How to Prevent a UTI
5/10/2023
NATCHEZ, MS – Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States, resulting in seven million office visits to healthcare providers each year. Additionally, 50 percent of women and three percent of men worldwide will experience a UTI in their lifetime. While most UTIs are not serious, they can cause discomfort, and if left untreated could lead to kidney damage or sepsis.
UTIs are an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, bladder and urethra, often caused by bacteria, like E. coli, entering through the urethra. Symptoms include painful urination, the frequent urge to urinate and pressure in the abdomen or groin.
“They can be very uncomfortable for the patient” says Brittany Gamberi, nurse practitioner with Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care Clinic. “While there are steps you can take to help prevent a UTI, the only treatment is increasing hydration, urinating often to flush the bladder, and antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider.”
Brittany suggests these habits to help reduce the risk of developing a UTI:
- Empty your bladder completely and frequently: Holding urine for long periods of time can increase the risk of bacteria accumulating in the bladder.
- Wipe correctly: To avoid bacteria entering the urethra, always wipe from front to back after using the restroom. Urinate immediately after intercourse, as this is one of the main reasons for UTIs in men and women.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily helps flush out bad bacteria that can cause infection. Oppositely, avoid liquids that can irritate the bladder like alcohol and excessive caffeine. Avoid sugary beverages as bacteria follows sugar and can harbor in the bladder.
- Avoid irritations: Scented feminine hygiene products and sprays can irritate the urethra, increasing the risk of developing an infection. Use gentle soaps and change feminine or incontinence products every few hours to limit the colonizing of bacteria.
- Try cranberries: Cranberry juice is often associated with relief from UTIs and according to the National Health Institute, cranberries contain the compound proanthocyanidins that can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Mix with water to decrease sugar content.
“Most importantly, please see your healthcare provider when you first begin experiencing symptoms of a UTI so you can receive the necessary medications and also to prevent any further complications,” concluded Brittany.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457377/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-uti
https://www.healthline.com/health/uti-home-remedies
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/pscmanual/7psccauticurrent.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5414046/#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20UTIs,2%2C%205%2C%206%5D.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/treatment
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320872
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027998/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027998/#:~:text=Cranberries%20(usually%20as%20cranberry%20juice,prevent%20bladder%20and%20other%20UTIs.
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