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 | What can I do to prevent another urinary tract infection? |
|  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria invade the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. An infection in any part of the urinary tract can cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate, burning or painful urination, and blood in the urine. UTIs are much more common in women than men.Here are things men and women can do to help prevent a UTI from recurring:Drink several glasses of water every day.Urinate regularly during the day, and empty your bladder completely each time.Urinate before and after intercourse.Maintain good personal hygiene.Women who experience frequent UTIs may benefit from taking antibiotics as a preventive measure. If you get UTIs three or more times a year, your doctor may recommend one of three different courses of treatment: A low dose of antibiotics daily.A short course of antibiotics after intercourse. Antibiotics for a few days once symptoms appear. Here are additional things women can do to help prevent bladder infections:Keep the genital area clean, and wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.Wash the genital area each time you bathe or shower. Use soap only on the outside of your vagina, because the chemicals in soap may cause additional irritation.Never alternate anal and vaginal intercourse because this can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.Wear cotton underwear, which allows better air circulation than nylon. Wear pantyhose that have a cotton crotch.Avoid clothes that fit tightly over the genital area, such as control-top pantyhose and tight jeans.Don't wear a wet bathing suit for long periods of time.If you use a diaphragm, consider other forms of contraception. Studies show that diaphragms can increase your risk for UTIs. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches.Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine which can irritate the bladder.If you have frequent urinary tract infections, discuss ways to prevent and treat them with your physician.Sources:"Urinary Tract Infection in Adults," National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://137.187.36.5/health/urolog/pubs/utiadult/utiadult.htm, last accessed 7/19/00.The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.Hooten, T.M., "A Prospective Study of Risk Factors for Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infection in Young Women," New England Journal of Medicine 335 (1996).Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.Diseases and Conditions, "Urinary tract infection."http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/3/2007.Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.This answer prepared 7/19/2000.This information updated 1/3/2007. |
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