Other Treatments
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The following are hygiene tips, although it should be noted that there is no evidence that good hygiene makes any difference in preventing UTIs. It is always a wise practice, but women should not rely on it for protection from infection.
- Cleanse the genital and urinary areas from front to back with soap and water after each bowel movement.
- Keep the genital and anal areas clean before and after sex. Urinate before and after intercourse to empty the bladder and cleanse the urethra of bacteria.
- Avoid tight-fitting pants.
- Wear cotton-crotch underwear and panty hose, changing both at least once a day. (Mild detergents are best for washing underwear.)
- Take showers rather than baths.
- Avoid bath oils, feminine hygiene sprays, douches, and powders. In fact, as a general rule, any product containing perfumes or other possible allergens should not be used near the genital area. Note: Douching in any case is never recommended. It may destroy the natural antiviral agents normally present in the vagina, making women more susceptible to human papillomavirus (HVP), a risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Choose sanitary napkins instead of tampons (which some doctors believe encourage infection). Napkins and tampons, in any case, should be changed after each urination.
- Urinate frequently.
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| Appropriate hygiene and cleanliness of the genital area may help reduce the chances of introducing bacteria through the urethra. Females are especially vulnerable to this, because the urethra is in close proximity to the rectum. The genitals should be cleaned and wiped from front to back to reduce the chance of dragging E. coli bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra. |
Sexual Precautions
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