Maintaining good hygiene goes a long way in the prevention of UTIs. The following are some suggestions for decreasing
- Always wipe from front to back after urinating.
- Cleanse the genital and urinary areas from front to back with soap and water after each bowel movement.
- Rinse the genital area with water regularly throughout the day.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes since they cause friction in the genitals and move bacteria into the urinary area.
- Showers instead of baths are recommended for individuals with recurrent UTIs.
- Urinate frequently, especially as soon as the urge arises.
- Drink a lot of fluid to flush the bacteria out.
- All sanitary products should be changed after each urination.
- Maintain good hygiene before and after intercourse.
- Urinate before and after intercourse.
- The use of condoms has been associated with a decrease in UTIs.
- Avoid sex with multiple partners – this is not only a high risk factor for UTIs but also sexually transmitted diseases.
- For those with recurrent UTIs, daily supplements of vitamin C and cranberry juice may be helpful.
Because UTIs are a universal health problem and since antibiotic resistance is increasing at an uncontrolled rate, vaccines are currently being developed to treat this infection. The clinical trial of the first vaccine, SolcoUrovac, has shown promise in women with recurrent UTIs. However, more long term follow up is required to document any side effects or complications. Unlike vaccines in children, this vaccine is administered as a vaginal suppository. Other research is being conducted on potential vaccines that can prevent the attachment of the bacteria to the lining of the bladder.