If you've ever had a urinary tract infection ( UTI ), you know the anxiety that often accompanies them. From the initial pang of discomfort to symptoms like burning , frequent urination , and even fever, it only takes one experience to wonder how to avoid these painful infections altogether. Thankfully, there are several strategies that can help you prevent a UTI before it even happens — and they mostly come down to a few best practices.
"UTIs can be some of the worst pain, so keeping healthy habits to reduce risk is helpful," says Carly Ross, MD. We spoke with Dr. Ross and other experts to give you a better sense of what these habits actually are, and what you should know in order to stay pain-free and steer clear of infection.
Read on to learn how to prevent a UTI, including common causes, advice for specific situations, and OBGYN-approved tips to stop an existing infection from getting worse. Carly Ross , MD, is an OBGYN, a family planning specialist at Cooper University Hospital, and the medical advisor at Winx Health . Lopa Pandya , MD, MS, FACOG, is a reconstructive pelvic surgeon, urogynecologist, and medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology .
Renita F. White , MD, is a board-certified OBGYN, women's health advocate, and medical advisor for The Honey Pot Company . What Causes a UTI? UTIs occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract and multiplies.
"This can happen when E. coli (originating from the intestinal tract) makes its way to the urinary tract after intercourse, or.