UTI or Urinary Tract Infection can happen anywhere along the urinary tract — the kidneys, the ureters , the urethra or the bladder. The infection affects 1 in every 2 women and is a very commonly occurring problem.

How to prevent a UTI?

Let us look at the following precautions that can reduce the likelihood of a Urinary Tract Infection.

#1. Use the washroom as soon as you have the urge

Do not hold on to urine. You must urinate as soon as you feel the need to urinate and try and empty your bladder completely in one go so that you don’t have to visit the washroom often. It is important to empty the bladder at least every 4 hours.

#2. Avoid Diuretics

Avoid foods which induce urine. These include coffee, tea, packaged juices, refined foods, and alcohol.

#3. Clean yourself before and after having sex

Make it a point to urinate and clean yourself before and after having sex.

Also Read: 10 Necessary Precautions to be taken after a C-Section

#4. Before and after sex

Wash up before sex and urinate after it. This will keep bacteria away from the urethra. And urinating afterward helps to push out any bacteria that entered the urinary tract. Also, say no to intercourse while on medication. If you’re being treated for a UTI, please refrain from having sex as it can aggravate the problem.

#5. Take your daily dose of Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to build your immunity and increases your resistance to infections and diseases.

#6. Stay hydrated

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated. Your body needs water to produce new blood and eliminate all the toxins and waste from the body. Our body also loses water in the form of sweat.

#7. Keep your vagina clean and dry

Use some toilet paper to blot dry yourself each time you urinate. The tissue will absorb all the extra drops of urine and keep your underpants and your skin dry. Also, always wipe from front to back, after using the bathroom. This will prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anus area to the urethra.

Also Read: 7 Birth Control Options To Prevent Pregnancy

#8. Avoid wearing tight-fitting bottoms

Tight fitting clothes give rise to sweat and sweat makes it easier for microbes to thrive. Also, wear cotton underpants as these allow your skin to breathe and you experience less sweat.

#9. Change your underwear every day

You must wear clean underpants every day as your underwear gets dirty due to urination and germs.

#10. Don’t Douche

Douching or spraying water is bad. Douching sends a flow of water into the vagina to wash out bad-smelling vaginal bacteria. In this process, it also washes out good bacteria and hence the natural vaginal balance gets disrupted thereby leading to growth of more bad bacteria.

Also Read: 10 Natural Ways to Avoid Pregnancy

#11. Don’t use soap

Don’t use soap to clean the vaginal area as it can disrupt the pH balance. Use specific products which are alcohol free, prevents itchiness, irritation and dryness, and maintains the perfect pH balance.

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