If you suffer from recurring urinary tract infections, here are five tips to preventing them on your own. If you continue to have infections, contact Board Certified Urologist Dr. Daniel Kaplon in Sarasota, FL for treatment.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking a minimum of eight cups of water helps you flush out your urinary tract. Be sure to drink plenty of water daily to avoid an increased risk of developing a UTI.
2. Choose a Shower Over a Bath
Taking a bath every once and awhile can be relaxing. However, taking a shower prevents bacteria from entering the urethra, which can cause a UTI.
3. Avoid Scented Hygiene Products
Scented feminine hygiene products can irritate the urethra. Instead of choosing a scented tampon or feminine hygiene spray, opt for the unscented option to decrease the risk of irritation.
4. Don’t Hold It In
When you need to urinate, do it. Women who hold in urine are more likely to develop a UTI because bacteria is more likely to develop the longer you hold it in.
5. Take Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C can help neutralize the bacteria in urine, which may reduce the chance of getting a urinary tract infection. In addition to Vitamin C supplements, drinking cranberry juice is also helpful in both lowering the chance of getting a UTI and speeding up recovery from a UTI.
Request a consultation with Dr. Daniel Kaplon if you have recurrent urinary tract infections.