What can I do to prevent bladder and kidney infections

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Pass urine after having sex: During sex, germs from the vagina and anus can be pushed up through the urinary opening into the lower urine tube. This is one of the most common causes of a bladder infection in women. To prevent infection, pass urine after having sex. This washes out the urine tube (but does not prevent pregnancy).

Drink a lot of liquids: Germs enter a woman’s body or multiply when she does not drink enough, especially if she works outside in hot weather and sweats a lot. Germs will start to multiply in the empty bladder. Try to drink at least 8 glasses or cups (2 liters) of liquid a day. When working in the hot sun or in a hot room, drink even more.

Try to pass urine every 3 to 4 hours: Not urinating allows germs in the urine system to multiply which can cause an infection. Therefore, do not go for a long time without urinating (for example, when traveling or working).

Keep your genitals clean: Germs from the genitals—and especially the anus—can get into the urinary opening and cause infection. Try to wash the genitals every day, and always wipe from front to back after passing stool. Wiping forward can spread germs from the anus into the urinary opening. Teach little girls the correct way to wipe after passing stool. Also, try to wash your genitals before having sex. Keep the cloth and pads used for your monthly bleeding very clean between uses.

Sources
  • Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
  • Audiopedia ID: en011304