Urine infections in females: Simple do’s and don’ts.
Urinary infections in females are fairly common and affect the quality of life. It is estimated that around 50 to 60 % of females will have urine infection in their lifetime and many of whom will have it 3 times or more.
We can reduce our risk of having recurrent urine infections if we follow some basic lifestyle advice but first lets us discuss what are common symptoms of UTI.
How to know if you have a Urine infection?
- You have to pass urine very often, sometimes you pass a very small amount of urine.
- You have pain and/or burning while passing urine.
- Your urine smells bad.
- You had blood in the urine.
- You have Fever with chills and sometimes vomiting.
- You have pain in the lower part of your tummy.
It is advisable to contact your doctor and get a urine test done ( Urine microscopy and culture ) if you have the above symptoms.
Coming back to the important part, how can we decrease the risk of urine infection.
Precaution 1:
Drink an adequate amount of water and pass urine at regular intervals, Do not hold urine for long intervals. You should avoid binges and take water at regular intervals.
Precaution 2:
After using the washroom always clean from front to back ( Avoid cleaning from back to front ). When you clean from back to front you increase the risk of bringing bacteria from your anal region to the vaginal area, thereby increasing the risk of urine infection.
Precaution 3:
Pass Urine after having sex: Always pass urine after having sex and if possible clean the area with simple water before and after sex.
Precaution 4:
Avoid using irritating products in the vaginal area: Sometimes even simple products like soap can cause local irritation and infections. Be careful with the type of soap or hair removing cream you use. Avoid using potentially irritating feminine products like Skip douches, deodorant, talcum powders.
Precaution 5 :
Avoid constipation: Add fibres to diet, constipation increases your risk of recurrent UTI.
Precaution 6 :
Check Blood sugars: if you have a family history of diabetes check your sugars regularly, having diabetes increases the risk of recurrent UTI.
Precaution 7:
Type of birth control method( contraceptive ): Certain contraceptives like a diaphragm, spermicide, or spermicide-lubricated condom can increase the risk of urine infection. Try an alternate method if you have a urine infection.
Precaution 8:
Jellys for vaginal dryness: Sometimes can cause recurrent urine infections. If you have infections, simple home-based lubricants ( water-based lubricants or simple coconut oil can be used )
Precaution 9:
Keep your underwear dry: Change frequently if it becomes wet, wear comfortable loose undergarments. Cotton underwear may be good ( or any soft nonirritating cloth which you find comfortable )
Precaution 10:
Avoid using public toilets that are poorly maintained: If unavoidable try to clean the surface with sterile wipes before using it. If you have the option of using Indian Toilet use it, as it avoids direct surface contact.
Precaution 11:
Avoid too much use of soap and water in the vaginal area: As it might disturb normal bacteria which are present in that area ( they help in preventing infections ).
Precaution 12:
Cranberry juice: Have a limited role and have no overall proven benefits.
Precaution 13 :
Choose sanitary pads instead of tampons: If you facing the problem of recurrent urinary infections, it is better to switch to Pads. If you prefer Tampons try using a disposable one and keep it for less than 8 hrs per day.
