Prevention of UTIs is ideal
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most common ailments, affecting adults and children alike. Every year, 8-10 million visits to doctors are made because of UTIs. At Houston Metro Urology, we can help you reduce your risk of a UTI.
Here are some ways to reduce your risk of a urinary tract infection to avoid the painful experience.
- Drink water! Being well hydrated helps your bladder work efficiently. Respond to your body’s thirst with a drink.
- Urinate Fully. Do not rush urination. Empty your bladder completely when you use the toilet.
- Urinate on Demand. Do not hold in your urine. Use the toilet when you feel the urge to.
- Use Condoms. During intercourse, condoms can reduce the risk of a UTI. Just beware of spermicide-lubricated condoms. According to WebMD.com, these can actually increase your risk of developing a UTI.
- Urinate After Sex. After intercourse, urinating can flush out any bacteria that might have found its way to your urethra.
- Wipe From Front to Back. When using the toilet, avoid any bacteria transfer from the rectum by wiping the correct way 100% of the time.
- Wear Cotton Underwear. Breathable cotton is a good fabric to avoid trapping moisture and breeding bacteria near your urethra.
Let our Houston area urologists diagnose your UTI and reduce your risk of a UTI
You might not know for sure if you have a UTI unless you consult a doctor. At Houston Metro Urology, we will determine if you have a urinary tract infection by examining samples of your urine under a microscope. Based on the results, we can help you reduce your risk of a UTI.
If an infection is present, we may also perform a urine culture, a process in which bacteria from infected urine are grown in a laboratory. The germs can then be identified and tested to see which drugs will provide the most effective treatment. This testing often takes a day or two to complete.
If you suffer from recurring urinary tract infections or other problems urinating, we can help diagnose and treat you. Give us a call today to learn how to reduce your risk of a UTI.
