Urinary tract infections (UTI) are very common! Most women will experience more than one UTI in their life—some will get it twice or more a year.
You can be more prone to UTI during pregnancy, but most cases are worsened by habits most of us can avoid: holding our pee, soaking too long in the bath tub, wearing the wrong underwear. Here are some things that can prevent UTI.
When you gotta go, you gotta go
We’re often tempted to ignore the need to urinate until we really, really need to. ‘Oh, let me finish this email first’ or when we’re at the office or mall, ‘Bathroom’s too full, I’ll wait till the lines are gone.’ But holding urine increases risk for UTI because it gives bacteria time to multiply.
Wipe from front to back
This prevents the bacteria in the anus from migrating into the vaginal canal.
Don’t soak in the tub every day
You don’t have to completely give up your bubble baths, but save it as a weekly treat rather than your daily bathing method. Take a shower instead.
Wash up before any hanky panky
UTIs can be spread through sexual intercourse. To protect yourself and your partner, wash up before and after you have sex, so that you don’t exchange any bacteria.
Water is best
Avoid hygiene sprays and douches, particularly those that contain scents. These can irritate the area and affect your body’s natural PH balance which helps prevent bacteria growth.
Drink coconut juice
Studies show that coconut juice can prevent UTI and even help treat it by flushing out the toxins. If you can’t find any coconut juice an equally effective alternative is cranberry juice. Try to drink at least 8 ounces a day.
Take your Vitamin C
Not only does it boost the immune system is helps keep your urine acidic, which helps control bacteria growth.
Choose cotton underwear
Cotton is a ‘breathable’ fabric. Unlike other materials it doesn’t trap moisture—and bacteria thrive in moisture! Also wipe after urinating to keep dry all the day long.
Photo from guidance-article.blogspot.com
[…] You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). The change I color is caused by a high concentration of white blood cells which means your body is trying to fight off infection. Make a trip to your gynecologist, especially if you’re also experiencing other symptoms of UTI, such as a frequent urge to urinate, a painful and burning feeling during urination, uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone. (Read our tips on preventing urinary tract infection.) […]