While UTI's aren't usually all that dangerous if they're cured correctly and swiftly, they are still very irritating and can ruin your day-to-day life. There are some easy actions you can take each day to prevent recurring urinary tract infections from happening to you. Firstly it is crucial that you comprehend the causes behind your infection and the symptoms that come with it. Then we can talk about what you need to do that can help prevent bacteria growth in your urinary tract.

What causes a UTI?

Sometimes you will hear people call a urinary tract infection a bladder infection. The urinary tract is constructed of three main parts, starting at your kidneys, and running to your bladder, and then to your urethra where urine exits your body. With that being the case the terms are often used interchangeably.

Bacteria multiplying inside your urethra are the reason for all UTI's, including bladder infections. The E coli is usually present near your vagina and vulva and then gets pushed into your urethra by wiping from back to front after using the bathroom, friction during intercourse and wearing too tight clothing. Infections of the urethra can also be caused by heavy antibiotics use and a suppressed immune system.

While the resistance of intercourse can cause the E coli to enter your urethra, urinary tract infections are not sexually transmitted diseases, and are not transmitted from one person to another.

Prevention for UTI's

The best way to prevent a UTI is to wipe yourself the proper way after going to the bathroom. Since E coli causes approximately eighty percent of bladder infections, it is important to remember to wipe from front to back every time you go to the bathroom so you prevent the transfer of E coli from your area around your rectum to your vaginal area. It is also important to keep your vaginal area as clean and dry (moisture encourages bacteria growth) as possible.

Drinking the recommended amount of water, six to eight glasses a day, will also provide help in keeping your urination regular so you empty your bladder regularly. This perpetual movement of urine will prevent E coli from having the chance to grow inside your urethra. Cranberries are another treatment for urinary tract infections. The cranberries make your urine very acidic which creates a very unhealthy environment for the multiplying of E coli.

The most beneficial way to consume cranberries is by taking concentrated cranberry pills or by drinking 100% cranberry juice. Avoid the cranberry juice cocktails you can buy since it does not have enough natural cranberry in them to be effective.

It might sound unbelievable, but the underwear you wear may also encourage E coli growth in your vaginal area thus increasing the chance of infections. As well as your underwear, you must also avoid wearing jeans or pants that are too tight to prevent the growth and probable insertion of E coli into your urinary tract.