Self-Care Tips for Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common female complaint, more common in women than men because of our different physiology. While the occasional UTI may just be a nuisance, untreated and chronic urinary tract infections can lead to more serious problems, such as bladder and kidney infections. A few simple lifestyle changes can help you reduce your chances of repeated urinary tract infections:

Keep your sweet tooth under control.
Bacteria feed on sugar, and a high blood sugar level will feed the organisms that live naturally in your body, encouraging them to increase in numbers and create an infection. Avoid refined sugar and sweets, and snack on fresh fruit instead when your sweet tooth flares up.

Eat a well-balanced diet.
Eating regular meals of healthy food boosts our immune system. A healthy immune systems makes it easier for our bodies to fight off foreign organisms,and keep the ones our bodies naturally carry under control.

Wear 100% cotton panties.
Cotton breathes, while polyester and nylon retain moisture and heat. Bacteria thrive in warm, wet living conditions! Keep your panty area as dry as possible to keep your odds of infection down.

Wear jeans that fit well, but not too tight.
Besides looking tacky and cheap, you run into that air circulation/heat/moisture problem again.

Wipe correctly.
After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back. Most adult women know this, but little girls often suffer repeated UTIs from improper wiping. Teach your daughter the correct way to wipe as soon as she begins toilet training to avoid spreading bacteria to the urinary tract.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and cranberry juice.
Keeping your urinary tract flushed will wash out much of the bacteria before they have a chance to reproduce. Drink the daily recommended amount of water. Cranberry juice is also believed to have antibacterial properties and is often recommended as a home remedy for urinary tract infections.

Avoid bubble baths and take showers instead.
Sitting in bath water to soak for long periods gives bacteria a chance to be introduced to the urinary tract. Soaps and scented bath products can irritate sensitive female tissues, inviting inflammation and infection.

Go to the bathroom after sex.
I'm not telling you to immediately jump out of your lover's arms and rush to the potty. He may take offense and think you can't wait to get away from him. Enjoy the afterglow, but take a pee shortly afterwards to wash out any bacteria that your urinary tract may have picked up during your passionate lovemaking.

Change your birth control methods.
Studies show that women who use diaphragms or whose partners use spermicidal foam and condoms are more likely to experience UTIs.

Resources:
personal experience
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/urinary_tract_infections/page9_em.htm
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/