Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGeneral TipsIn FemalesIn MalesIn ChildrenNext in UTI GuideWhat Is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
General Tips
In Females
In Males
In Children
Next in UTI Guide
Aurinary tract infection (UTI)happens when harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract. UTIs can have various causes, from wearing synthetic underwear to sexual activity. Between 50% and 60% of females and 20% of males are likely to get a UTI at some point during their lives.Thus, prevention is key to avoiding the persistent and sometimes severe complications of infection.
While safer sex and good genital hygiene are central to preventing a UTI, other practices may help if you are prone to recurrent infection, including avoiding scented soaps and other products, staying well-hydrated, and not holding your urine.
This article discusses some of the ways urinary tract infections can be prevented in females, males, and children.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Gender DefinitionsFor the purpose of this article, “male” refers to people with penises and “female” refers to people with vaginas despite the gender or genders they identify with. The gender terms used in this article reflect the terms used in the cited references.
Gender Definitions
For the purpose of this article, “male” refers to people with penises and “female” refers to people with vaginas despite the gender or genders they identify with. The gender terms used in this article reflect the terms used in the cited references.
The primary aim is to avoid the introduction of harmful bacteria into the urinary tract, either as a result of bathroom habits or sexual activity. The secondary aim is to maintain your urinary tract health and make it less vulnerable to infection.
Females are up to three times more likely to get a urinary tract infection than males.
Everyone can benefit from the same prevention tips:
Understanding Chronic Urinary Tract Infections and Sex
The risk of UTI in females is greater due in part to the shorter urethra and the natural bacteria in thevagina. These factors make it easier for bacteria to travel from outside the body into the bladder.
The “good"Lactobacillusbacteria found in thevaginal florahelp maintain theideal acidity(pH 3.8 to 4.5) to keep harmful bacteria at bay.Disrupting this balance can promote infection and make a UTI more likely.
Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent a UTI.
Avoid Douching
Douchingstrips away the vaginal flora and creates the ideal environment for a bacterial infection.
Choose Showers Over Baths
Shower once a day instead of bathing in a tub.Bathing can alter vaginal pH and introduce soap residue and other chemicals into the vagina. If using a washcloth, clean the genital area first and the anus after. If using a hand shower, point it in a downward direction over the vagina rather than into the vagina directly.
Avoid Harsh or Scented Soaps
Fragrances used in some soaps and other bath and hygiene products can cause anallergic reactionin thevulva.Scented products of any sort can also irritate vaginal tissues, including feminine hygiene sprays, bubble baths, perfumed bath oils, scented powders, scented tampons, and scented pads.
Even if the reaction is mild, it can lead to bacterial growth if the resulting rash is moist or rubbed. That bacteria can travel into the urinary tract, causing a UTI.
Instead of using a harsh or scented product, choose milder soaps like Dove Sensitive or Cetaphil.
Wipe From Front to Back
After urinating, tilt your body forward and, reach between your buttocks to start wiping from the front of the vagina to the back. When you are finished, take a separate piece of paper to clean the anus, starting at the perineum (the space between the vagina and anus) and wiping back between your buttocks. Doing so prevents the introduction of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
Use Condoms
Even if you are in a monogamous relationship,condomscan prevent the transmission of bacteria during vaginal intercourse.Avoid unlubricated condoms, which can stress vaginal tissues, andspermicidal lubricants(like nonoxynol-9), which can trigger vaginal inflammation.
Flavored condoms and lubricants are also not advised as they are infused with sugars that promote bacterial growth and flavorants that cause irritation.
Avoid Using a Diaphragm
This is important if you are prone to urinary tract infections. Adiaphragmcan promote the growth of coliform bacteria likeE. coli.Consider switching to alternate forms of contraception, such as the pill or condoms.
Wear Breathable Cotton Underwear
Synthetic fabrics trap moisture and create the perfect breeding ground for infection. If you are prone to UTIs, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear that allows air to circulate the vagina.At night, you can wear loose-fitting boxers or shorts.
Try Probiotics
Probioticsfound in foods like yogurt and over-the-counter nutritional supplements help maintain healthy digestive flora and can promote the same in the vagina.
Foods to Avoid With a UTI
Take Cranberry Supplements
Proanthocyanidins(PACs) are compounds naturally found incranberries. Growing research has shown that PACs can help prevent urinary tract infections. Taking a high-quality supplement with at least 36mg of PACs may help prevent infections better than drinkingcranberry juicedaily.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Medications
If you have a high risk for recurring UTIs, your healthcare provider may also recommend you take vaginal estrogen and/or preventive antibiotics, which may be prescribed to take daily or following sexual activity.
What Are the Benefits of Uva Ursi?
UTIs in males are primarily associated with age and are associated with physical changes that prevent the bladder from fully emptying (such asenlarged prostate) or that causebowel control problems.
Use Condoms When Engaging in Anal Sex
Avoid oil-based lubricants, which can cause condom breakage, and instead, opt for a water-based lubricant that neither contains spermicides nor a numbing agent like lidocaine.
