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Q: 

What can I do to prevent UTIs?

By Anonymous February 9, 2015 - 12:55pm
 
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Urinary Tract Infection related image

Hi I have been getting UTIs recently after sex. What can I do to prevent these and get rid of them? It is uncomfortable to pee, is there anything I can do to ease symptoms?

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HERWriter Guide

Hi Anon, 

Thank you for posting your question to the EmpowHER community. I'd like to provide some information to answer your questions. 

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can occur to anyone. Women tend to have a higher risk as compared to men because the urethra -the tube through which urine exits the body from the bladder- is shorter in women. This allows bacteria to infiltrate the bladder with more ease. 

During sexual intercourse, the urethra comes into contact with bacteria that can reach the bladder and lead to infection. 

Here are various methods you can take to prevent them: 

1. Urinate before and after sex

2. Clean your genital and anal areas before and after sex

3. Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide as birth control (A diaphragm can prevent the bladder from completely emptying itself, leading to urine and bacteria build-up. Spermicide can also increase the risk of a UTI after sex)

4. Additionally, you can take an antibiotic after sex, or a daily antibiotic if recommended by your doctor 

In the meantime, make sure to drink lots of water in order to rid your urinary tract of bacteria. You can also drink unsweetened cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements-- this can help flush away bacteria. Additionally, applying a heating pad may help ease the pain. 

Read the following to find out what foods to avoid while experiencing a UTI:

https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/what-foods-should-i-avoid-urinary...

If the pain persists, contact your doctor. 

I hope I have been of help to you. 

Best, 

Dani 

February 9, 2015 - 3:36pm
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