It’s time to say goodbye to UTI with these 7 expert-backed tips

Have you been experiencing a burning sensation while peeing, pain in your pelvic area, or is the color of your urine becoming darker each passing day? Please don’t ignore any of these symptoms because there are chances that you could be suffering from a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. 

What is UTI?
UTI is basically a bacterial infection mostly caused by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Having said that, there are also a few fungi and viruses that can cause this infection.  

In the grim situation, this infection can be really painful and that’s why we have got Dr. Madhuri Burande Laha who is a consultant, obstetrician, and gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Pune to help us understand this infection better and steer clear of it. 

Here are the seven important suggestions by her that will help you prevent a UTI:

1. Stay away from feminine hygiene products
According to Dr. Madhuri, hygiene products like washes, deodorants, and scented sprays are laden with chemicals that rupture the biome of our vagina due to which the good bacteria get killed and bad bacteria tend to grow.

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2. Drink a lot of water
At times when we are so engrossed in our work or we are travelling, we tend to forget to replenish our body with water and other fluids. Therefore, it is very important to stay hydrated. “Apart from water, you can also have coconut water, neembu pani, buttermilk, watermelon, etc. to keep your fluid level in check”, says Dr. Laha.

3. Clean up your vagina
Every time you pee or have sex, make it a mandate to clean your vagina with water. Avoid vaginal washes because just water is enough to clean your vagina. Use lukewarm water if you have access to it.

4. Don’t hold your pee
“Mostly while we are travelling, we tend to hold our pee for really long hours which is not at all healthy for your vagina and can lead to UTI”, advises Dr. Laha.

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5. Use sanitizers for public toilets
You should always keep a sanitizer or a toilet seat disinfectant spray handy while you use a public toilet as there are high chances of you catching an infection. Also, if there is a possibility, look for an Indian style toilet when you are on the go.

6. Eat vitamin C rich fruits
Dr. Laha suggests that vitamin C rich foods like lemon, amla, oranges, sweet lime are a good and easy way to prevent the growth of bad bacteria.

7. Clean your vagina from front to back
“Never wipe or clean your vagina from back to front. Make it a thumb rule that you do it from front to back only because there are high chances that bacteria from your anus might come in contact with your vulva and can lead to UTI”, explains Dr. Laha.

She also explained that people who are diabetic are more prone to UTIs. So, always keep your blood sugar level in check and follow a healthy lifestyle to steer away from a UTI.

So, you heard it from the doc ladies! Now keep these simple yet effective things in mind to avoid this painful devil once and for all. 

Also, in case you get infected then please don’t self medicate yourself and visit a doctor for medical guidance.