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If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know the anxiety that often accompanies them. From the initial pang of discomfort to symptoms like burning, frequent urination, and even fever, it only takes one experience to wonder how to avoid these painful infections altogether. Thankfully, there are several strategies that can help you prevent a UTI before it even happens — and they mostly come down to a few best practices.
“UTIs can be some of the worst pain, so keeping healthy habits to reduce risk is helpful,” says Carly Ross, MD. We spoke with Dr. Ross and other experts to give you a better sense of what these habits actually are, and what you should know in order to stay pain-free and steer clear of infection. Read on to learn how to prevent a UTI, including common causes, advice for specific situations, and OBGYN-approved tips to stop an existing infection from getting worse.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Carly Ross, MD, is an OBGYN, a family planning specialist at Cooper University Hospital, and the medical advisor at Winx Health.
Lopa Pandya, MD, MS, FACOG, is a reconstructive pelvic surgeon, urogynecologist, and medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology.
Renita F. White, MD, is a board-certified OBGYN, women’s health advocate, and medical advisor for The Honey Pot Company.
What Causes a UTI?
UTIs occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract and multiplies. “This can happen when E. coli (originating from the intestinal tract) makes its way to the urinary tract after intercourse, or as a result of other medical conditions like kidney stones,” Dr. Ross explains. UTIs can also happen due to a change in hormones, like during pregnancy or menopause, or when starting a new medication.
“Another thing that can increase the risk of UTIs is having a weaker immune system,” says Renita F. White, MD. “This can be caused by conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases.”
You might also notice that UTIs are more common in the warmer months. “With increased heat in the summer months comes increased sweating,” Dr. White says. “Pooling sweat in the vulva and vaginal area can lead to increased bacteria and yeast production that lead to UTIs.”
How to Prevent a UTI
“Preventing UTIs involves maintaining good hygiene and healthy habits,” Dr. White says. Here are a few best practices to help you prevent a UTI:
- Drink More Water: If you want to avoid bacteria in the urinary tract, it’s a good idea to stay hydrated. “Increase how much fluid you drink to help dilute the urine,” Dr. White says. “This helps to flush bacteria from the bladder,” which can prevent UTIs. Dr. Ross also suggests limiting caffeine and alcohol, “as they are both irritants to the bladder.”
- Watch How You Wipe: Experts agree that the way you wipe is crucial for avoiding infection. “Always wipe from front to back to avoid transferring bacteria,” Dr. White advises.
- Wear Loose Clothing: “For the summer months, when UTIs can be more common due to the hotter temperatures, consider wearing loose clothes and cotton underwear to improve airflow to the vulva and vagina,” Dr. White says. Dr. Ross agrees, adding that “clean, cotton underwear helps prevent bacteria growth.”
- Change Out of Wet Clothing: Along those same lines, if you’re looking to avoid a UTI, it’s never a good idea to sit in soggy clothes. “After spending time in the water, it’s best to change out of your swimsuit right away,” Dr. White says. The same goes for after a super sweaty workout. This makes it harder for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract.
- Don’t Forget to Pee: One of the simplest things you can do to prevent a UTI is go to the bathroom more often, Dr. White says. “Sometimes, travel or summer fun can lead you to hold your bladder for longer, but it is best to urinate often to flush bacteria from the bladder.” And yes, you should pee soon after having sex to cut down your risk of developing a UTI. Which brings us to . . .
How to Prevent a UTI After Sex
You may have heard that it’s important to pee after sex, but experts re-emphasize this as a way to prevent intercourse-triggered UTIs. “After engaging in sexual activity, urinating can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract,” Dr. White says. This prevents bacteria from creating a larger infection, Dr. Ross says.
If you really don’t have to go, “washing the genital area before and after sex can also minimize bacterial transfer,” Dr. White says, adding that you really only need water to clean up after sex. If you frequently get UTIs after sex, though, Dr. Pandya recommends consulting with your healthcare provider, as you may be a candidate for post-coital antibiotics.
How to Prevent Recurring UTIs
Recurrent UTIs are defined as two or more UTIs within months, or three within a year. The same habits outlined above can help prevent them, since risk factors include wiping back to front, inadequate fluid intake, and new sexual partners.
But it’s also essential to see your doctor if you’re experiencing recurrent UTIs, says Dr. White, since genetics and other, harder-to-spot lifestyle habits (like using certain spermicides) may be playing a role. Your doctor can help you get to the bottom of what’s really going on, and recommend more specific treatments, including preventative antibiotics, topical estrogen (for postmenopausal people), or supplements like probiotics, cranberry tablets, or D-mannose. “I often see patients with recurrent UTIs, so we try and get urine cultures on them, since these are the best way to test urine,” adds Dr. Pandya.
In addition to seeing your doctor and trying the previous steps, Dr. White suggests these tips, which may also help manage your symptoms:
- Try Cranberry Juice: “Some studies suggest that cranberry juice or cranberry supplements may prevent recurrent UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall,” Dr. White says. Dr. Pandya notes that while the evidence isn’t strong enough to call cranberry supplements a bonafide UTI treatment, they “certainly can’t hurt to prevent UTIs.”
- Take a Look at Your Birth Control: Recurrent UTIs may be a sign to look at your birth control, Dr. White says, explaining that “methods such as spermicides and Phexxi have been linked [to] UTIs.”
How to Prevent a UTI From Getting Worse
Should you feel a UTI coming on, set up a doctor’s appointment so you can get tested and receive treatment ASAP. But in the meantime, you may still be able to stop your symptoms from getting worse.
“You may try [to] control symptoms by using something like Azo or Pyridium to help with symptom control,” says Lopa Pandya, MD. Both medications contain phenazopyridine, which helps to relieve UTI symptoms like pain and frequent urination. Experts aren’t entirely sure how Azo works, but according to GoodRx, one theory is that it blocks nerve cells in the urinary tract and bladder. Pyridium, on the other hand, is a known analgesic pain reliever, so it’ll help reduce pain, burning, and the frequent urge to urinate.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.