Preventing urinary tract infections

Preventing urinary tract infections

It is very satisfying to get relief from a urinary tract infection, typically from an antibiotic. Many women suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections. This is defined as more than two UTIs in a year. Recurrent UTIs can lead to depression and anxiety. If all we do is treat a urinary tract infection with antibiotics when repeated many times this can lead to more aggressive or resistant bacteria.  It is important for women with recurring urinary tract infections to do everything they can to prevent them rather than just treat them.

This is a list of some of the more common recommendations to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

Stay well-hydrated – the more you drink the more you’re a new generate. One of your natural defenses against urinary tract infections is to wash out those bacteria as they are trying to build up in the bladder or the urethra.

Urinate on a regular basis – while holding your urine may allow you to get more done at work or home it also allows bacteria to build up. Try to urinate at least every 3 to 4 hours.

Go to the bathroom after intimacy – sexual activity is often a trigger for a urinary tract infection. This can happen both with and without the use of condoms. It is most likely from bacteria in the vagina or the urethra being pushed into the bladder. It may also be related to bio films being disrupted and releasing active bacteria. Urinating after intimacy will help flush away bad bacteria from your urinary tract.

Cut back on baths and hot tubs – Showers are better. This may be related to contaminated foods entering the vagina or chlorinated water disrupting your natural vaginal flora.

Wipe from front to back – Don’t bring bad bacteria closer to the vagina and urethra.

Avoid using douches and other vaginal products – douches and other feminine products may disrupt your natural flora and in the long run inhibit your ability to fight recurrent UTI.

Wear cotton panties – Cotton allows more breathability in this area. Bacteria like warm, moist environments that are more typical and non-cotton underwear and tight pants.

Estrogen is your friend – as a woman enters menopause her estrogen levels go down. This increases the pH of the vagina which makes it a more friendly environment for pathologic bacteria to live. Discuss with your doctor if hormone creams or replacement are appropriate for you.

Consider prophylactic antibiotics – it is easier to prevent an infection than to treat an infection. Taking Postcoital prophylaxis (taking an antibiotic pill after intercourse) or in more severe cases, taking a low-dose antibiotic pill daily may decrease your overall exposure to antibiotics and allow your bladder to heal. Repeated urinary tract infections leave the bladder inflamed and more susceptible to reinfection.

D-Mannose – d-mannose is a natural sugar which helps prevent E. coli urinary tract infections. This could be taken in a supplement form.

Proanthocyanidins (PAC) – this is a component of cranberry that helps decrease bacterial adherence to the lining of your bladder and urethra. Unfortunately, you would need to eat a lot of cranberries or drink a lot of cranberry juice to try to get sufficient amounts of PAC. I recommend 36 mg PAC to help prevent recurrent UTI.