Ways You Can Reduce The Risk Of Getting A UTI

Having a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is no fun, you go to pee one day and it burns so bad! It’s painful and uncomfortable, so you’d want to do the necessary steps to prevent them in the future! 

What’s unfortunate for us women is that we are at a higher risk of contracting this infection than men. If you feel like you may have a UTI coming on, this article is for you! Read on to find out the symptoms of UTI and the 7 ways you can reduce the risk of getting a UTI. 

Symptoms of UTI

• A burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urination
• Having urine with a strong smell
• Urine is cloudy or dark in colour
• Pain in the pelvic area
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

7 ways you can reduce the risk of getting a UTI

1. Drink lots of water

Drinking water is so important for the body as it helps heal and prevent a lot of illnesses. Staying hydrated throughout the day is the best thing you can do for your body. Sure, it makes you pee more often but it helps to flush out toxins and bacteria from the urinary tract. If you already have an infection, drinking plenty of water will help clean out the bacteria that is causing the infection. 

2. Wipe front to back

Ladies, this is important! Always wipe from the front to the back after using the bathroom. Doing it the other way round can cause germs and bacteria from the rectum to pass on to your hand and tissue which can then be transferred and contaminate your urethra. 

3. Avoid holding in your pee for too long

Stop holding it in! We know sometimes it can be inconvenient to go to the washroom especially when we’re not at home! But holding in your pee can actually encourage bacterial growth and increase the risk of getting a UTI. So to avoid getting a UTI, it’s best to take the necessary steps to keep your bladder and urinary tract healthy!

4. Pee before and after sex

Some women, unfortunately are prone to getting an infection after having sex. Peeing before and after sex can reduce the risk of getting a UTI, especially for women as this will help flush your system before the bacteria travel to the bladder. If you’re having a hard time trying to pee after sex, have a glass of water before that!

5. Drink cranberry juice

You probably have heard that drinking cranberry juice can help reduce the risk of getting a UTI. Cranberries have powerful natural compounds that decreases the pH levels of urine making it more acidic which can slow down or prevent the growth of bacteria. Opt for pure unsweetened cranberry juice or perhaps cranberry tablets that are available in pharmacies. 

6. Take probiotics

Probiotics which are also known as good live bacteria is generally good for health as it aids in digestion and other parts of the body. It’s also known to be helpful in keeping the urinary tract healthy. Probiotics such as the Lactobacillus species can reduce the risk of getting UTI and may also be useful in the treatment of recurrent UTIs. 

7. Avoid scented soaps and hygiene products

We know how much we love using scented feminine products simply because they smell so good but little did we know how bad it actually is for our vaginal health. These scented products such as soaps, pads, powders, lotions and feminine wash can disrupt the pH balance, increasing the risk of getting a UTI. 

Stay away from scented products and go for mild or unscented products as well as those made with natural ingredients so to avoid any harsh chemicals that can harm your body.