Besides drinking enough fluids, regularly emptying your bladder and maintaining good personal hygiene, women need to include some extra precautions to reduce the risk of getting a 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. Try to follow these guidelines before, during and after sex to limit the risk of infection.
Before sex
Try to empty your bladder before sex as bacteria is more likely to settle down and grow when your bladder is full. It is also a good idea to wash your genital area or shower prior to intercourse.
During sex
If you feel dry during intercourse use a water-soluble gel (lubricant) to help reduce friction and stress of the tissue, which may contribute to the development of an infection. Diaphragms and spermicides can also cause irritation, which can lead to infections. If you have frequent UTIs, speak to your healthcare professional about alternative methods of birth control.
After sex
Empty your bladder 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 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 may leave residue in your underwear. It is best to 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
It's a good idea to 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 which can contribute to the growth of bacteria.
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
