Tips to prevent urinary tract infections
Don’t hold it in
As we said before, you want the bacteria out of your body, not in.
Stay hydrated
Dilute your urine and flush out the bacteria before it can reach your bladder.
Relax when you pee
“You need to relax to eliminate as much urine as possible,” Rosch says. “Don’t stop half way because you have to run back to get the phone or answer the door.” Remember: Flush out all the bacteria!
Wipe from front to back
The short distance within the urethra for bacteria to travel from outside of your body to your bladder is one contributing factor to infection, compounded by the short distance from the anus to the urethra, which can create even more opportunity.
Consider supplemental remedies for urinary tract infections
Cranberry juice is a popular remedy — it is believed its hippuronic acid is a natural antiseptic that can also help prevent adherence of bacteria to the bladder lining. If you hate the taste of cranberry juice, it is also available in capsule form.
One study released by Duke University in 2007 showed that the herbal extract forskolin might be a potential remedy for recurring urinary tract infections, taken in conjunction with prescribed antibiotics. The study found the extract from the Indian coleus plant flushes out hiding colonies of bacteria, thereby making them more susceptible to antibiotic treatment.
serious health consequences of not treating urinary tract infections
Rosch says the consequences of forgoing medical treatment, particularly for those women with recurring UTIs, can be severe and can cause many complications.
“Renal infections are one of the more common consequences,” she said. “Chronic, untreated urinary tract infections can also lead to scar formation and interfere with proper functioning of the urinary system. Severe infections, such as sepsis (disseminated infection in the blood) can also be a devastating side effect.”
When you first feel the symptoms, go to the doctor and seek treatment. You need antibiotics to fight the infection.
Remember, Rosch says, “Take care of yourself — you’re worth it!”
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