Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Frequent bladder infections are disruptive and painful. You need to find a way to prevent your bladder infections from recurring, in addition to completing your bladder infection treatments. There are many ways to manage your bladder infection symptoms and prevent cystitis, uti or bladder infection from recurring.
When I was younger I used to get urinary tract infections pretty often. It was not fun! It was eventually traced to my birth control method, and they went away when I switched to another form of contraception. I loved my diaphragm, but my bladder did not!
Years later my daughter developed the same problem, but with a different cause. It took several years before we finally figured out that her baths were the culprit behind the infections she was getting every six or eight weeks. Since she started showering we have had no more problems in that area. Such a relief!
Here are some of ways our doctors told us to avoid our frequent bladder infections.
Complete Your Bladder Infection Treatment
Finish your medicine
Completing all of your antibiotics is important to your bladder infection treatment. People often stop their antibiotics when their symptoms go away and they feel better. This make your bladder infections worse. Some of the infection-causing bacteria can survive in your bladder if you stop treatment early. These bacteria will multiply and your bladder infection will return. So take those antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor!
Frequent Bladder Infections Poll
Tell us about your experience with bladder infections.
How often do you get bladder infections?
Test Yourself at Home for Bladder Infeciton - Home Urine Test
Do you have days when you suspect a bladder infection, but you aren't really sure? Having a box of these test strips will take away the guess work, and save you money by letting you know whe you don't need to visit the doctor.
These strips test for white blood cells in your urine, so you will know for sure when you need to take action!
Treat Yourself to Cotton - Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Always wear only cotton underwear. Nylon panties trap body heat and moisture. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria, which is exactly what you do not want in that area!
Doctors Notes
Ask your doctor about taking antibiotics after having sex if you are prone to frequent bladder infections.
Hang Loose in the Trouser Area - Wear loose clothing to avoid frequent bladder infections
Stay away from tight pants or jeans, pantyhose and girdles. These garments trap your body heat and moisture, creating a hospitable environment for bacteria, which will worsen your problem. Loose-fitting pants or skirts worn without pantyhose or a girdle are a much more comfortable alternative for anyone trying to avoid frequent bladder infections.
Avoid Baths If You Have Frequent Bladder Infections
Stay out of the water!
Soaking in any kind of soapy water can irritate your bladder opening and make everything worse. Never take bubble baths at all if you are prone to frequent bladder infections. Skip the bath salts, bath oils, anything with added fragrance. Always take showers rather than baths. If showering is not an option, avoid sitting in soapy bath water any longer than you have to. If you just need a soak, use plain water and do not use soap.
Safer Sex Tip
Empty your bladder before and after having sex, to flush out bacteria that can cause infections.
Fresh Air for Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections - Cotton sleepwear will help your bladder problems
Allow your genital area to air out by sleeping without panties. If you cannot sleep nude wear a light cotton nightgown or loose cotton pajama pants or shorts. Exposing the genitals to fresh air will reduce irritation and aid in healing.
Try some new cotton sleepwear and put your frequent bladder infections to rest.
Eat More Meat
Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Eating foods high in protein, such as meat, peanut butter and legumes, also makes your urine more acidic. This makes it less hospitable to the bacteria that causes bladder infections.
This is what I was told by a medical professional. However, more recently I have heard that it won't make a difference.
I admit I am only going by what I was told, and am not up on the latest medical research. My thinking is that as long as you don't go overboard with a lot of fried and fatty meats, it probably won't hurt you. If in doubt, please ask your doctor!
Probiotics - Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Eating probiotic dairy products, such as yogurt or kefir, help your body maintain a healthy bladder pH level. You can purchase probiotic yogurt or kefir in the dairy or health food section of your supermarket, or buy it online. Probiotic supplements are also available and can be helpful in maintaining and healthy bladder.
Healthy Bladder Tip
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water or other liquid everyday will dilute the urine and flush out your bladder.
Drink Plenty of Water
Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Drinking a lot of water will dilute your urine. This cases less irritation to the urinary tract and bladder, and flushes out harmful bacteria.
Drink at least two quarts of water each day to avoid frequent bladder infections. I know sometimes it is our instinct to drink less, since urinating is painful. You may have to force yourself at first.
If you are caring for a child with a UTI, then be sure to monitor their fluid intake. Children are very likely to go thirsty to avoid painful urination. Make sure your little one is getting enough water to go to the toilet every two hours.
Cranberry Juice Fights Bladder Infections - Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Natural cranberry juice makes your urine more acidic. Changing the acidity level of the bladder makes it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. Drink only natural cranberry juice and avoid cranberry juice cocktail which is high in sugar and can actually aggravate your bladder problems. Cranberry tablets and capsules are also helpful to acidify the bladder.
More Bladder Tips
Urinating every two hours will help keep pressure off your sensitive bladder lining.
Stay Away from Caffeine and Alcohol - Avoiding Frequent Bladder Infections
Caffeine and alcohol irritate your sensitive bladder. Anytime the bladder is irritated, it makes it easier for bacteria to gain the upper hand. If you miss your coffee, try drinking cranberry tea instead.
Sack the Sugar to Avoid Frequent Bladder Infections
Sugar makes bladder infections worse
Bacteria loves sugar. So cut back on your sugar intake, including candy, cakes, pies, cookies, sugary beverages and soft drinks. The bacteria feed off the sugar and multiply, making your bladder infection worse.
Watch out for hidden sugar, including high fructose corn syrup, hidden in processed foods!
Bladder Infection -- Causes and Treatment
I hope this information has been helpful to you in avoiding frequent bladder infections. Please share your experience with bladder infections, leave feedback or just let me know you have stopped by.
