Patient/caregiver were instructed on UTI prevention measures as follows:
- Use of prophylactic antibiotics: Individuals with history of repeated urinary tract infections can be prescribed antibiotics for prophylactic use for UTI prevention.
- Cranberry Products: Cranberry juice and supplements can help by preventing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. This can reduce bacterial access to the urinary tract, eliminate bacteria in the urine, and reduce risk for UTI.
- Genital hygiene: Individuals should maintain good genital hygiene but avoid over-washing. Practices like douching should be discouraged in women. Over-washing and douching can disrupt the natural healthy bacterial balance in the genital area, leading to increased risk for genital and urinary tract infections.
- Intake of Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore normal bacterial flora in the urinary tract, maintain a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the urinary tract, and prevent growth of harmful bacteria, thus contributing to prevention of infections.
- Constipation management: Impacted bowels and constipation may exert undue pressure on the bladder that can lead to urinary retention. Retained urine is a favorable medium for bacterial growth and multiplication, contributing to increased risk for UTI. Maintaining an active lifestyle and use of stool softeners and laxatives, as recommended, can help with prevention of constipation and reduce the risk for UTI. Also, probiotics can help with restoring the balance of gut bacteria, improving gut motility, and preventing constipation, thus helping with UTI prevention.
- Double voiding in men with prostate hypertrophy: Men with history of prostate hypertrophy can present with difficulty emptying the bladder and consequent retention of urine. Retained urine is a favorable medium for bacterial growth and multiplication, contributing to increased risk for UTI in men with prostate hypertrophy. Encouraging men to practice double voiding can help with better emptying of the bladder, reduce urine retention, which can contribute to preventing bacterial growth and UTI.
