10 Simple Ways To Avoid a UTI

A urinary tract infection is an infection that occurs in some part(s) of your urinary system (bladder, ureters, urethra and in severe cases; kidneys) due to harmful bacteria entering your urinary tract. A urine infection makes life miserable. The burning, the itching and irritation, the continuous urge to pee all the time (even when your bladder is empty), not to mention cramps and the foul smell of your urine.
You can avoid all that discomfort and misery by inculcating these small but significant habit & lifestyle changes that will help you avoid a UTI for life.

Holding your pee in your bladder encourages bacterial growth. You should empty your bladder whenever you have the urge to go. And if you do have to hold it, it shouldn’t be for more than 4 hours especially for pregnant women.

Cleaning yourself in an accurate manner after every time you use the restroom is an immaculate way to prevent a urinary tract infection.

While baths may feel like they’re heaven sent, after endless work days. They put you at a higher risk of being exposed to UTI causing bacteria. Showering on a daily basis is the right way to go, you can squeeze in an occasional bath once a week though.

Scented feminine hygiene products irritate the urethra and disrupt the pH of the vagina (which is the natural defense of the body against bacterias).

Studies show that sexually active individuals are at a higher risk of contracting a UTI. Urinating before and after sex helps flush out pathogenic bacterias from your urinary tract.

Cotton is a very breathable material. It won’t trap excess heat and moisture onto your skin : heeding the growth of microbes.

Not in the form of juices packed with sugar and 2% cranberry extract, but with real fresh berries, sugar-free juice and maybe even supplements. Cranberries are packed with a naturally-occurring chemical that prevents UTI causing bacterias to adhere to your urinary tract.

Probiotics increase the count of good bacterias in your body which help fight pathogenic (bad) bacteria, especially the urinary tract system.

IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) increase your chances of developing a urine infection, one must rethink this form of birth control and replace it with birth control pills, condoms, etc.

When it comes to diseases of the urinary system “drink enough water” is the most glaringly obvious piece of advice thrown around because it is : the most important piece of advice. Studies say, drinking 8 glasses of water daily significantly reduces the risk of developing a urinary tract infection.

A few common symptoms of a urinary tract infections are:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored (a sign of blood in the urine)
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women (especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone)

If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider. The diagnosis and treatment of a UTI at the earliest can help avoid possible complications.
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