Many of us are familiar with the severe pain of a urinary tract infection (UTI). As the season changes into fall, the team here at Renew Physical Therapy would like to share a few tips for preventing UTI’s.
1. Make sure to drink plenty of water. It is very easy in the warmer months to become dehydrated. Alcohol and high temperatures are a particularly bad mix.
The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
2. Always wipe from front–to-back, NEVER back-to-front. Better yet, gently dab with toilet paper instead of wiping after urination. Try to use toilet paper that is free of bleach, perfumes and dyes.
3. Always wash your privates before and after intercourse. Encourage your partner to wash prior to intercourse too!
4. Never allow vaginal penetration after anal sex. This will transfer UTI-causing bacteria into your vagina and urethra.
5. Drink a glass of water and urinate after sexual activity to flush out any potential bacteria.
6. Change out of wet bathing suit bottoms as soon as possible. Change immediately into a second pair of dry bottoms or a pair of cotton shorts. Rinse bathing suit bottoms well and allow them to fully dry.
7. Do NOT drink cranberry juice if you are already experiencing the symptoms of a UTI. Cranberry juice will worsen your symptoms of urinary urgency and frequency. Drink water and seek medical care if you think you have a UTI.
8. The supplement D-Mannose may help prevent UTI’s by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tact. D-Mannose is a supplement, not a drug, and therefore is not regulated by the FDA. Please contact your physician before trying this supplement.
9. If you frequently experience the symptoms of a UTI (urinary urgency and frequency), however your bacterial cultures are negative for infection, you may be experiencing painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis and/or pelvic floor dysfunction. A physical therapist trained in pelvic floor dysfunction can work with you and your physician to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
10. In our clinical experience, symptoms of urinary urgency and frequency can be alleviated with intravaginal physical therapy, bladder mobilization and Maya Abdominal Massage. Please call is at Renew Physical Therapy at 212-213-4660 for more information about these specialized treatments.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. Check with your Doctor before attempting any of the recommendations on this website. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. Renew Physical Therapy IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. If you are in acute pain and would like to have a physical therapy program developed for you for your condition please give us a call at 212-213-4660.
