6 Ways To Prevent UTIs

You are currently viewing 6 Ways To Prevent UTIs

Untitled drawing

k2-_50a152d0-23f8-4200-9c47-d07667d1b146.v1

Most women sometime in their lifetime will have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It's a pretty common infection, especially in women, affecting more than 7 million individuals each year. It begins in your urinary system, which is composed of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Normal urine contains no bacteria and UTIs typically occur as a result of bacteria entering your urinary system through the urethra. One in three women will experience their first UTI by age 25 and 50% of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime. There are things you can do to help prevent a UTI. Here is a short list of preventative measures:
Hydrate with water

One of the best ways to prevent a UTI is to urinate frequently so that as much bacteria as possible can be flushed out of your system. The best way to urinate frequently? Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. You should be drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces. (If you weigh 100 lbs., you should be drinking 50 oz. of water a day.)

Front to back
Remember when your parents taught you to wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom? Think of this as the golden rule of UTIs – that bacteria from the anal region does not belong around the vagina and urethra.

Avoid irritating products

Some feminine products, such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders, can irritate the urethra and trigger a UTI. Also, certain types of birth control – like diaphragms and spermicidal agents – can increase the risk of infection.

Urinate after sex

This is another way to prevent bacteria from moving into the urethra. If you don’t feel like you need to urinate, drink a glass of water.

Cotton will keep you dry

Bacteria that cause UTIs flourish in warm, moist environments. Underwear made from synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, or spandex, restricts airflow to the genitals. Cotton, on the other hand, is porous and keeps the genitals dry.

Go when you need to go

“Holding it” is never good. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also make it easier for bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract.

As a woman, I try to do all of these tips. Since I have a history of getting UTIs, it still does happen that I get them. When that happens, Uristat is in my arsenal to help alleviate some of the symptoms. What tips do you use to prevent UTIs?

Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.

This Post Has 49 Comments

  1. Robin (Masshole Mommy)

    I had one when I was pregnant and it was terrible. I feel bad for people who get them regularly.

  2. Marie

    I’ve never had one yet, and hopefully it can stay that way. As much water as I drink, flushing out shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

  3. Terry

    I haven’t had a UTI in many, many years. I must be doing something right and do all the tips above.

  4. Those are great tips. I used to get them a lot when I was younger. Cranberry juice or medication always cured it.

  5. These are really great tips! When I was a teenager I got a lot of UTIs and every time it seemed to clear up, it would just come right back. It was awful!

  6. Karen Dawkins

    Thong underwear is also an issue, though people don’t like to talk about that. Keeping the area cool and dry is best! Great advice.

  7. Sandy KS

    I have had UTI in the past. Since, I am a type 2 diabetic I seem to get them more often around my monthly. I will try this product to see if it really does help me prevent a UTI.

  8. Jeanine

    This is great to know. The only time I’ve ever had a UTI was when pregnant, so I wouldn’t even know what caused one outside of pregnancy!

  9. Jessica Harlow

    Knock on wood, but I’ve yet to have a UTI. I’ve heard how horribly painful they can be. This is a great list to follow to avoid them!

  10. becca

    Great tips for preventing a UTI. I only had one in my lifetime and that was enough.

  11. Christy Maurer

    I have not had a UTI in a long time and hopefully won’t! They sure are not fun. Thanks for the tips.

  12. Dawn McAlexander

    Oh, gosh, those urinary tract infections can be so painful. I have had them on several occasions. I didn’t even realize there was an otc medicine for it. That’s great!

  13. Gabriel

    I had one once, and it was plenty. I didn’t even know that guys could get them, but clearly we can! I wish I’d have known about an OTC then, it was a painful couple of days of drinking a lot of water and cranberry juice.

  14. Jesica H

    I have never had one and hope to never get one, so thank you so much for the tips! I think sometimes there isn’t enough information openly taught about this stuff.

  15. Dina

    I get those occassionally. The first thing I do while waiting to see the dr is pick this up. It helps.

  16. R U S S

    This is going to be very helpful. I’ve had UTI when I was in college because I would always hold it and didn’t drink much water. It was such a bummer. I remember that there wasnt a specific med to help relieve pain so I was on antibiotics for a week. Since then, I go when I need to go and I stopped drinking soda too. I hope we have Urista here in my country.

