Did you know that 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one urinary tract infection during their lifetime?
One of the main reasons why women are so susceptible is because their urethra is shorter than men’s, so bacteria has an easier time causing problems. UTIs are an uncomfortable annoyance for most people, but when left untreated, this condition can turn life-threatening.
Do you want to know more about UTI prevention? Keep reading to learn 5 tips on how to prevent UTIs.
1. Wipe from Front to Back
One of the easiest ways to prevent UTIs is to wipe from front to back whenever you go to the bathroom. The reason why this is so important is that wiping from back to front introduces a lot of harmful bacteria to your microbial ecosystem.
2. Go to the Bathroom After Intercourse
Having intercourse is another way harmful bacteria can get introduced to your urethra. Since intercourse can also cause mild irritation, it makes the area more sensitive to changes in bacteria counts.
Going to the bathroom immediately after intercourse is a great way to flush unwanted bacteria out of your urethra.
3. Drink Plenty of Water and Go to the Bathroom Often
One of the best things to help a UTI is also great for prevention. Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your immune system strong and flushing harmful bacteria out.
Going to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge instead of holding it in is another way you can prevent bacterial growth that can cause infections.
4. Wear Loose and Breathable Fabrics
The prevention of UTIs also depends on which types of clothes you wear. Tight fabrics that don’t allow your skin to breathe create the perfect environment to grow a fungus that causes yeast infections and bacteria that causes UTIs and other health issues. Try your best to wear cotton underwear and avoid choosing styles like thongs that make it easier for bacteria to spread.
5. Take Showers Instead of Baths
Staying submerged in warm water for long periods of time allows all kinds of microbes to thrive and interact with your body. This is why showering and using natural, scent-free body washes can prevent irritation and infection.
If you love taking baths, rinsing off in the shower first and going to the bathroom after you’re finished can help you maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Now You Know How to Prevent UTIs
If you follow these 5 tips on how to prevent UTIs, you can do your best to avoid this uncomfortable condition.
However, even with the best preventative care, sometimes infections can still happen. If this is the case for you, don’t hesitate to seek medical help because the infection will continue to get worse over time.
Are you experiencing UTI symptoms? If so, Coastal Urgent Care Thibodaux would love to take care of you. Contact us if you have any questions about our stellar services.