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Prevention of a UTI centers on keeping the urine moving through the urinary tract and avoiding bacterial contamination of the urethra. Recommendations include:
- Drink plenty of water every day to flush out the urinary system
- Urinate as needed; don’t hold urine in for extended periods of time
- After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to keep stool bacteria away from the urethra
- Avoid irritants to the urethra – avoid bubble baths if prone to recurrent UTIs, take showers instead of baths, and rinse soap off thoroughly
- Urinate after sexual intercourse; this may help rinse out any bacteria that may have come in contact with the urethra
- Avoid tight clothing and wear cotton underwear – it breathes and won’t trap moisture like some synthetic fibres
- Drink cranberry juice – some doctors recommend this to patients who have recurrent UTIs. It may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urethra.
Last Review Date: December 30, 2018