Our body is constantly challenged by all kinds of bacteria, both commensal (as a part of our normal flora) and pathogenic (infectious). At the same time, antimicrobial molecules, constantly secreted by our innate immune system, protect the body from bacterial overgrowth and keep in balance our microbiota – all micro-organisms and viruses coexisting in the gastrointestinal tract.

It is a very complex and sophisticated defense mechanism, as our normal flora contains approximately one hundred trillion bacteria covering the entire body and living in our gut.

An Ounce of Prevention

Bladder infections occur when uropathogenic bacteria get through the urethra into the bladder. It’s said that some men are more prone to infections than others, because they – for some reason – don’t expel bacteria well enough from the urinary tract.

Although some doctors say that there’s no good way to prevent infections – they just occur, it is worth to know and remember that incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk of UTIs.

As an old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, a little precaution is preferable to a lot of “fixing up” afterwards.

Here’s the age-proven advice for preventing UTIs that is well worth memorizing and practicing, and consequently being added to the list of your good habits.

Practice good personal hygiene

Keep the genital area clean. Less than careful hygiene, especially after developing loose stools or diarrhea, is one of the most frequent causes of recurrent bladder infections. Although some doctors argue that hygiene is hardly the issue with UTIs. Some men have bacteria in their urine, but it does not necessarily means that they have an infection.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking enough water, preferably purified and room-temperature, keeps the bladder empty and free of bacteria. However, there are three general rules of thumb to follow; therefore, you should:

You may be able to decrease the chance that you will develop an infection by drinking more water daily. So, do drink a lot of water, even if you’re not thirsty.

Urinate when you feel the need

Do not resist the urge to urinate, especially if you have a history of frequent UTIs. Holding in pee for too long can cause bacteria to multiply. If you do not drink enough liquids the bladder is not telling the body to pee often enough. This can cause bacteria to spread through the urinary tract, leading to infection. So, go to the bathroom to urinate regularly, even if you don’t feel as though you need to.

Wear only cotton underwear

Wear cotton, breathable underwear. By providing the best ventilation, it is your best friend when it comes to preventing UTIs. Synthetic fabrics hold in moisture from sweat way more than cotton does, and any tight, damp environment is a breeding ground for bacteria. At night, you can either sleep without underwear or wear loose-fitting boxers or shorts.

Avoid tight or wet clothing

Wear loose pants. Clothes that are too tight can increase the spread of bacteria. Changing your clothes (and underwear) often can stop bacteria from traveling into your urinary tract, sparing you from a UTI.

Avoid chemicals

Bubble baths, perfumed bath oils, and strong soaps may irritate the urethra.

Take showers (avoid prolonged baths)

While water comes from above from the shower head and drains into the drain, so there is a continuous flow of water. Avoid prolonged baths as sitting in a tub allows bacteria to reach the bladder opening area.

Practice safe sex

Use condoms to prevent infections transmitted through sexual contact. Even if you are lucky enough to have a quite long urethra, it’s still better to wear a condom and discard it, especially after anal sex. And do not use the same condom for vaginal penetration.

Avoid sex from behind (either vaginal or anal)

Sexual intercourse from behind, more socially acceptable than in the past and often unprotected, usually leads to unexplained urological, genito-urinary symptoms. Sexually active homosexual men are at increased risk of acute UTIs. Escherichia coli, for example, may contribute to non-gonococcal urethritis in these men. Heterosexuals who engage in intercourse from behind are also exposed to a similar risk.

Urinate after sexual intercourse

If not possible, drink 10-12 ounces of water immediately after intercourse. It will cause you to urinate later and help flush the harmful bacteria out of of urethra.

Cleanse the genital area before/after sexual intercourse

Wash your penis and hands with soap and water. If condoms are used during anal contact, be sure to change condoms. And, after anal sex do not use the same condom for vaginal penetration.

As there is a little seminal fluid still left in the urethra, some men have an urge to pass water after sex. Some leftover sperm creates a natural sensation of fullness.