4 Simple Changes to Make if You Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in part of your urinary system, which includes your:

• Kidneys 
• Ureters 
• Bladder 
• Urethra 

If bacteria invade any part of the system, the result is a UTI. Most infections occur in the lower part of the system – the bladder and urethra.

Anybody can get a UTI, but they’re most common in women, half of whom will develop such an infection at some point during their lives due to female anatomy. Overall, doctors treat 8-10 million UTIs every year.

At Mercy Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Bilal Khoder and our staff treat urinary tract infections in our patients at our Lake City, Florida, office. For some people, UTIs are a common occurrence. Fortunately,  some simple changes can prevent them.

More about UTIs

Over 90% of bladder infections are caused by the bacterium E. coli, which primarily inhabits the colon (large intestine). Women are more susceptible to UTIs because their urethra is close to the anus, where the colon excretes the body’s waste.

An infection of the urethra can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including: 

• Herpes 
• Gonorrhea 
• Chlamydia 
• Mycoplasma 

Women who use diaphragms for birth control may have an increased risk of UTIs, as can using spermicides during intercourse. If you get frequent UTIs, you may want to consider alternative methods of birth control.

The infection may cause symptoms, including:

• Pain in the flank, abdomen, pelvis, or lower back
• Pressure in the lower part of the pelvis
• Frequent urination
• Urge incontinence (can't reach a bathroom in time)
• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• A burning sensation when you urinate
• Blood in your urine

In older adults, UTIs may cause mental changes, including confusion.

4 changes to make if you get recurrent UTIs

Try these changes:

1. Practice good hygiene

Practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent UTIs, especially if you’re a woman. 

Since the urethra is both short and close to the anus, it makes it easy for bacteria to move from the rectum and anus back into the body. To prevent such movement, always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, so you’re moving the bacteria away from the urethra.

2. Hydrate well

When you drink a lot of fluids — especially water — it helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Most doctors recommend at least 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily.

3. Change how and when you urinate

Urination helps eliminate bacteria from your body. When you empty your bladder, you flush out all the accumulated waste products from your body so the bacteria have nothing to feed on. Urinating frequently reduces the risk of infection, especially if you get recurrent UTIs.

Try not to hold your urine or only partially empty your bladder, as these can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Another good habit is urinating right before and right after intercourse, as having sex can introduce bacteria into your urethra. If you’re unable to pee, wash the genitals with warm water.

4. Change your clothing

Wearing tight-fitting clothing promotes sweating, and that can lead to a moist environment that supports bacterial growth. Instead, choose loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear. These options let your skin breathe and prevent moisture from accumulating around your urethra.

Think you may have a UTI? Mercy Medical Urgent Care can do a rapid test to find out. We’re open seven days a week. Walk in, or give us a call at 386-758-2944 to schedule.