Keeping Your Urinary Tract Healthy: Tips for Preventing Infections

Introduction

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common medical problem experienced by almost everyone at least once in their lives. A urinary tract infection is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system. Characterised by symptoms such as frequent urination and persistent discomfort, UTIs can significantly disrupt your daily life.

UTIs occur when bacteria, typically from the digestive tract, enter the urinary opening (urethra) and multiply there. However, these infections can be prevented by following some simple hygiene practices. Let us explore the habits that can be adopted to prevent UTIs.

What Is a UTI?

A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system and start to multiply there. Urine is a byproduct produced by the kidneys as it filters the blood and removes excess water and waste products, like urea and creatinine. The urine leaves your kidneys through thin tubes called ureters and reaches the bladder where it is stored until it is excreted by the body through a tube called the urethra. The urinary tract and urine normally contain no bacteria but can become contaminated when bacteria get lodged in the urethra and cause a UTI. The infection may affect the bladder or travel higher up to affect the kidneys.

UTIs can be of different types based on the part affected, namely:

• Cystitis: Infection of the urinary bladder (the most common type)
• Urethritis: Infection of the urethra
• Pyelonephritis: Infection of the kidneys

Depending on the severity, UTI may cause symptoms such as:

• frequent urge to urinate
• pain or burning while urinating
• bloody or cloudy urine
• foul-smelling urine
• pain in the abdomen, back or sides
• fever
• chills
• vomiting

Bacteria called E.coli that live in the large intestine are responsible for 90% of all UTIs. Women are more commonly affected by a UTI than men because the urethra in women is shorter and closer to the anal opening. Other common factors that increase the risk of UTIs include:

• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes in women
• Sexual intercourse
• Conditions that affect the emptying of urine
• Diabetes
• Family history of repeated UTIs
• Constipation

How Can You Prevent UTIs?

Although UTIs are common, they are preventable. By incorporating some simple lifestyle changes and hygiene practices into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce the occurrence of UTIs and maintain your urinary health. Let’s explore some easy tips that can protect you from this infection.

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways of preserving urinary health. Water flushes out bacteria from the urethra and prevents them from populating there. The general recommendation is to drink about 8 glasses of water every day.

Bathroom Hygiene

Being mindful of bathroom etiquette can help prevent UTIs. Here are some essential hygiene tips to remember:

• Wipe from front to back (urethra to anus) after passing stools, especially in women.
• Do not hold urine for long periods. Pass urine as soon as you have the urge to do so.
• Keep the genital area clean and dry after each visit to the loo.
• Wash your hands before and after going to the loo.
• Do not touch the genital area with dirty hands.
• Women should change sanitary pads/tampons regularly during periods.

Additional general precautions include:

• Wear loose cotton underwear instead of tight, synthetic, moisture-retaining underwear.
• Avoid constipation.
• If you are postmenopausal (your periods have stopped) and have repeated UTIs, you can ask your doctor about vaginal creams containing oestrogen which can alter the vaginal pH (acidic environment) and reduce the frequency of UTIs.
• If you have long-term medical conditions that cause difficulty urinating, go for regular checkups to minimise the risk of UTIs.

Pre-sex and Post-sex Etiquette

Some precautions that can be taken before and after sex are as follows:

• Wash the genital area with warm water or take a shower before and after sex.
• Urinate right before and after sex to flush out bacteria and minimise the chances of UTIs.
• If using a lubricant, opt for one that is water based.
• Avoid using spermicide jelly or vaginal diaphragms if you get repeated UTIs. Ask your doctor about the best birth control options for you.

Probiotics and Cranberry Supplements

Probiotics are live microorganisms like bacteria and yeast that have beneficial effects on the body. Probiotic supplements add to the beneficial microbial population already existing in the body and fight off harmful bacteria.Taking probiotic products, particularly those that contain Lactobacillus, has shown a decrease in the recurrence of UTIs. You can get probiotics in the form of oral supplements like Lactobacillus drinks or fruit juices or from fermented foods and drinks, like yoghurt, cottage cheese, pickles, kimchi or kombucha. Although the research on its safety is limited, probiotics are generally seen to be safe for consumption in healthy people.

A widely held belief is that drinking cranberry juice can prevent and treat UTIs. An active ingredient in cranberry prevents E.coli from sticking to the walls of the bladder. However, the ingredient that provides this advantage may not be adequately present in cranberry juice and supplements. Based on the available data, the current consensus is that cranberry juice is harmless and may help in preventing UTIs, but the beneficial effects may not be consistent.

UTIs During Pregnancy

Pregnant women have a higher chance of getting a UTI because the passage between the kidneys to the bladder widens during pregnancy and the urine cannot drain as quickly. UTIs during pregnancy can cause serious complications such as high blood pressure, so if you are pregnant and experiencing UTI symptoms, you must see a medical professional at the earliest for treatment.

Conclusion

UTIs are common and can cause significant pain, discomfort and serious complications if left untreated. However, by following simple lifestyle changes and hygiene practices, you can safeguard your urinary health and minimise the likelihood of UTIs. Consistent habits such as drinking plenty of water, practising good genital hygiene, emptying your bladder regularly, getting frequent urine tests and urinating after sexual intercourse can flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract and prevent them from causing an infection. Remember, prevention is key to maintaining overall well-being and quality of life.