How to Prevent Recurrent Bladder Infections (UTIs)

The discomfort that comes with a urinary tract infection (UTI) is difficult to ignore. And when UTIs occur regularly, they’re downright frustrating and very inconvenient. What can you do to prevent recurrent UTIs like a bladder infection? 

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland in Midland, Michigan, our team understands your pain. We provide urgent care for patients with UTIs, including those with frequent infections. Here, we provide some tips on how to prevent recurrent bladder infections. 

Drink lots of water

Bladder infections usually occur when bacteria travels from the opening of your urethra up to your bladder and multiply. Drinking a lot of water increases urination, helping to flush out the bacteria.

Fluid needs vary, but when it comes to preventing bladder infections, we recommend drinking 8-12 cups a day. All fluids count, but water makes the best choice for hydration, urination, and bladder health.

Don’t wait to go

This ties in with drinking plenty of water. You don’t want to give the bacteria a chance to take hold and flourish in your bladder, so don’t hold in your urine. 

Regular trips to the bathroom prevent urine from sitting in the bladder for too long, creating the warm, moist environment that allows bacteria to thrive. It’s normal to urinate 4-8 times a day. 

Urinate after sex

Sexual intercourse is a risk factor for UTIs because it may inadvertently push bacteria into the urethra. Because women have a shorter urethra than men, they’re at greater risk of developing bladder infections. 

Urinating immediately after having sex may help flush out the bacteria before it has a chance to get too far to cause an infection. 

Try different birth control

You may also want to consider trying different birth control to prevent bladder infections. Women who use diaphragms with spermicide are at greater risk of having UTIs than women who use other forms of contraception.

Spermicide disrupts that natural flora in the vagina, increasing bacterial levels that may lead to an infection. 

Take antibiotics as prescribed

Antibiotics are the main treatment for UTIs. If you have recurrent bladder infections, we may recommend taking a low-dose antibiotic for a few months to help prevent future problems. We can also prescribe antibiotics at the first sign of your symptoms to limit the duration of your infection. 

If you have recurrent UTIs, we may use telehealth to diagnose and treat your condition so you don’t have to come into the office every time you notice signs of infection.

Bladder infections don’t clear up on their own and may lead to more serious complications when left untreated. We can provide the immediate and timely care necessary to clear up your infection. Call, visit, or book your appointment online at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland right now.