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Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Adults

Simple changes in daily habits may help prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) from occurring.

 Drink plenty of water everyday.

 Drink cranberry juice or take vitamin C. they both increase the acidity of urine, which prevents bacterial growth. Cranberry juice can also make the wall of the bladder slippery, which prevent bacteria from sticking to it. Talk to your doctor about taking cranberry juice if you are also taking other medications.

 Urinate frequently and go when you feel the urge. Don’t resist the urge to urinate.

 Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet, especially after a bowel movement. Wiping from front to back prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.

 Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse. Also, urinate shortly after sex. This can help flush away bacteria that might have entered the urethra during sex.

 Take showers instead of tub baths.

 Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches. They may irritate the urethra.

 Avoid using tight fitting jeans or nylon underwear. They may trap moisture and can help bacteria grow. You can wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes so that air can keep the area dry.

References:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Urinary Tract Infections in Adults. National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 07—2097, December 2005. Web URL: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/index.htm. Accessed August, 2008

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. What I Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections. National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 07—4807, August 2007. Web URL: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/index.htm. Accessed August, 2008

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