How to prevent UTI's? ?

Question

So I've had a ton of problems getting UTI/ bladder infections and such and I've been told that intercourse can trigger them. They seem to go away for the most part when me and my husband take a break from intimacy but are there some things we can do to help prevent while still remaining intimate with eachother? Does anyone else run into this problem and if so what have you found to help? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Here's a few things that I recommended to a patient who was having the same problem.  She hasn't had a UTI for over a year, and she used to get one about once a month!

1.  take cranberry pills

2.  Positions play a big part.  Woman on top and "doggie-style" are better than missionary.

3.  Urinate IMMEDIATELY after s*x.

4.  Make sure both of your "areas" are clean before intercourse.  I am not saying you have to clean yourself right before s*x.  If you are a morning showerer and you are having s*x at night, that's still okay.  Just do not have s*x if you haven't showered that day.  No working out before s*x.

Good luck and take care!

Answer 2

If you aren't getting treated by antibiotics everytime you have one, then it will never fully go away, which seems to be the case. Next time you have one, YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR!  

Answer 3

Was your husband also treated for the UTI/bladder infection? He could be reinfecting you if he hasn't been treated for it. Men might not show symptoms like we do, but they can carry the bacteria that causes you to get the infection.

Also, if you hate drinking cranberry juice, you could take a cranberry pill.  

Answer 4

I have found this to be excellent

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU259/It...

Answer 5

Yes, intercourse can trigger UTIs but so can other things.

Drink 2-3 liters of water throughout each day.  Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.  Include acidic juices in your diet, doesn't HAVE to be cranberry juice exclusively.  Practice good hygiene, both you & your husband.  Urinate before & after intercourse.  Wipe from front to back.  Wear cotton-crotch underwear and panythose.  Shower rather than bathe.  Avoid bubble baths & bath oils, feminine hygiene sprays, douches, and powders. As a general rule, do not use any product containing perfumes or other possible allergens near the genital area. Douching is never recommended.

Two medical alternatives are taking a short-term preventive antibiotic for a specified length of time determined by your doctor or having an as needed prescription to take at the first sign of a UTI.

I suggest you speak to your doctor.  It almost sounds as if you're self-diagnosing.

Answer 6

There are several ways people may be able to prevent urinary tract infections. After urination, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After bowel movements, be sure to wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Another thing both girls and guys can do to prevent UTIs is to go to the bathroom frequently. Avoid holding urine for long periods of time.

Males and females should also keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Frequent bubble baths can cause irritation of the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. And girls should skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches — these products can irritate the urethra.

If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after intercourse. After s*x, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. For girls who use lubrication during s*x, use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.

Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria free.

Remember that although urinary tract infections are uncomfortable and often painful, they are very common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you'll be able to get rid of the problem.UTIs are usually caused by E. coli, bacteria that are normally found in the digestive tract and on the skin around the rectal and vaginal areas. When the bacteria enter the urethra, they can make their way up into the bladder and cause an infection. There are several ways bacteria can get into the urethra. During sexual intercourse, the bacteria in the vaginal area may be pushed into the urethra and eventually end up in the bladder, where urine provides a good environment for the bacteria to grow. Only your health care provider can treat urinary tract infections. The first thing a doctor will do is confirm that a person has a UTI by taking a clean-catch urine specimen. At the doctor's office, you'll be asked to clean your genital area with disposable wipes and then urinate into a sterile (bacteria-free) cup.

If an infection is suspected when the specimen is examined, a doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. Because there are many different antibiotics available, the doctor may send the urine specimen for a urine culture, which is a test to identify the exact type of bacteria causing your infection. It takes about 48 hours to get results from a urine culture, and a doctor may ask patients to switch antibiotics depending on the results.

Although antibiotics begin fighting the infection right away, they can't stop all the symptoms immediately. If someone has a lot of pain from a UTI, the doctor may recommend a medication to help relieve the spasm and pain in the bladder. This will turn urine a bright orange color, but it's harmless and will usually make a person much more comfortable within hours. In the case of a kidney infection, a doctor may prescribe pain medication.

For some infections, a person may only have to take antibiotics for 3 days, but usually people with UTIs stay on medication for 7 to 14 days. It's important to take the antibiotics until the prescription is finished. Many people stop taking medication when they begin to feel better, but that doesn't allow the antibiotics to completely kill the bacteria, which increases the risk that the infection will reappear. If you've been diagnosed with a UTI and symptoms continue after you've used up all your medication or if your symptoms aren't much better after 2 to 3 days of treatment, contact your doctor.

It's important to drink lots of water during and after treatment because each time you urinate, the bladder cleanses itself a little bit more. Cranberry juice may also be helpful. People with UTIs should avoid coffee and spicy foods. And, while it's always a good idea to quit smoking, this is especially true for people who have a UTI or are prone to getting UTIs because smoking is linked to bladder problems.

People who get a doctor's help for a UTI right away should be clear of symptoms within a week. For a more serious kidney infection, most people have to return to the doctor's office for a follow-up visit to ensure that the infection has responded completely to the medication.

In either case, a doctor may tell people with UTIs to avoid sexual intercourse for a week or so, which allows the inflammation to disappear completely.