Minor Ailments

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Sarah Suarez, P.A.-C.

Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)

SPEAKING OF HEALTH         TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

5 tips to prevent a urinary tract infection

Follow these tips to lower your risk of a UTI with little or no potential negative side effects:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

This helps keep bladder tissue hydrated and healthy. It also dilutes your urine and lowers the concentration of bacteria in the bladder. Some people can clear an infection on their own just by drinking fluids. Try drinking at least 50 ounces, or about 1.5 liters, of fluid daily to prevent infections.

• Empty your bladder often.

Regularly emptying your bladder ensures urine is not sitting in your bladder for long periods of time. Since bacteria like warm and wet environments to grow, this takes away good living conditions for the bacteria.

It's normal to empty your bladder four to eight times per day.

• Urinate soon after sex.

     The act of intercourse can cause bacteria to get close to or into the urethra, the small tube that empties        your bladder. Voiding after intercourse removes some of the bacteria before it can cause an infection. 

• Take cranberry supplements.

     While cranberry supplements have not been shown in studies to prevent urinary tract infections, there is a      reasonable biologic mechanism that using them could be helpful. If you would like to try this option,     consider a concentrated over-the-counter cranberry supplement instead of cranberry juice. It likely       provides more benefit and reduces extra sugar typically found in juice.

• Wipe front to back.

Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.

You should seek medical attention if you develop a fever, chills, disorientation, or back or side pain. These could be signs of a kidney infection, which requires treatment, or a systemic infection of the bloodstream that requires hospitalization.

Sarah Suarez is a physician assistant in OB-GYN in La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Source:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-tips-to-prevent-a-urinarytract-infection Accessed January 26, 2023    

 

I recommend that partners wash prior to sexual activity with a gentle soap and water.

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Dr. Peter Lin was interviewed by Dr. Brian Goldman on CBC Radio's "The Dose". Dr. Lin mentioned the importance of keep the area around your urethra, vagina, and rectum dry. Moisture from sweating or wearing a wet bathing for a prolong period of time can cause bacteria to enter the urethra and cause an infection.