A urinary tract infection (UTI), which is an infection that affects the urethra and the bladder, can be extremely painful and bothersome, especially if you’re prone to having it.
Some of the common symptoms of UTI include a need to frequently urinate, pain or burning sensation when urinating, and a cloudy urine. Though UTI is a common problem and is easily treated with antibiotics, you can also opt for some natural treatments.
However, prevention is always better than cure. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent UTI, such as the following:
Consume Cranberries or Cranberry Juice
Cranberries have been a natural UTI treatment for ages. The compound–proanthocyanin–found in cranberries helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Cranberry is also a rich source of vitamin C, which is known to increase the acidity of the urine, reducing the growth of bad bacteria in it.
You can either consume fresh or frozen cranberries or take them as pills.
Drink Plenty of Liquids
Drinking a lot of fluids throughout the day is the best way to prevent UTI. As you drink plenty of water, you’ll have the need to frequently urinate. This way, your urine gets diluted and the bacteria are flushed out before it can cause any harm. Thus, preventing an infection.
Water is one of the best ways to keep yourself hydrated. You can also include herbal teas or fruit and vegetable juices to increase your liquid intake. Doing so will also add minerals and vitamins to your liquid intake. Make sure to stay away from alcohol and caffeine as they tend to irritate the bladder.
Wipe Your Genitals From The back
E.coli is often found in the rectum region and spreads to the urethra, causing infection. To prevent infection, ensure that you properly wipe your genitals from the back every time you go to the bathroom, especially after bowel movements.
Take note that keeping yourself clean will prevent the bacteria from spreading.
Urinate After Sex
Women are at a greater risk of getting UTI during sex. This is because the bacteria can easily get in the urethra. Thankfully, you can reduce the risk by urinating after sex.
Drinking a glass of water will help flush out the bacteria. To further ensure safety, wash yourself with soap and water before sex. Doing so will help remove the bacteria from the urethra.
Don’t Hold Your Urine
It’s important to urinate every three to four hours and ensure that your bladder is completely empty. Holding in your urine can increase the risk of bacterial growth. This is especially true for women who are pregnant since pregnancy increases the risk of UTIs.
Avoid Scented Feminine Products
Using products like douches, scented pads, or deodorant sprays can disrupt the pH balance of a healthy vagina, allowing harmful bacteria to grow. This often leads to problems like UTI and yeast infections.
Sometimes, scented bath oils, soaps, or bubble baths can also cause an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, leading to irritation or infection.
Rethink Your Birth Control Options
Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and spermicides promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. To prevent infections, shift to a water-based lubricant.
If you often get UTIs, ask your doctor for other birth control methods that would be suitable for you.
Add Probiotics To Your Diet
Probiotics increase good gut bacteria that also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the urethra, preventing UTI. To add probiotics to your diet, you can have them daily in fermented foods like curd or kefir. A more convenient option is to regularly take probiotic supplements.
Comfortable clothing
Since tight clothing can trap the bacteria around the urethra, wearing loose, comfortable clothing can prevent UTI. One of the best ways to prevent UTI is to wear cotton underwear as they don’t irritate the skin.
Conclusion
Getting a urinary tract infection is very common and women are more susceptible to it. However, it can be easily treated with antibiotics. There are also many natural treatment options like cranberry supplements.
However, you can prevent yourself from getting UTI by following some simple lifestyle changes, like drinking liquids throughout the day, consuming cranberries or taking cranberry supplements, adding probiotics to your diet, and wearing comfortable clothing. To reduce your risk of infection, make sure to follow proper hygiene standards like washing up after using the bathroom, cleaning up before sex, and wearing clean underpants.
If you’re getting UTIs frequently, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. Make sure to discuss your daily routine, dietary habits, and birth control options so that the doctor can suggest options that work best for you.
