Help UTI-proof Your Summer in 7 Steps

Summer’s on its way and we’re thinking about the beach, pool, hot weather, and fun! What we don’t want to think about is an annoying urinary tract infection (UTI) getting in the way.

Unfortunately, some things about summer can make UTIs more likely to strike. You can help to prevent them, though, with a few simple steps.

1. Dry off. After swimming, boating or getting sweaty, change out of damp bathing suits and clothing as soon as possible. Bacteria, like the ones that cause UTIs, love warm, moist environments. Be prepared to get dry by bringing an extra swimsuit, a towel and fresh clothing with you.
2. Summer styles should be cool and breezy. Avoid tight trends that trap moisture “down there” and opt for moisture-wicking, quick drying fabrics or natural cotton whenever possible.
3. Hydrate. When temperatures and humidity increase, your body needs more fluids. Most experts recommend 6-8 glasses of water per day*, depending on the weather and your activities. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep you peeing often and helps to make urine dilute – so potentially UTI-causing bacteria have a harder time hanging around.
4. Take time-out for bathroom breaks. It can be hard when you’re busy and enjoying yourself to step away and head to the loo, but it’s so important to do so. Aim to urinate every 2-3 hours or whenever you feel the urge. Peeing helps to flush out the bad guys while “holding it” can give bacteria the chance to stick around and grow. Remember to always wipe front to back to keep bacteria from your bottom away from your urethra. Use a clean piece of tissue for each (gentle) swipe.
5. Summer love? Do it right. Urinate before and after sexual activities to help flush out any bacteria that may have snuck into your urethra while you were busy. Change your birth control method if you suffer from recurring UTIs. Diaphragms as well as some condoms (unlubricated or spermicidal varieties) can increase UTI risks, says WebMD.
6. Stop and smell the flowers — not scented “feminine” products. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) remind us that douches, powders, sprays, bubbles, salts, and oils can irritate your urethra and increase infection risk.
7. Try Cystex Urinary Health Maintenance to help maintain your urinary health. One tablespoon is loaded with ingredients that can benefit your urinary system including a prebiotic to help promote healthy bacteria, an anti-inflammatory to help to prevent tissue damage, an anti-adherent to help keep bad bacteria from hanging around, and an anti-oxidant to generally help protect your body. And, Cystex Urinary Health Maintenance goes well in smoothies and iced tea.

Of course, even the best planning and prevention may not work all the time. Sometimes, UTIs happen despite the fact that you did all the “right” things. The good news is: UTIs are treatable. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms like a frequent urge to urinate, a burning feeling while urinating, cloudy or strong smelling urine, or pelvic pain. He or she will likely prescribe antibiotic to take care of the problem. Antibiotics are, afterall, the only “cure.”

While you wait for your appointment, your meds, or the healing to begin, there is, however, something else you can do: you can soothe the pain associated with a UTI and keep the infection in check with over-the-counter Cystex® Plus Urinary Pain Relief Tablets — you don’t need to be totally summer-sidelined by a UTI, afterall.

Wishing you healthy, safe fun these coming months!

*Talk with your healthcare provider if you can’t drink the recommended amount due to other health problems, such as urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, or kidney failure.