Preventing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Hygiene

o Shower rather than bathe in tub because bacteria in the bath water may enter urethra

o After each bowel movement, clean the perineum and urethral meatus from front to back.

Fluid intake

o Drink liberal amounts of fluids daily to flush out bacteria

o Avoid coffee, tea, colas alcohol and other fluids that are urinary tract irritants

Voiding Habits

o Void every 2 to 3 hours during the day and completely empty the bladder. This prevents overdistension of bladder and compromised blood supply to the bladder wall. Both of these predispose to infection

o Women must void immediately after sexual intercourse

o Take the prescribed single dose of an oral antimicrobial agent after sexual intercourse.

Therapy

o Take medication exactly as prescribed

o If bacteriuria persists - long term treatment. The medication taken after emptying the bladder

o Recurring infection - acidification by ascorbic acid 1000mg daily

o If needed test by dip-slides

o Consult the health care procider regularly for follow up