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Understanding Bladder Infections - Prevention
How Can I Prevent Bladder Infections?
Advice for men and women:
- Urinate regularly and empty your bladder completely.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose, nonbinding clothing that does not trap heat and moisture in the crotch.
- In general, practice good hygiene.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Cranberry juice may be helpful according to some studies, but it is more helpful for preventing a bladder infection since it keeps bacteria from attaching to the bladder and creating an infection.
- Avoid substances known to irritate the bladder such as alcohol and coffee.
Advice for women:
- Some suggest that emptying the bladder after intercourse may be helpful.
- Avoid using perfumed soaps, bubble baths, scented douches, and vaginal deodorants. These contain substances that can irritate the urethra and make it more vulnerable to infection.
- If you use a diaphragm for birth control, make sure it fits properly and don't leave it in too long.
- Wiping from front to back after emptying the bladder may prevent bacteria around the anus from getting into the urethra and ultimately the bladder.
- It may be helpful to eat yogurt that contains helpful bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria may help in preventing an infection.
The above suggestions are especially important if you've ever had a urinary infection, because they will help you avoid recurring infections.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Marcel Horowitz, MD on December 03, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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