Wash Under Your Foreskin if You Are Uncircumcised
The tissue beneath the foreskin can be a breeding ground for bacteria unless cleaned daily.Failure to do so can lead to urethral inflammation and an increased risk of infection.
Keep Your Genitals Dry
Wear cotton underwear and change them daily (or more frequently if they get sweaty or you experience bowel or bladder leakage).
Take Prostate Medications as Prescribed
If yourprostate drugsaren’t working as well as they should, speak with your healthcare provider. Prostate issues that cause urinary retention are among the most common causes of urinary infections in older males.
In Children
Urinary tract infections are common in children, especially females.
Never “Hold It”
Children should urinate four to seven times during the day.Young children will often squat and grab their genitals when they need to go. This may force the bacteria deeper into the urinary tract and cause infection.
Practice Good Toileting Habits
This includes teaching kids to take their time when going to the bathroom and to completely empty their bladders without straining.
Change Clothes
Clean underwear should be worn every day (or after an accident or excessive sweating). Don’t let your child wear damp clothing, such as after swimming.
Keep Well Hydrated
Children ages 4 to 8 should drink 5 glasses of water per day. Children ages 9 to 13 should increase to 7 to 8 glasses per day. From the age of 14 onward, intake should be no less than 8 to 11 glasses daily.
What Is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?
Summary
If you are prone to getting UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about supplements or medications that may help reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medina M, Castillo-Pino E.An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections.Ther Adv Urol. 2019;11:1756287219832172. doi:10.1177/1756287219832172Farrell K, Tandan M, Hernandez Santiago V, et al.Treatment of uncomplicated UTI in males: A systematic review of the literature.BJGP Open. 2021;5(2):bjgpopen20X101140. doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101140Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in women.Navarro S, Abla H, Delgado B, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN.Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis.BMC Microbiol. 2023;23(1):186. doi:10.1186/s12866-023-02916-8Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE.Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017;13(3):58-67. doi:10.1177/1745505717731011Dysuria: What you should know about burning or stinging with urination.Am Fam Physician. 2015; 92(9).Kaur R, Kaur R.Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.Postgrad Med J. 2021;97(1154):803-812. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139090Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in men.Gibson K.Clinical urinary tract infection in the pediatric patient. Journal of Urgent Care Medicine; 2022.Akgül T, Karakan T.The role of probiotics in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.Turk J Urol. 2018;44(5):377-383. doi:10.5152/tud.2018.48742American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline (2022).Smith AL, Brown J, Wyman JF, Berry A, Newman DK, Stapleton AE.Treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in women: A rapid review with practice recommendations.J Urol. 2018;200(6):1174-1191. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.04.088Lee A, Gaither TW, Langston ME, Cohen SE, Breyer BN.Lubrication oractices and receptive anal sex: Implications for STI transmission and prevention.Sex Med. 2021;9(3):100341. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100341Petcu CT, Stehr E, Isaac JP, Desai D.Management of paediatric recurrent urinary tract infections and challenges in special patient populations.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(7):458-464. doi:10.31128/AJGP-03-21-5922Michigan Medicine.How to prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of bladder control problems & bedwetting in children.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Urinary tract infections (UTI) in children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevent urinary tract infections in children.Children’s Health.Hydration tips for children.Additional ReadingBadran Y, El-Kashef T, Abdelaziz, A.Impact of genital hygiene and sexual activity on urinary tract infection during pregnancy.Urol Ann.2015;7(4):478-81. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.157971Solomon C.Urinary tract infections in older men.N Engl J Med. 2016;374:562-571. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1503950
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medina M, Castillo-Pino E.An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections.Ther Adv Urol. 2019;11:1756287219832172. doi:10.1177/1756287219832172Farrell K, Tandan M, Hernandez Santiago V, et al.Treatment of uncomplicated UTI in males: A systematic review of the literature.BJGP Open. 2021;5(2):bjgpopen20X101140. doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101140Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in women.Navarro S, Abla H, Delgado B, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN.Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis.BMC Microbiol. 2023;23(1):186. doi:10.1186/s12866-023-02916-8Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE.Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017;13(3):58-67. doi:10.1177/1745505717731011Dysuria: What you should know about burning or stinging with urination.Am Fam Physician. 2015; 92(9).Kaur R, Kaur R.Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.Postgrad Med J. 2021;97(1154):803-812. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139090Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in men.Gibson K.Clinical urinary tract infection in the pediatric patient. Journal of Urgent Care Medicine; 2022.Akgül T, Karakan T.The role of probiotics in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.Turk J Urol. 2018;44(5):377-383. doi:10.5152/tud.2018.48742American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline (2022).Smith AL, Brown J, Wyman JF, Berry A, Newman DK, Stapleton AE.Treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in women: A rapid review with practice recommendations.J Urol. 2018;200(6):1174-1191. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.04.088Lee A, Gaither TW, Langston ME, Cohen SE, Breyer BN.Lubrication oractices and receptive anal sex: Implications for STI transmission and prevention.Sex Med. 2021;9(3):100341. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100341Petcu CT, Stehr E, Isaac JP, Desai D.Management of paediatric recurrent urinary tract infections and challenges in special patient populations.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(7):458-464. doi:10.31128/AJGP-03-21-5922Michigan Medicine.How to prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of bladder control problems & bedwetting in children.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Urinary tract infections (UTI) in children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevent urinary tract infections in children.Children’s Health.Hydration tips for children.Additional ReadingBadran Y, El-Kashef T, Abdelaziz, A.Impact of genital hygiene and sexual activity on urinary tract infection during pregnancy.Urol Ann.2015;7(4):478-81. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.157971Solomon C.Urinary tract infections in older men.N Engl J Med. 2016;374:562-571. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1503950
