Intimate Health Care For Women |
Protect Yourself ! Reducing Your Risk of UTIs |
Protecting Yourself From A UTI: What Every Woman Can Do CLICK HERE ! |
There are several simple, do-it-yourself techniques that may prevent a urinary tract infection. Some may work some of the time, or only in some women. But, because they carry no side effects, they certainly are worth trying to prevent the often painful and bothersome symptoms the infection can bring: Drink plenty of fluid the equivalent of six to eight 8-ounce glasses -- every day to flush bacteria out of your urinary system. This does NOT mean eight glasses of water in addition to everything else that you drink. Vitamin C : Make sure you're getting vitamin C in your diet, either through diet or supplements. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, makes your urine acidic, which discourages the growth of bacteria. Cranberry Juice: Studies show cranberry juice can help keep bacteria from sticking to your bladder wall, reducing the risk of infection. Urinate when you have the need. Keeping urine in your bladder for long periods gives bacteria a place to grow. Urinate after sex. This may flush out bacteria that entered the urethra during sex. Using a condom can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases and infections (although recently, researchers found that women whose partners use a condom with spermicidal foam also tend to have growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the vagina. Bathroom Hygiene : After going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back. Because 80 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from the bowel, this practice can help prevent spreading it to the urinary tract. Keep genitals clean Keep the skin around the rectum and vagina, and the area in between them, clean by washing the area daily and before and after you have sex. Shower ! Take showers instead of tub baths to avoid irritating the urethra with bubble baths and soapy water. Don't Spray : Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches. They also may irritate the urethra. Wear underwear with a cotton crotch. Other fabrics can trap moisture, and encourage bacterial growth. If you suffer from urinary tract infections more than three times a year, your health care professional may suggest one of the following therapies to try to prevent another recurrence: For Recurring Infections Talk To Your Doctor About: A low dosage of an antibiotic medication such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin, taken daily for six months or longer A single dose of an antibiotic medication taken after sexual intercourse A short, one- or two-day course of antibiotic medication taken when symptoms appear Adpated from Women's National Health Resource |
