7 Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Risk of UTIs

It’s difficult to discuss issues you’re having down there, but we don’t want to shy away from topics that will help our patients most. 

One of the most common issues we see in our office is urinary tract infections (UTIs). Unfortunately, many of our patients don’t realize that the power to avoid UTIs is actually largely in their hands. 

In this blog, Dr. Philip Weintraub and our team at Urology Associates Medical Group open the dialogue on urinary tract health and share seven practical strategies for preventing UTis. 

1. Keep it clean

One of the easiest ways to avoid a UTI is to keep your urinary tract free of bacteria. The bacteria that cause UTIs often travel from your stool and rectum. We recommend practicing proper toilet technique, wiping from front to back, and never using the same tissue twice. 

Swap your baths for showers to reduce your risk of exposure to contaminated bath water. We also encourage using tampons instead of sanitary pads to keep the bladder opening dry and bacteria-free. 

2. Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and can also prevent UTIs. As water passes through your body, it helps in two key ways: It dilutes harmful bacteria in your urinary tract and flushes out excess bacteria.

To see if you’re getting enough water, look at the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow. Dark yellow urine means you’re not hydrating enough. 

3. Go as often as you can

You may not know this, but holding it increases your risk for many health issues, including UTIs. When you hold in your urine, your bladder becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. 

And not emptying your bladder actually weakens it, and you may eventually have problems fully emptying your bladder, which can further contribute to UTIs.

4. Be choosy about what you wear

We recommend comfortable, properly fitting underwear made from breathable, natural fabrics. Tight, restrictive underwear made of unnatural fibers traps moisture near your genitals and creates the ideal environment for bacteria growth. 

5. Pee after sex

During intercourse, bacteria in the genital and anal region have an open door to enter your urethra and urinary tract. If you urinate right after sex, you help flush your urinary tract and any lingering bacteria. 

For even cleaner sex:

• Avoid spermicides, which kill the good bacteria in your genital area
• Drink water after sex to dilute bacteria in your urinary tract
• Shower before sex to rinse off bacteria on your skin

Many of our male patients also wear condoms to protect the urethral opening. 

6. Take a probiotic

Did you know there are good bacteria? It’s true. And the more good bacteria you have, the less likely bad bacteria have a chance to grow. 

A daily probiotic can encourage the growth of good bacteria and keep your urinary tract bacteria-free. If you don’t like daily supplements, add foods that naturally contain probiotics, such as fermented foods (miso soup, pickles, and apple cider vinegar) and yogurt.

7. Know your risk factors

Unfortunately, some men and women are simply more prone to UTIs than others. Knowing you’re at risk can help you take extra steps to avoid infection. You’re most at risk for UTIs if you have:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Kidney stones
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Diabetes
• Other conditions that compromise your immune system
• Urinary tract abnormalities

Due to their anatomy, women are also naturally more susceptible to UTIs, particularly when they’re pregnant. 

When your best efforts fail

The healthiest, most hygienic lifestyle doesn’t guarantee you won’t get a UTI. When you get a UTI despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us. 

We have years of experience treating UTIs and can prescribe antibiotics to kill harmful bacteria. If you’re in significant discomfort, we can also prescribe painkillers to keep you comfortable as your infection clears. 

If you suspect you have a UTI or want more urinary tract health tips, call 818-853-9659 to speak with one of our friendly staff members and schedule an appointment at our Burbank, California, office.