We know Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) can be extremely troublesome and affect our day to day lives. In some cases, they require treatment with antibiotics. However, there are some pieces of advice we can offer that can help prevent UTI’s:

Drinking enough water – this is probably the most important. Drinking a few extra glasses of water through the day is beneficial because it helps to flush an infection out through the urine. The reason for the UTI is bacteria getting trapped in the urethra (the tube our urine passes through). Therefore, staying well hydrated means bacteria are less likely to become trapped in this area. Yes, it might mean needing to pee more – but it does help!

Hygiene – keeping the genital area clean will really help. As mentioned before, we want to reduce the chance of bacteria entering the urethra. This also means keeping the genital area dry, because the bacteria tend to thrive in moist conditions.

Try not to hold your pee in – of course, this is not always convenient. However, holding in our pee too often and for too long does increase the risk of those bacteria settling in.

Reduce sugary food and drink – as we know, food and drinks high in sugar are not really good for us. The UTI risk is yet another reason to add to the list of why we should reduce our consumption. The sugar concentrates our urine (gives a darker appearance) and creates an environment which bacteria are more likely to grow in.

Drink less alcohol – similar to the previous point, consuming too much alcohol can irritate the bladder. It can also cause dehydration, once again creating a good environment for bacteria.

Front to back wiping – this will reduce the risk of bacteria being introduced to the genital area.

Hygiene after sex – sexual intercourse is a common cause of UTI’s. Doing two things after sex will really help: pee straight away and clean the genital area.

Cranberry? – cranberries and cranberry containing products such as juice and tablets are thought to be effective as a prevention against UTI’s. They contain a certain type of sugar that may help stop the bacteria E.coli from binding to lining of the bladder. However, if you are on a medication called warfarin which is for blood thinning you should avoid cranberry. We don’t generally recommend cranberries as a “first line” prevention, but there is no harm giving it a go (unless of course on warfarin!).

Unscented soaps/products – Some scented soaps or shower gels may increase the risk of UTI’s. For those who are particularly susceptible to getting UTI’s, this may be one to look out for. Trying products which are not scented could really help.

At Ruxley Pharmacy, we do offer a test and treat service for females suspecting a UTI. The main exceptions are as follows:

• Over the age of 65 or under the age of 16

• First time experiencing UTI symptoms

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• More than two episodes of UTI within the last 6 months or three episodes in the last year

• Male patients

Our pharmacy team are on hand to discuss any UTI queries and offer advice where we can. In situations where we cannot provide a solution within the pharmacy, we can also help refer or signpost you to the relevant service.