Besides drinking adequate fluids, regularly emptying the bladder and maintaining a good personal hygiene, women need to include some extra routines to reduce the risk of getting urinary tract infection.
Precautions when you have sex
During intercourse your genital area will always be introduced to bacteria – either from yourself or from your partner. Follow these rules before, during and after sex to limit the amount of bacteria:
Before sex:
Empty your bladder as a full bladder gives better conditions for bacteria to settle down and grow.Wash your genital area or shower to wash away bacteria.
During sex:
If you feel dry during intercourse use a water-soluble gel (lubricant) to help reduce friction and stress of the tissue, which can lead to infection. Diaphragms and spermicides can also cause irritation, which can lead to infections. If you have frequent UTIs talk to your doctor about another form of birth control.
After sex:
Empty your bladder immediately after having sex, even though there is only a small amount of urine in your bladder. This will flush out potential bacteria.Drink 2-3 glasses of water and urinate when you have the urge to do so. The goal is to have a good steady stream of urine to flush any bacteria from the bladder.
Avoid fragrance down there
Don’t use sprays, deodorants, powders or heavily scented soap on the genital area. Some laundry detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners leave residue in your underwear. Use unscented products instead.
Why?
Perfume or other fragranced chemicals can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. Irritated skin has a higher risk of getting infected.
Wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, so air can keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear are not good, because they can trap moisture and help bacteria grow.
Other good advice:
- Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently during menstruation
- Be careful how you wipe yourself – always wipe from front to back, so that the bacteria from your anal area is not pushed into the urethra
