8 Easy Ways to Naturally Prevent UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a painful annoyance that can disrupt your life and cause bigger medical issues if left untreated.
If you find that you’re one of the 25% of women who are particularly prone to developing UTIs, there are a few things you can do to prevent them from happening in the first place. These natural solutions are great at UTI prevention and can save you from making unnecessary trips to the doctor and waiting in line to fill yet another prescription for antibiotics.
1. Drink plenty of water
Chugging water is not only a great way to keep your body naturally hydrated, but it’s also a fantastic way to stave off UTIs. By continually flushing your system with water, you’re flushing that nasty bacteria back out of your urethra instead of giving it time to multiply and cause an infection.
Yes, this method will obviously cause you to make more trips to the bathroom, but when compared with the pain and inconvenience of a UTI, I’ll take that trade-off!
2. Urinate after having sex
For many women, sex is a very common UTI trigger. But preventing UTIs doesn’t mean that you have to abstain altogether.
Although it’s not the most romantic way to wrap up your activities, try to urinate immediately after sex, even if it’s just a little. This will help push out any bacteria that may have been introduced into your urinary tract during sex, leaving you able to enjoy your time with your partner without worrying about any health repercussions.
3. Wipe front to back
It may be unpleasant to think about, but improper wiping makes you a prime target for a UTI. If you’re wiping from back to front, you’re introducing fecal germs into your urinary tract, which can easily lead to a painful infection.
Be sure to maintain proper hygiene by always wiping from front to back. This is a quick and easy way to kick UTIs to the curb.
4. Use the bathroom whenever you need to
Holding it in when you have to pee is not only uncomfortable, but it’s yet another way your body can jump-start a urinary tract infection.
Although holding your pee isn’t causing the infection on its own, by allowing that bacteria to remain in your bladder for longer than it should, you’re once again giving it a chance to multiply and cause issues. So be sure to always head to the bathroom at the first signs that you need to go!
5. Stick to unscented products
Using scented products like toilet paper, tampons, or pads may make you feel as fresh as a flower, but in reality, you’re irritating your sensitive skin down there and making yourself more prone to infections. Skip the scented products, and also be careful with bubble baths, lotions, and other perfumed toiletries that you may come into contact with.
6. Boost your cranberry consumption
Cranberries contain a substance that makes it difficult for bacteria to stick to the walls of your bladder, which means this is a delicious way to prevent a UTI! Whether you’re using them in muffins, jellies, or even a tasty cocktail, I love this as a natural way to just say no to UTIs.
7. Re-evaluate your birth control methods
Did you know that certain methods of birth control can make you more prone to developing an infection? Diaphragms are one of the main culprits because it puts pressure directly on your urethra and makes it harder to completely empty your bladder after you use the restroom.
Spermicidal lubricants found on condoms are another form of birth control that can cause trouble, so look for ones that have a water-based lubricant instead. Also, stay far away from flavored condoms or lubricants, as these contain sugar that can kickstart bacterial growth!
8. Add probiotics or other supplements to your diet
One way to discourage the growth of bad bacteria is to flood your system with good bacteria instead! There are many probiotic pills on the market today, but it can also be found naturally in foods like kefir, Greek yogurt, and kimchi. Add these to your diet and you’ll find that your system is better able to fight off urinary tract infections before they become a problem.
Prevent UTIs at Home
You don’t have to feel helpless when it comes to UTIs. There are plenty of things you can try to prevent them without going to the doctor. With a few easy lifestyle changes, you’ll be on your way to taking control of your health and feeling pain-free!