5 Tips for Preventing a UTI

Persistent pelvic pain or burning during urination might be an indication you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

To prevent additional complications of a UTI, our experienced physicians at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic offer on-site testing and treatment services with no appointment needed. Our providers can also give you resources to help prevent recurrent infections.

How UTIs develop

You can develop a UTI when bacterium enters into your urinary tract and settles into your kidneys, bladder, urethra, or ureters. In women, bacterium often comes from the anus and enters the urinary tract when you have sex or if you wipe back to front after using the bathroom.

UTIs are more common in women than in men because women have a much shorter urinary tract. However, men might also be at increased risk for this kind of infection as they get older, especially if they have an enlarged prostate that interferes with the complete emptying of the bladder.

Both sexes are at risk for developing UTIs because of kidney stones or immune system disorders like diabetes.

Symptoms of UTIs to watch out for

UTIs often cause noticeable pelvic pain, especially when you’re urinating. You might also experience symptoms like:

• High fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood in your urine

Without treatment, your pain can worsen over time. Our physicians typically prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection and help you feel better within a few days.

How to prevent more UTIs

While you might not be able to totally avoid UTIs in the future, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for them. Our team provides five quick tips to protect you from additional infections:

1.Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water throughout the day helps you urinate more often. Every time you urinate, you flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.

You should also avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can irritate your bladder and leave you vulnerable to infection.

2. Go when you have to

Waiting to urinate can encourage the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract. If you’re not already going several times a day, try to follow a bathroom schedule where you pee every three to four hours to keep your bladder empty.

You should also urinate before and after you have sex to flush out any bacteria that can cause an infection.

3. Go natural

Women need to be careful about the hygiene products they use on their vagina. The natural bacteria found in your vagina helps to keep pH levels balanced.

If you use chemicals or scented products, you can interfere with this balance and be at increased risk for UTIs, yeast infections, and other complications.

4. Be mindful of your birth control

Certain birth controls available for women can encourage bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. If you’re using a diaphragm or spermicide condoms, you might be at a higher risk for recurrent UTIs.

If you have frequent infections, you might need to change the method of birth control you use.

5. Practice good hygiene

In addition to wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, you also need to practice good hygiene habits. Cleaning your bottom with water and soap daily, wearing cotton underwear, and not wearing tight pants can all help reduce your risk for UTIs.

Good hygiene also prevents irritation of the skin in and around your genitals that can increase your risk for infection and other complications.

If you have symptoms of a UTI, don’t delay an evaluation. You can call Primary Care Walk-In Medical Center, book an appointment online, or visit the clinic nearest you as a walk-in today.