Can Water Prevent UTIs?

If you have ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how awful it feels. Constant trips to the bathroom, burning pain, and that annoying pressure in your bladder. One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk? Drink more water. This article explores one of the most frequently asked questions on urinary tract infections: Can water prevent UTIs?

What Are Urinary Tract Infections?

UTIs occur when bacteria (usually E. coli) enter the urinary tract. E. coli  usually comes from your digestive system and sneaks into the urinary tract. This causes inflammation and symptoms like pain and frequent urination. Most UTIs affect the bladder, but they can climb up to the kidneys if untreated.

Women are more likely to get UTIs than men. Why? A shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Other risk factors include sexual activity, menopause, poor hygiene, and certain birth control methods like diaphragms.

What Are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• A burning sensation when you pee
• Feeling the need to urinate often
• Frequent urination
• Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
• Lower belly pain

Are Urinary Tract Infections Contagious?

No, UTIs (urinary tract infections) are not contagious in the way a cold or flu is. You can’t catch a UTI from someone else through casual contact, like hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.

However, sexual activity can play a role in triggering a UTI (especially in women). That’s because bacteria from the genital or anal area can get pushed into the urethra during intercourse. According to research, sexual intercourse is a major risk factor for UTIs in sexually active women.

Here are a few key points:

• UTIs are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But you can develop one after sex, especially if bacteria enter the urethra.
• You can’t “give” a UTI to your partner. That said, both partners should practice good hygiene.
• Certain bacteria can be shared between partners, but the infection only develops if those bacteria multiply and reach the urinary tract.

Can Water Prevent UTIs?

Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before they settle and multiply.

In a study of women with frequent UTIs, those who added 1.5 liters of water daily had significantly fewer infections than those who didn’t.

Water helps dilute your urine. This lowers irritation and makes your bladder less inviting for bacteria. Concentrated urine can irritate the bladder lining and increase infection risk.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

To help prevent UTIs, healthcare providers recommend drinking 6 glasses of water (1.5 litres) daily. If you’re active, breastfeeding, or live in a hot climate, you might need even more. Listen to your body and drink when thirsty. 

Signs You Might Need More Fluids

Dark yellow pee? Dry mouth? Fatigue? These may be signs your body needs more water. drink enough so your pee is pale yellow. A clear or colorless urine is a sign of overhydration. 

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Does Cranberry Juice Help?

Cranberry juice has some benefits, but water still does the heavy lifting. Think of cranberries as your sidekick, not the main fluid.

What Else Helps Prevent UTIs?

Besides hydration, these habits can help:

• Pee after sex to flush out bacteria
• Wipe front to back
• Avoid irritating feminine hygiene products
• Don’t hold in your pee too long
• Wear breathable cotton underwear

Conclusion 

Hydration is a cheap, easy way to fight off UTIs. Combine it with good hygiene and you’ll lower your chances significantly. So, drink up. Your urinary system will thank you.

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Our team of highly qualified and certified healthcare consultants at Fekomi wellness are always ready and happy to help you with your health concerns. Visit Fekomiwellness today to  book an appointment and get started on your health journey. Kindly call our desk line on +2349074197154 for more enquiries.

References

1. Kevin et al. (2016). Consumption of a cranberry juice beverage lowered the number of clinical urinary tract infection episodes in women with a recent history of urinary tract infection. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.130542.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27251185/
2. Thomas et al. (2022). “Effect of Increased Daily Water Intake in Premenopausal Women With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections, 178(11):1509-1515. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2705079