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

When bacterial microbes get through the urethra into the bladder an infection occurs. Nearly all urinary tract infections are caused by a few strains of E. coli bacteria, called uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC).

It's said that some women are more prone to get E. coli 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 the 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 women have bacteria in their urine, but it does not necessarily mean 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 drink:

Wipe from front to back

By doing so after you go to the bathroom, it helps prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra. It is very easy to contaminate your fingers when wiping yourself with toilet paper. And if those contaminated fingers come anywhere close to the opening of the urethra, there is a high likelihood of infection, especially you are predisposed to infections.

Pee (void) before and after you have sex

It is especially important, because the urethra is closer to the anus. So, if possible, urinate before and - within ten minutes - after sexual intercourse. If not, drink 10-12 ounces of water immediately after. It will cause you to urinate later and help flush the bacteria out.

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.

Take showers instead of tub 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.

Use unbleached toilet paper

Use only white unscented and, preferably, unbleached toilet paper that is thick and doesn't shed particles.. You may react to the dyes and chemicals in the other toilet papers. By using unbleached paper, you’ll reduce any possible chlorine exposure and the environmental contamination that comes from the bleaching process.

Avoid wet or tight clothing

Wear loose pants. Clothes that are too tight can increase the spread of bacteria.

Do not wear a wet bathing suit for a long time

While you likely won't get an infection from a wet bathing suit, you are more likely to be affected by prolonged wear of a damp swimsuit.

Avoid nylon (synthetic) underwear

Nylon and Spandex clothing promote moistness and irritation of the meatus (urethral opening). Wear cotton underwear instead, as it is less irritating and provides more ventilation than nylon.

Use pantyhose with cotton crotches

The synthetic material in pantyhose retains warmth and moisture, which allows bacteria to thrive. Also, if you don’t wash your hosiery regularly, you could be more prone to UTIs

Avoid fragrances and chemicals

Feminine hygiene sprays, bubble baths, strong soaps and douches may irritate the urethra. Skip then deodorant sprays, scented powders, and other feminine products with fragrances or chemicals. Also, keep your soap bars in a tray with perforations in the base. It prevents bacteria from accumulating on them.

Cleanse the genital area before and after sex

Slash the vulva, hands and/or dildo with soap and water prior to vaginal penetration. This will reduce the risk of introducing bowel bacteria into the vagina and urethra. If condoms are used during anal contact, make sure condoms are changed.

Change sexual positions

Choose the position that causes less friction on the urethra.

Lubricate adequately during sex

It will decrease urethral irritation.

Avoid sex with a UTI

You can have sex with a UTI, but it will most likely cause more pain and complications. Besides, penetration from sex tends to push bacteria further into your urethra, which can re-infect you or introduce a new source of bacteria.