  17. Alli

    My mom had a UTI a few weeks ago and it was so painful. I told her to make sure she was staying hydrated, especially when she’s outside gardening. I’ll remember these 6 ways to prevent UTIs. Thanks!

  18. Great tips on how to prevent them, it’s a serious problem! I’m sure this will surely help people a lot, what a great and educational post.

  19. Liz Mays

    It’s crazy how common UTIS are for women of all ages. This is great advice! They seem like they’re horrible!

  20. Drinking enough water definitely helps a lot. I think may people don’t drink nearly enough and don’t keep an eye on the color and smell to give them an indication they aren’t drinking enough.

  21. Elizabeth Towns

    I recently had a UTI and didn’t even know it. I felt no symptoms, and having fibromyalgia am accustomed to some discomfort in my life daily. My doctor discovered it during a routine check up. I believe it came from me trying not to go to the restroom as often as I should to avoid pain from the fibro. These are all good tips.

  22. Heather

    I haven’t had a UTI but its good to know this is out there in case i ever need it.

  23. wheelchair mommy

    I haven’t had one since I was PG, so that’s good. Thanks for sharing!

  24. Kiwi

    Honestly peeing after sex is super important. I once had a UTI so bad I was crying real tears…its so important to prevent it with these tips!

  25. Lorane

    I always hold it in 🙁 Sometimes it due to laziness or trying to type that final sentence instead of going to the Bathroom. I’ve seen where drinking water has made a huge difference

  26. Maria

    This is one of the worst, most uncomfortable infections a woman can experience. Be sure to follow these great tips.

  27. These are excellent tips. I have had a few UTIS in my lifetime and they are never fun. Make sure you get treatment because you don’t want it leading to a kidney infection.

  28. dogvills

    This is the one that good for me i have a uti 3 years ago but when i eat salty im in pained

  29. Rebel Sweetheart

    I don’t recall having UTI ever before, which I’m glad. These are great tips. Thanks for sharing!

  30. Tonya C

    I really need to drink more water too and that tip about holding it when you have to go…totally me! I have definitely got to stop that. UTIs are no fun!

  31. Emerald Lavender

    A UTI is such a painful experience….my back hurt so bad. I’ve had a few in my lifetime and it’s never a pleasant experience. Thanks for these tips.

  32. Ourfamilyworld

    I had this a year after giving birth. Drinking lots of water helped a lot.

  33. Elizabeth O.

    Mine kept on coming back for a few years. It was painful and very uncomfortable. These are great tips.

  34. Debbie L.

    =I have been diagnosised with quite a few UTI’s lately – doctors are not sure why. I could definitely use these.

  35. Erin

    These are wonderful tips! I’ve only suffered through these when I was pregnant thank goodness! But now I know how to keep preventing them!

  36. mabi

    I do all of the above! UTI’s are NOT fun. Thanks for these tips, I’m sure a lot of us will find them helpful.

  37. Lynndee

    I experienced having UTI once many years ago and it was so painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced it again. My niece get it from time to time though. Going to share these tips with her.

  38. censie

    I dont even get UTIs anymore – goes straight to kidney infections! OUCH!

  39. Erinn S

    I have had a UTI in the past- I used to work long hours and hold it too much and that backfired on me once!

  40. Chubskulit Rose

    I had a UTI ONCE AND NEVER AGAIN WOULD I like to go through that, it’s painful. Urinating after sex is a great way since it also gave you time to wash “it”.

  41. Debbie Denny

    Sounds like a good product. UTIs are horrible.

  42. Nile

    UTIs are definitely not fun. It’s actually important to keep your things clean and drink plenty of water. It’s easy to get one during or after a period or pregnancy or not washing right… or even nicking yourself by accident.

  43. Kero Pinkihan

    Thank you for the tips! I had a severe case of UTI after our honeymoon. everything you said here were also relayed to me by my doctor.

  44. Ronni

    Oh these are just awful! I went my whole life without one. Then, I turned 40… BAM. I am so vigilant about drinking water now it’s almost obsessive.

  45. Rebecca Swenor

    These are great tips for staying UTIS free. Having an infection can cause so many things to go wrong and they can be very painful indeed. If I ever get one again I will look into Uristat for sure. Thanks for sharing.

  46. Fariha N.

    UTI’s are so painful. I got them a lot during pregnancy and they were horrible. I feel bad for people who get them regularly.

  47. Maryann D.

    I am lucky that I have not had a UTI. My sisters often get them and I will suggest this to them.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.