5 Ways to Prevent UTIs

Every year, millions of Americans suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), a common type of infection that affects women far more often than men. UTIs can definitely be uncomfortable, but without care, they can also lead to serious complications, like permanent kidney damage.

At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy, our expert team provides island-wide care for people with UTIs, including medical treatment focused on clearing up the infection, as well as guidance on how to prevent infection recurrence. 

Here, we offer five simple things you can do to help keep UTIs at bay.

1. Drink plenty of water

Urine helps your body get rid of excess fluid and salts, but it also helps flush out your urinary tract. If you’re not urinating enough, it’s easier for bacteria to build up and multiply inside your urinary tract, increasing your risk of developing a UTI.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures you urinate regularly and flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. It also keeps your urine a pale yellow; by checking your urine color, you can quickly tell if you’re drinking enough, or if you need to increase your fluid intake.

While water is ideal, other beverages help you stay hydrated, too. Just avoid anything with caffeine or alcohol, since both these substances can be dehydrating. Cucumbers, melons, and other water-rich fruits and vegetables boost your fluid intake, too.

2. Practice good hygiene

Many UTIs happen when bacteria from the anal area “migrate” to your urethra, the tiny opening of the urinary tract. These bacteria enter the tract through your urethra, initiating a UTI.

Keeping the areas around your anus and urethra clean can go a long way toward preventing a UTI. Always wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom, and use gentle cleansers when showering and washing the area. 

Avoid products with harsh chemicals or perfumes that can cause irritation, and don’t douche, as it can upset the natural microbial balance that helps fight off infection-causing germs.

3. Watch what you wear

Maintaining airflow is also important for keeping bacterial colonization at bay. Avoid overly tight-fitting underwear and pants, and opt for natural fabrics rather than synthetics.

If your bottoms or underwear become wet, change right away. That includes changing out of wet swimsuits as soon as you leave the beach or pool.

4. Don’t hold in your urine

It’s tempting to put off urinating, especially if you’re in the middle of a task or an enjoyable activity. But holding urine for too long creates an environment that’s ripe for bacterial growth.

Try to urinate every few hours, and if you feel the urge to urinate, don’t delay. Urinating regularly flushes out your urinary tract and eliminates harmful germs that could otherwise cause an infection.

5. Urinate after sexual activity

Sexual activity can transport bacteria into your urinary tract even if you don’t have intercourse. Urinating before and especially after sex helps wash away bacteria to prevent it from causing an infection. 

Take UTIs seriously

If you have any signs of a UTI — like burning urination, difficulty urinating, pain when urinating, or cloudy urine — seeking prompt treatment is critical for avoiding more serious complications, like kidney infections and permanent kidney damage. 

Chronic or recurrent UTIs can be a sign of a structural problem that needs to be addressed to prevent future problems.

To find relief for your UTI or to learn what else you can do to keep them from coming back, book an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.