Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

Drink plenty of water every day to help flush bacteria out of your system. Some health care providers suggest drinking cranberry juice or taking Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements, which keep the number of bacteria in your system down. Cleanse the area around the rectum and vagina each day. Urinate when you feel the need (or about every two to three hours, and before and after sex). Wipe the genital area from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina or urethra. It also helps to take showers instead of baths; avoid irritating douches and feminine hygiene sprays; and wear panties with a cotton crotch, which absorbs moisture. Some women say drinking a lot of water after sexual activity helps to prevent new infections.