According to MayoClinic.com, UTIs, or urinary tract infections, most commonly affect the bladder and the urethra. A UTI is caused by bacteria from outside the body entering the urethra and traveling upward. UTIs cause distressing symptoms, including burning and pain during urination, and the urgent need to urinate frequently, and necessitate seeking medical attention and taking antibiotics. There are ways to prevent UTIs that may be effective for some. UTIs can cause serious complications, and symptoms should be reported to a doctor.
Cranberry
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, evidence shows that cranberry can help to prevent urinary tract infections. Cranberry can be taken as unsweetened juice or as an extract. Found to be safe and moderately effective, cranberry can cause problems in those individuals prone to form oxalate-based kidney stones, the AAFP notes.
Drink Liquids
Drinking plenty of liquids can help prevent UTIs, according to Merck. Bacteria is washed out of the bladder due to the flushing action of urination. Drinking adequate fluids also dilutes the urine, MayoClinic.com explains.
Empty the Badder
The risk of a urinary tract infection goes up when urine is held in the bladder longer than necessary. Womenshealth.gov recommends urinating as soon as possible after the urge is felt, and urinating before and after sex, to flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
For Those with Catheters
A urinary catheter is a tube that drains urine from the bladder. Catheters cause a high risk of UTI. During insertion, a health care provider must use sterile technique to prevent introducing bacteria into the bladder. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that those with indwelling catheters, or catheters that remain in the bladder continuously, require daily cleansing of the urethral area and catheter with soap and water. The drainage bag should always be kept lower than the body and emptied every eight hours.
Good Hygeine
Measures to reduce bacteria near the urethra, or the opening to the bladder, can help prevent urinary tract infections. MayoClinic.com advises women to wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. The vulva and anal area should be cleansed each day, according to Womenshealth.gov. It also recommends wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing that can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth.
Continuous Antibiotics
Those who suffer with frequent urinary tract infections that don't respond to other preventive measures may require continuous antibiotic treatment, according to Merck. A low dose of antibiotics is taken daily, three times per week or after sexual intercourse, as prescribed by a doctor.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infection
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Catheter-associated UTI - Prevention
- Merck: Bladder Infection (Cystitis)
- Womenshealth.gov: How Can I Keep From Getting Urinary Tract Infections (Uti)?
