash the skin around the vagina and anus daily.
Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse, and drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products such as douches in the genital area that could irritate the urethra.
Wear cotton underwear
If you are sexually active, make sure you wash your genital area and urinate after intercourse. This will help to remove any bacteria that could travel up the urethra.
Men can prevent UTIs by wearing condoms during intercourse. If you are uncircumcised, make sure you wash carefully under your foreskin each time you bathe.

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Answer 2

Drink alot of water and wipe front to back.....