About 40% of women experience a urinary tract infection (UTIs) in their lifetimes. When a UTI returns twice within six months, it’s known as recurrent. These common UTIs can have a significant impact on your overall health and quality of life.
The good news is that specific lifestyle changes can play a pivotal role in lowering your risk of chronic UTIs, and our team at Advanced Urology is here to help. We specialize in chronic UTI and bladder pain treatment in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro, California.
So if you’re frustrated by UTIs that just don’t go away, here are five simple yet effective lifestyle modifications to try.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps dilute your urine and keeps you urinating regularly. Both of these help flush bacteria from your urinary tract and lower your risk of UTIs. Try to drink at least 50 ounces (about 1.5 liters) of water daily to maintain hydration.
Proper hygiene helps prevent the introduction of bacteria into your urinary tract. That’s why you should always wipe from front to back after using the restroom — this method prevents bacteria from the anal region from reaching your urethra.
You should also cleanse your genital area regularly using mild, unscented soaps. Avoid harsh soaps or scented products, as they can cause irritation and worsen discomfort.
Holding your urine for extended periods allows bacteria to multiply in your bladder. Regular urination helps expel these bacteria and flush your urethra.
You should also get in the habit of urinating shortly after sexual intercourse. This helps flush out bacteria introduced during sex, reducing your risk of infection.
Some natural supplements may help prevent UTIs. For example, compounds in cranberries may prevent bacteria from adhering to your bladder wall. Incorporating cranberry extract supplements or concentrated cranberry juice can be beneficial in lowering your risk of UTI.
Other supplements, like probiotics and D-mannose, can also help reduce UTI rates. These non-antibiotic therapies offer a promising alternative for prevention, so talk to our team to find out if they might be a good option for you.
Some contraceptives, like spermicides and diaphragms, can increase your risk of UTIs. If you’re using these methods and experiencing recurrent infections, talk with your health care provider about alternative contraceptive methods that don't elevate UTI risk.
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing UTI occurrences, but when you experience symptoms, it’s essential to go to the doctor. UTIs can only be treated with antibiotics, and starting treatment as early as possible helps prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to your kidneys.
And if you experience three or more UTIs annually, you might need a more extensive evaluation. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations to identify the root causes of recurrent infections and develop personalized treatment plans.
Depending on your needs, we may prescribe longer courses of low-dose antibiotics to effectively eradicate the infection. For people whose UTIs are linked to sexual activity, taking a prescribed antibiotic dose after intercourse can help reduce infection risk. At-home urine testing might also be a good option, so you can monitor for signs of infection.
If you're experiencing persistent bladder pain without an active infection, our experts can explore other conditions, like bladder pain syndrome, and recommend appropriate treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your comfort.
Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of chronic UTIs, but they’re not a substitute for partnering with a specialized health care provider for effective management strategies tailored to your unique needs. Don't let recurrent UTIs disrupt your life — seek expert guidance with our team at Advanced Urology and take proactive steps toward better urinary health.
Call us at 310-670-9119 or request an appointment online today to get started.
