How do I prevent a UTI?

Question

I do all of the usual things, drink water, pee after sex, take cranberry pills, drink cranberry juice etc. Are there any other ways to prevent UTIs? These don't seem to be working completely. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I used to get UTI's pretty often and it seemed to be more when I travel. Let me first say that I HATE them. I really feel for patient I take care of that have them.
If you have an UTI often and are doing the all the things you listed above than you may have more going on than just a UTI. Your body may not be able to fight off the bacteria in your urinary tract. I would highly recommend that you see a physician about this.
One big thing that you can do is boost your immune system by taking Vitamin C and eating right as well. Cranberry juice is good as well, it helps to make your urine more acidic thus it helps to prevent bacteria from forming. UTIs are something that you really need to say ahead of the eight ball on. If you start increasing your water intake and drinking cranberry juice after you notice your symptoms than you may be too late. As far as sex try to have both you and your partner shower BEFORE sex. This may help keep bacteria from entering the urinary track to begin with.
This may be too much information for you.....from my personal experience beer and sex always seemed to want to spark an UTI. No sure what it was about that. So I try to avoid that combo.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are doing everything you should be ...
here are a few more ideas (from Mayo Clinic's website) that you may have taken for granted.
-Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties. However, don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin. Possible interactions between cranberry juice and warfarin can lead to bleeding.
-Urinate promptly when the urge arises. Avoid retaining your urine for a long time after you feel the urge to void.
=Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
-Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
=Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
Hope that helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

sometimes just the plain irritation of having your underwear rubbing against your urethra. do you sleep with panties on?? the vagina needs air and the best time to get it is at night, soap is also an irritant as in bubble baths etc only a mild bar soap should be used... no perfumed soap no thong underwear either hope this helps uti's are miserable

Answer 4

i have the same prob. I get uti's alot I would like to know also!

Answer 5

when you find out do you want to let me know? I have this same issue.