Tips on preventing urinary tract infections - Diabetic Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

Tips on preventing urinary tract infections

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Reviewed/Updated: 02/08
Created: 03/01

* Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. Drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if you're taking warfarin (brand name: Coumadin), check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
* Don't hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to.
* Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
* Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
* Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly) before sex if you're a little dry.
* If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.

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