By | April 30, 2025
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How To Avoid Cystitis

Cystitis is a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), usually caused by bacteria (like E. coli) entering the bladder. It’s more common in women but can affect anyone. While it’s not always preventable, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cystitis:

🚰 1. Stay Well-Hydrated

  • Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day to help flush bacteria from your urinary tract.
  • Urinate regularly—don’t hold it in for long periods.

🧻 2. Wipe Front to Back

  • Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

🛁 3. Avoid Irritants

  • Don’t use scented soaps, bubble baths, feminine sprays, or harsh cleansers in the genital area—they can irritate the urethra and increase infection risk.

👖 4. Wear Breathable Clothing

  • Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants that trap moisture and heat.
  • Change out of wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes promptly.

🚽 5. Urinate After Sex

  • Peeing after intercourse helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex.

🩺 6. Avoid Spermicides and Certain Birth Control

  • Spermicides and diaphragms can alter vaginal flora and increase UTI risk.
  • Consider alternate forms of contraception if UTIs are recurrent.

🧼 7. Practice Good Hygiene

  • Gently clean the genital area daily with water (no need for soap).
  • Avoid douching, which disrupts natural bacteria balance.

🍒 8. Try Cranberry Products (With Caution)

  • Some studies suggest cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent UTIs by stopping bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
  • It’s not a treatment—but it may help some people reduce frequency.

🧠 9. Recognize Early Symptoms

  • Burning urination, frequent urges to urinate, or cloudy/smelly urine can be early signs of cystitis.
  • Treating it early reduces complications and discomfort.

🩺 10. Consult a Doctor for Recurring Infections

  • If you get frequent UTIs, a doctor may recommend:
    • Low-dose preventive antibiotics
    • Testing for anatomical issues
    • Vaginal estrogen (postmenopausal women)