Tips on How to Prevent UTI When You Feel It Coming
UTIs can be extremely uncomfortable and disrupt your daily life with the constant pain and urge to urinate.
So it is best to take proactive steps when you sense a UTI coming to avoid its occurrence or worsening.
This is because an untreated or recurring UTI can move up the urinary tract and cause further complications.
Now the question arises, how to prevent UTI when you feel it coming?
Keep reading to know ways you can prevent a suspected UTI from occurring.
Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is important if you feel like you are about to contract a UTI.
It encourages you to urinate throughout the day, which helps to flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract that might cause an infection.
A study has also found that eliminating the following beverages can decrease the symptoms and thus help prevent a UTI when you feel it coming:
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Tea
- Carbonated drinks
- Artificially sweetened beverages
Use probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that can support the natural balance of your gut and urinary tract.
They also help to strengthen the immune function.
Some studies suggest that probiotics help reduce the risk of UTIs by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.
You can find probiotics in the form of supplements or fermented foods like yogurt.
Incorporating it into your diet can stunt the growth of bacteria that might lead to a UTI.
Cranberries
Cranberries have gained immense popularity as a natural way of treating and preventing UTIs.
They work by preventing the UTI-causing bacteria from sticking to the surface of the urethra or bladder.
They are available as tablets and capsules, but you can also choose cranberry juice or fresh cranberries instead.
Note that if you pick unsweetened cranberry juice as added sugar can aggravate the infection instead.
Wipe from front to back
Proper hygiene is extremely crucial in preventing UTIs.
When using the restroom, always wipe from front to back when you are done.
This practice helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal region to the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.
Do not hold the urge to urinate
When you feel the need to urinate, do not delay using the restroom.
Holding urine for extended periods can allow bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of UTIs.
Urinate before and after sex
Urinating before and after sexual intercourse can assist in flushing out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra during the act.
This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of developing a UTI after sexual activity.
Avoid tight undergarments
Wearing tight-fitting or non-breathable undergarments can create an environment that encourages the growth of bacteria.
Hence, it is suggested that you avoid wearing them.
Instead, choose breathable cotton underwear to keep the genital area dry and minimize the risk of infections.
Do not overuse feminine hygiene products
Overusing scented or harsh feminine hygiene products can disrupt the pH of the vagina and increase the risk of UTIs.
Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free products or simply use warm water for cleansing.
Reconsider your birth control
Some forms of birth control may increase the risk of UTIs for some individuals.
If you notice a pattern of UTIs coinciding with a particular birth control method, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.
Takeaway
Preventing UTIs when you feel them coming is possible with these research-based tips.
Drinking fluids is an easy way to throw UTI-causing bacteria out of your system.
Incorporating probiotics and cranberries can also help minimize the risk of developing a UTI.
In addition to this, healthy hygiene habits like urinating before and after sex, avoiding tight garments, avoiding feminine hygiene products, and wiping the correct way can also prevent infection from spreading.
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if you have a history of recurrent UTIs or suspect an infection.
Taking proactive steps can help you maintain good urinary tract health to prevent a UTI from coming on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop a UTI from coming on?
While it’s not always possible to completely prevent a UTI, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk. Practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, and using probiotics or cranberry products help minimize the likelihood of developing a UTI.
How do you stop a UTI right when it starts?
When you feel the early signs of a UTI, act quickly. Increase your water intake to flush out bacteria, urinate frequently, wipe correctly, and avoid tight clothes. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience that your symptoms persist or worsen.
What is the best drink for a UTI?
Water is the best drink for a UTI. Staying well-hydrated helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract, promoting healing and reducing discomfort. Avoid beverages like alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks that can irritate the bladder.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
