Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are common in women and account for 8.3 million doctor visits a year in the United States according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Having a urinary tract infection can be very uncomfortable and requires a visit to the doctor, so it is important to know how you can prevent a urinary tract infection.
Bacteria
Bacteria in the digestive tract sometimes make their way to the urethra or urinary tract. It is important that if you are a female that you use good hygiene after going to the bathroom and wipe front to back. If you are a woman, because of your anatomy, it is easier for bacteria from the rectum to travel to the urinary tract.
Abnormality of the Urinary Tract
Some examples of abnormalities that might occur and cause a urinary tract infection include a kidney stone or a prostate enlargement. Either of these can cause an obstruction of the flow of urine, making you more prone to a urinary tract infection
Catheter
For medical reasons, a patient who is unable to urinate might have to have a catheter inserted to empty out the bladder. This puts a patient at risk for a urinary tract infection. Bacteria on the catheter can enter the bladder and cause an infection.
Sexual Intercourse
It is not clear why, but some women are prone to getting a UTI after sexual intercourse. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, some studies have shown that women who use a diaphragm or use spermicidal foam with a condom are more at risk. You should make sure you use a small amount of lubricant while having sex if you are dry, urinate after sex to flush the urinary tract and use good hygiene before and after sex.
Other Reasons
Urine that stays in the bladder too long can cause an infection. This may happen if you "hold" your urine or if you do not drink enough fluids. You should drink eight glasses of non-caffeinated fluids per day. You should also go to the bathroom when you have the urge to go to keep your bladder healthy.
