How Can I Prevent A Chronic Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection is an ailment that presents itself anywhere in the renal system including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Most infections, however involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

What is a chronic UTI?

A chronic urinary tract infection is basically a urinary tract infection that is either not responding to treatment, or just keeps coming back.

A UTI is said to be recurrent if one has two or more infections during a six-month period, or four or more within a year.

UTIs can be very uncomfortable on their own; having a Chronic UTI is a lot worse and could leave you feeling pathetic.

General tips to prevent a chronic urinary tract infection

Although women are more likely to get a urinary tract infection than men, everyone needs to apply some dose of lifestyle changes to avoid the reintroduction of UTI causing bacteria into the urinary tract and sustain the health of the urinary tract, making it less prone to infection.

If you are susceptible to persistent UTI, here are general tips to prevent chronic UTIs:

  • Urinate – Don’t hold your pee until the last minute. Practice emptying your bladder as often as possible, especially immediately after sexual intercourse. This helps to clear bad bacteria from the urinary tract. Frequent urination also reduces the time that bacteria are exposed to the cells in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of them coming in contact and forming an infection.
  • Hydrate – Adequate water intake is one of the easiest ways to prevent UTIs. It helps ensure that you urinate more frequently, which allows certain microbes to be washed out of the urinary tract. There is no fixed recommendation on the quantity of water one should drink in a day; On average though, people should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
  • Good sexual hygiene – Sexual intercourse introduces foreign bacteria into the urinary tract. Good sexual hygiene practices include, washing the genitals before and after sex, using lubricated condoms, changing condom when switching from vaginal to anal sex, and urinating before and immediately after sex.
  • Shower – Baths might feel a lot more refreshing than having a quick shower, but it is less safe for your urinary tract. Baths, especially bubble baths expose your urethra to chemicals from bath products which could travel up to your bladder. These bath products might also upset the natural balance of the vagina, thus making it more prone to harmful bacteria.
  • Clean genitals – The genitals and anus should be kept clean and dry after toilet use. Also, avoid using scented products and deodorant sprays on the genitals, warm water and mild soap is adequate to keep it clean. For females, wipe from front to back after bowel movement to prevent rectal bacteria from spreading to the vaginal area. For uncircumcised males, the foreskin can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly and regularly.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing – Tight clothing can constrict movement of air around the genital area. They also cause moisture around the genital area, thus, creating room for bacteria.
  • Cranberry juice – Cranberry juice does not cure urinary tract infections, they however, may help prevent their occurrence. Cranberry juice contains compounds called proanthocyanids which prevents bacteria, particularly E Coli from sticking to the bladder wall. In addition to water intake, a glass of cranberry juice can be taken to lower your risk of recurrent infection.

These are some very simple and natural ways to prevent UTIs. Always look out for tips on how to prevent UTIs naturally and try the options available to you. It’s important you don’t get nerves and do nothing. Consult a doctor, and lead your life carefully to have less irritation from it.