There are some things you can do to help
prevent urinary tract infections
. For example:
-
Women should always wipe from front to back when cleaning themselves, which will help prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
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Practice good hygiene, keeping your genitals clean and dry.
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Urinate regularly.
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Always empty your bladder completely when urinating.
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Empty your bladder after sexual intercourse to wash away any bacteria that may have gotten into the urethra.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
There is some evidence that cranberries reduce the risk of bacteria adhering to cells in the bladder, so if you have frequent urinary tract infections, you may want to drink cranberry juice regularly. (Don't drink cranberry juice if you are taking a blood thinning medication/anticoagulant like Warfarin as it can increase the risk of bleeding.)
Even when you take precautions, there is still a chance you could get a urinary tract infection. If you have
symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning while urinating or having a persistent urge to urinate, contact your doctor to find out whether you need treatment.
Learn more about UTIs