Feeling The Burn? 8 Bad Habits That Can Cause UTIs

Lower urinary tract infections (involving the bladder and urethra) occur most often in women than men and can be a very painful experience. Symptoms of urinary tract infection often include a burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or dark urine or the constant need to urine.

UTI’s are easily preventable but sometimes we unknowingly can cause them through simple actions. Here are eight things you do that could actually cause you to have a UTI without you knowing.

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Not peeing after sex

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Plenty of women believe that washing up immediately after sex can prevent UTIs from happening but, peeing is actually a better preventive measure.

Peeing flushes out the bacteria in your urethra so that infections don’t occur. So, on top of washing yourself after sex, be sure to pee too.

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Holding in your pee

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We know, we do it some times too but did you know, holding in your urine can be really harmful?Holding your pee in can actually contribute to UTI as it gives a chance for bacteria to grow so ideally, it’s better to go every four hours.

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Not keeping it clean

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This goes without saying but keeping your girly bits clean and free from bacteria is the surest way to avoid getting a UTI. The pelvic area is a sensitive region so make sure to avoid using harsh cleansers down there and stick to cotton underwear that will allow your skin to breathe.

Wiping from back to front can introduce fecal bacteria to your urethra which eventually causes UTIs and infections to happen. The right way is to wipe from front to back.

Having too much sex

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According to Mary Jane Minkin of Yale School of Medicine, having too much sex can cause a UTI because bacteria can move up your butt to your urethra accidentally. That’s why UTI’s are also sometimes called “honeymoon cystitis”.

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Not drinking enough water

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Adults should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. Staying hydrated allows your organs to function at their optimum and has multiple benefits including clear skin and shiny hair. Water will also help to flush out any lingering bacteria hanging out in your urinary tract.

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Try adding cranberry supplements to your diet

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If the dreaded does occur and you’ve gotten stung by a UTI, start taking cranberry capsules. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, or PACS, that keep bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder. PACs aren’t present in commercial cranberry juice so it’s best to stick to the capsules.

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Try avoiding certain foods

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There’s not much a person can do once they’re infected but avoiding some foods will help to reduce the sting. Stay clear of chili, tomatoes, wine, fruit juices, Cola and citrus as these will all make your pee more acidic.

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See a doctor

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If the infection doesn’t clear up by itself, you may need to take matters out of your hands and place them in the care of a certified doctor. For recurring UTI’s which are constantly causing you problems, it’s best to see a urologist for further investigation and potentially try a UTI vaccine. More information on this here.

Additional reporting: Tara Barker and Natalya Molok

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Feeling The Burn? 8 Bad Habits That Can Cause UTIs

The lower urinary tract infection (involving the bladder and urethra) is occurs most often in women than men and can be a very painful experience

Privacy Menu

Feeling The Burn? 8 Bad Habits That Can Cause UTIs

The lower urinary tract infection (involving the bladder and urethra) is occurs most often in women than men and can be a very painful experience

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