UTI Prevention - Diabetic Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

UTI Prevention
Update Date: 10/2/2008
Updated by: Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Lifestyle changes may help prevent some UTIs
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Urinary Tract Infection

BATHING AND HYGIENE

* Choose sanitary pads instead of tampons, which some doctors believe make infections more likely. Change the pad each time you use the bathroom.
* Do not douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or powders. As a general rule, do not use any product containing perfumes in the genital area.
* Keep your genital area clean. Clean the genital and anal areas before and after sexual activity.
* Take showers instead of baths. Avoid bath oils.
* Urinate before and after sexual activity.
* Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

CLOTHING

* Avoid tight-fitting pants.
* Wear cotton-cloth underwear and pantyhose, and change both at least once a day.

DIET

* Drink plenty of fluids (2 to 4 quarts each day).
* Drink cranberry juice or use cranberry tablets, but NOT if you have a personal or family history of kidney stones.
* Do NOT drink fluids that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol and caffeine.

References

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for medical management of first urinary tract infection in children 12 years of age or less. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2006 Nov. 23 p.

Lin K, Fajardo K; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults: evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmation recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2008 Jul 1;149(1):W20-4.

Norrby SR. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap.306

Foster RT Sr. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008 Jun;35(2):235-48, viii.

Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD003237.

Nicolle LE. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection in adults including uncomplicated pyelonephritis. Urologic Clinics of North America. 2008 Feb:35(1).