4 Effective Ways to Prevent Another UTI

Dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be painful and frustrating, but dealing with recurrent UTIs is a whole other level of misery. As many as 60% of women will experience at least one UTI at some point, and about 44% of women who have one UTI develop another one within six months. 

“Recurrent” is defined as having two UTIs in six months or three UTIs in 12 months. 

Whether you’ve had one or three UTIs, you’re probably keen to prevent another one. Well, good news: You can take steps to reduce your risk of another.

Read on as our team of board-certified urologists at Bellingham Urology Group in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington, share four effective ways to prevent another UTI.

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking water may seem like a simple tip, but the reality is that drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent UTIs. When you stay hydrated, you urinate more frequently, which helps flush out problematic bacteria before they can cause an infection. If you’re not drinking enough, you’re not urinating enough, and bacteria may accumulate. 

If you struggle to drink enough water, keep these tips in mind:

• Carry a refillable water bottle with you so water is always on hand
• Add fresh herbs or berries for added flavor
• Use a water tracking app 

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you're physically active or live in a hot climate. Women need a total of 11.5 cups of fluids per day, and men need a total of about 15.5 cups of fluids per day — and your eight glasses of water go toward your total fluid intake. 

Other fluids include soup, fruit (e.g. watermelon or cucumbers), or herbal teas. Avoid too many sugary or alcoholic beverages.

2. Adjust your diet

What you eat is just as important as what you drink.  Cranberry juice and supplements have been shown to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, making it harder for an infection to develop. 

Consuming cranberry products can reduce the risk of UTIs in women with recurrent infections by 26% and can reduce the risk of children developing one by 54%. Look for real cranberry juice or products without added fillers or sugars.

Probiotics and probiotic-rich food can also support your body’s microbiome and help reduce the risk of future infection. Probiotic-rich foods include kim chi, kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt.

3. Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene can go a long way toward preventing UTIs, and so a little refresher never hurts. 

 Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from your anal area from spreading to the urethra. If you’re a parent or guardian, remind children of proper bathroom hygiene practices periodically. This is important because children can also develop UTIs from improper wiping.

Additionally, wash your genital area before and after sexual activity to minimize the risk of bacterial transfer. 

Good hygiene extends beyond the bathroom. Swap out synthetic underwear for breathable, 100% cotton underwear, and avoid tight-fitting pants — both of these practices can help keep the area dry and reduce bacterial growth.

4. Don’t hold it!

If you have to use the restroom, don’t put it off. Holding in urine can allow bacteria to multiply in your bladder, increasing the risk of a UTI. Make it a habit to urinate regularly, and never hold it in when you feel the urge to go. 

If you’re prone to UTIs, try to urinate every two to three hours during the day. Also, make sure to empty your bladder completely each time you go.

Bonus tip: Address the underlying cause of your UTIs

Here at Bellingham Urology Group, our team can help treat your active infection — most often done with a round of antibiotics — but we also want to explore the root cause of your recurrent infections. 

Kidney stones, sexual activity, urinary tract abnormalities, and low estrogen levels can all contribute to recurrent UTIs. Depending on your needs, our team can diagnose and treat kidney stones, prescribe medication, and recommend lifestyle or dietary modifications to prevent future UTIs.

Questions about your urinary health? Give us a call to speak with our friendly staff and find out how we can help you prevent another UTI.

You can also click here to request an appointment.