Prevention

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

The following lifestyle changes may help reduce your chances of getting a UTI:

• Drinking plenty of water to help eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract
• Avoiding alcohol, coffee and spicy foods.
• Practice good personal hygiene.
• Do not "hold" your urine when you have the urge to urinate, unless directed to do so by your physician when "retraining" your bladder.
• After urinating or defecating, women should wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from the anal area from infecting the vagina or urethra.
• Take showers rather than baths.
• Clean the genital area before and after sex.
• Urinate before and after sex.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays or spermicides.

Please talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about UTIs.