Dos and don’ts for UTI prevention

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is a typical health situation that impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals world wide and it happens when micro organism enter the urinary tract, resulting in uncomfortable signs and potential issues. While UTIs are treatable, prevention is vital.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ritu Sethi, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician – Director at The Aura Speciality Clinic in Gurgaon, shared, “Urinary Tract Infections can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. However, by adopting simple yet effective do’s and don’ts, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing UTIs. Maintaining good hygiene practices, staying adequately hydrated, and urinating regularly are essential for preventing bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Additionally, taking precautions before and after sexual intercourse, wearing breathable undergarments and avoiding harsh hygiene products are crucial steps towards UTI prevention.”

She prompt the next tips in order that people can scale back their danger of growing UTIs and promote higher urinary tract well being.

I. Do’s for UTI Prevention –

• Stay Hydrated: One of the best and best methods to stop UTIs is by staying adequately hydrated. Drinking loads of water helps flush out micro organism from the urinary tract and dilutes urine, decreasing the chance of an infection. Always attempt to devour a minimum of eight glasses of water each day, or extra when you interact in bodily actions or stay in a scorching local weather.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Practicing good private hygiene is essential in stopping UTIs. When utilizing the bathroom, at all times wipe from entrance to again to stop micro organism from the anal space reaching the urethra. Additionally, guarantee common bathing or showering to maintain the genital space clear and free from micro organism.
• Empty the Bladder Regularly: Emptying the bladder usually is crucial to stop micro organism from accumulating. Avoid holding urine for prolonged intervals, as this enables micro organism to multiply. Urinate once you really feel the urge and guarantee full emptying of the bladder every time.
• Urinate Before and After Sexual Intercourse: Urinating earlier than and after sexual activity helps flush out micro organism which will have entered the urethra throughout sexual exercise. This observe is especially vital for ladies, as their urethra is shorter and extra susceptible to bacterial entry. Additionally, training protected intercourse strategies can additional scale back the chance of UTIs.
• Wear Breathable Undergarments: Choose underwear product of breathable materials, akin to cotton, which permits air circulation and helps hold the genital space dry. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and artificial supplies that lure moisture, because it creates a super setting for bacterial development.

II. Don’ts for UTI Prevention –

• Don’t Hold Urine for Too Long: Holding urine for extended intervals can result in urinary stasis, the place urine stays stagnant within the bladder, permitting micro organism to multiply. Make it a behavior to empty your bladder once you really feel the urge to urinate and keep away from delaying restroom visits.
• Don’t Use Harsh Personal Hygiene Products: Avoid utilizing harsh soaps, douches, or scented merchandise within the genital space. These merchandise can disrupt the pure steadiness of micro organism and irritate the urethra, growing the chance of UTIs. Instead, go for delicate, fragrance-free cleansers and keep away from extreme washing or scrubbing.
• Don’t Use Irritating Contraceptive Methods: Certain contraceptive strategies, akin to spermicides or diaphragms, can improve the chance of UTIs by irritating the urinary tract. If you might be susceptible to UTIs, take into account various contraceptive choices or seek the advice of your healthcare supplier for steerage on your best option for you.
• Don’t Hold Back from Urinating After Sexual Intercourse: Refrain from delaying urination after sexual activity. It is crucial to promptly flush out any micro organism which will have entered the urinary tract throughout sexual exercise. Urinating inside half-hour of intercourse can considerably scale back the chance of UTIs.
• Don’t Overdo Antibiotic Use: While antibiotics are important for treating UTIs, their extreme and pointless use can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Avoid self-medication and at all times seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for correct analysis and remedy. They will prescribe probably the most applicable antibiotic primarily based on the precise micro organism inflicting the an infection.

Dr Ritu Sethi concluded, “Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By following these guidelines, you can minimise the chances of developing UTIs and promote better urinary tract health. If you do experience symptoms such as pain, frequent urination, or cloudy urine, it is important to seek medical advice promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. With proper care and attention, you can safeguard your urinary tract and maintain overall well-being.”