Urinary tract infection or UTI is the most common infection in the urinary system. The most at risk of this condition are adults, especially women. UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics and other synthetic medicines, on the other hand, there are different ways on how to prevent UTI naturally so your condition won’t get any worse, and you wouldn’t need to overuse antibiotics to treat it.

How to prevent UTI Naturally

Urinary tract infections can be irritating and sometimes excruciating, especially if it keeps coming back just after a few months of you having it. There are different ways and tips that can help prevent UTI. Aside from getting it diagnosed, and taking your doctor’s prescribed medications, there are also steps you can follow on how to prevent UTI naturally.

The following steps might help you prevent UTI from recurring or lessen your risks of acquiring the condition:

How to prevent UTI naturally through diet

Drink plenty of fluids

One good way to prevent UTI naturally is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help flush out bacteria that can clings in your bladder and urinary tract.

The recommended fluid intake according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, is 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men. Fluids that can help you stay hydrated do not only come from water but also from all the foods and beverages you consume in a day.

If you do not fancy drinking a cup of water, you can try and infuse your water with sliced fruits and vegetables such as berries and cucumbers. You can also try drinking cranberry juice, as it is believed to be a great way to prevent UTI naturally.

Urologists claim that cranberries contain an active ingredient that helps prevent the build-up of bacteria in the bladder wall and urinary tract. Although more research is still needed to justify the claims about cranberry juice, there is some evidence that it is effective.

Probiotics

Probiotics products contain “good bacteria” or live microorganisms that help maintain the overall health of your gut. In a study, it is found that probiotics (Lactobacillus) can be a good alternative than taking antibiotics. It is also found that probiotics taken orally, as well as those administered vaginally, are shown to be safe and effective for adult women in preventing recurrent UTIs.

How To Prevent UTI naturally through Healthy Habits

Relieve yourself when necessary

Urine is a liquid waste produced by the kidneys when filtering toxins, and other unwanted substances in the blood. Your urine is stored in the bladder, which prevents frequent and uncontrollable urination.

When you frequently fail to empty your bladder, when you need to go, then you might develop UTI. Leaving your urine stagnant in the bladder can cause bacteria to multiply, which may lead to an infection in your bladder and urinary tract.

It is best if you change your urination habits immediately and always remember to relieve yourself whenever you feel the urge to pee. Urinating frequently as needed can prevent you from acquiring UTI and can also decrease your chance of getting the condition again. In addition, urinating after every sexual intercourse is also one way of reducing your risks of having UTI.

Practice Good hygiene

Practicing good hygiene in your genital area is essential, especially for women. The women’s genitalia is more prone to bacteria since a woman’s urethra is shorter as compared to a man. For women, always keep in mind to wipe from front to back after urinating or bowel movement. Doing this will prevent the transfer of UTI causing bacteria from your rectum to your urethra.

Using gentle feminine products and changing sanitary pads and tampons frequently during the menstrual cycle can also decrease women’s risk of getting UTI.

Use breathable and comfortable undergarments

Loose-fitting underwear are best for men and women to reduce the risks of having UTI. Tight-fitting underwears tend to trap moisture, which is the best breeding ground for bacteria. Cotton underwear is the best undergarment for men and women as it gives more ventilation to the genitalia, which breaks off the growth of bacteria.

How to Prevent UTI Naturally by Switching Birth Control

UTI in women can be caused by certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms and cervical caps. These birth controls often irritate the vagina that may lead to UTI and other vaginal problems. If you suspect that your UTI is caused by your current birth control, it is best if you consult your doctor and ask for a better option and have it replaced right away.

How to Prevent UTI Naturally: Know the Symptoms

Common Causes of UTI

What are the symptoms of UTI?

Aside from knowing how to prevent UTI naturally, it’s important to know the symptoms of UTI.

Urinary tract infection causes swelling and redness in the lining of the urinary tract that might produce the following symptoms:

• An urge to suddenly and/or frequently pee as well as urinary incontinence
• Painful urination (dysuria) or burning sensation while urinating
• Pressure and/or pain in the pelvic area, sides, and abdomen
• Urine has an abnormal color (cloudy, red, or pinkish) and foul smell
• Persistent need to pee at night even on an empty bladder

Other symptoms that can be related to UTI include:

• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Lower back pain
• Penis pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• In some cases, UTI might also cause confusion, agitation, and withdrawal, especially for older people who suffer from dementia.

If you experience the following symptoms above, it is best if you consult your doctor right away so you can get immediate medical care.

What causes UTI?

UTI is commonly caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and the bladder, which causes inflammation, infection, and irritation. UTI is more common in women since a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s. There are other factors which cause UTIs, here are some of them:

• Previous UTI
• Pregnancy
• Age (older adults and children are more susceptible to UTI)
• Sexual activity (especially hygiene after sex)
• Poor hygiene habits
• Underlying medical conditions such as constipation, enlarged prostate, diabetes, or kidney stones.
• Hormonal changes such as low estrogen levels in menopausal women.

Key takeaways

A quick visit to the hospisal can help you determine whether you have UTI or not. If your diagnosis comes out as UTI, then your doctor would most likely prescribe some medications. These medications are usually antibiotics that you need to take in order to tame the infection. If you would like to get better as quickly as possible, you can try the tips mentioned above. The tips on how to prevent UTI naturally can help make your condition a little better and prevent it from getting worse. You can always get these done in the comfort of your own home. Always remember, though, to not self medicate and not use any other medications aside from what your doctors have prescribed.

Learn more about Urological Health, here.