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Medina M, Castillo-Pino E.An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections.Ther Adv Urol. 2019;11:1756287219832172. doi:10.1177/1756287219832172Farrell K, Tandan M, Hernandez Santiago V, et al.Treatment of uncomplicated UTI in males: A systematic review of the literature.BJGP Open. 2021;5(2):bjgpopen20X101140. doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101140Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in women.Navarro S, Abla H, Delgado B, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN.Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis.BMC Microbiol. 2023;23(1):186. doi:10.1186/s12866-023-02916-8Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE.Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017;13(3):58-67. doi:10.1177/1745505717731011Dysuria: What you should know about burning or stinging with urination.Am Fam Physician. 2015; 92(9).Kaur R, Kaur R.Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.Postgrad Med J. 2021;97(1154):803-812. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139090Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in men.Gibson K.Clinical urinary tract infection in the pediatric patient. Journal of Urgent Care Medicine; 2022.Akgül T, Karakan T.The role of probiotics in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.Turk J Urol. 2018;44(5):377-383. doi:10.5152/tud.2018.48742American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline (2022).Smith AL, Brown J, Wyman JF, Berry A, Newman DK, Stapleton AE.Treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in women: A rapid review with practice recommendations.J Urol. 2018;200(6):1174-1191. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.04.088Lee A, Gaither TW, Langston ME, Cohen SE, Breyer BN.Lubrication oractices and receptive anal sex: Implications for STI transmission and prevention.Sex Med. 2021;9(3):100341. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100341Petcu CT, Stehr E, Isaac JP, Desai D.Management of paediatric recurrent urinary tract infections and challenges in special patient populations.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(7):458-464. doi:10.31128/AJGP-03-21-5922Michigan Medicine.How to prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of bladder control problems & bedwetting in children.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Urinary tract infections (UTI) in children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevent urinary tract infections in children.Children’s Health.Hydration tips for children.
Medina M, Castillo-Pino E.An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections.Ther Adv Urol. 2019;11:1756287219832172. doi:10.1177/1756287219832172
Farrell K, Tandan M, Hernandez Santiago V, et al.Treatment of uncomplicated UTI in males: A systematic review of the literature.BJGP Open. 2021;5(2):bjgpopen20X101140. doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101140
Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in women.
Navarro S, Abla H, Delgado B, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN.Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis.BMC Microbiol. 2023;23(1):186. doi:10.1186/s12866-023-02916-8
Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE.Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017;13(3):58-67. doi:10.1177/1745505717731011
Dysuria: What you should know about burning or stinging with urination.Am Fam Physician. 2015; 92(9).
Kaur R, Kaur R.Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.Postgrad Med J. 2021;97(1154):803-812. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139090
Harvard Health Publishing.Urinary tract infection in men.
Gibson K.Clinical urinary tract infection in the pediatric patient. Journal of Urgent Care Medicine; 2022.
Akgül T, Karakan T.The role of probiotics in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.Turk J Urol. 2018;44(5):377-383. doi:10.5152/tud.2018.48742
American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline (2022).
Smith AL, Brown J, Wyman JF, Berry A, Newman DK, Stapleton AE.Treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in women: A rapid review with practice recommendations.J Urol. 2018;200(6):1174-1191. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.04.088
Lee A, Gaither TW, Langston ME, Cohen SE, Breyer BN.Lubrication oractices and receptive anal sex: Implications for STI transmission and prevention.Sex Med. 2021;9(3):100341. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100341
Petcu CT, Stehr E, Isaac JP, Desai D.Management of paediatric recurrent urinary tract infections and challenges in special patient populations.Aust J Gen Pract. 2021;50(7):458-464. doi:10.31128/AJGP-03-21-5922
Michigan Medicine.How to prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of bladder control problems & bedwetting in children.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Urinary tract infections (UTI) in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevent urinary tract infections in children.
Children’s Health.Hydration tips for children.
Badran Y, El-Kashef T, Abdelaziz, A.Impact of genital hygiene and sexual activity on urinary tract infection during pregnancy.Urol Ann.2015;7(4):478-81. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.157971Solomon C.Urinary tract infections in older men.N Engl J Med. 2016;374:562-571. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1503950
Badran Y, El-Kashef T, Abdelaziz, A.Impact of genital hygiene and sexual activity on urinary tract infection during pregnancy.Urol Ann.2015;7(4):478-81. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.157971
Solomon C.Urinary tract infections in older men.N Engl J Med. 2016;374:562-571. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1503950
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