Painful urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common occurrence for women during the summer months. From dehydration to tight-fitting, damp bathing suits, these factors create an environment that helps allow bacteria to build up in one’s bladder, leading to UTIs.
Here are some doctor-recommended steps you can take for effective prevention of urinary tract infections this season:
Still susceptible To UTIs? Women who have recurrent UTIs might consider taking Cystex, available over the counter at drugstores, as a preventative measure since it contains methenamine, an antibacterial agent that attacks bacteria and helps prevent it from adhering to the cell wall lining of the bladder. Cystex can be taken before activities or situations that may trigger urinary tract infections, such as travel or sexual intercourse.
Additionally, you can maintain control with cranberries. Cranberries contain hippuronic acid, a natural antiseptic, which can help prevent the adherence of bacteria to the bladder lining. They can be effective in helping to prevent UTIs. However, it is important to note that cranberry juice/supplements are not very helpful once a UTI is present since they are unable to destroy bacteria. Cranberry juice/supplements taken once a UTI is present may actually make it feel worse, since they acidify the urine and make the infection more painful.
Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., is a board-certified urologist practicing in New York City. Dr. Kavaler is one of only 500 American female physicians specializing in urological disorders in women. She is also the author of A Seat in the Aisle, Please! (Copernicus Books, 2006), a consumer-friendly book that has helped many women better understand UTIs and learn when to seek help from their physicians.
