Swimming is a fun and healthy activity that offers numerous benefits to the body. It’s particularly refreshing especially during summer when the weather is hot.

However, one of the common risks associated with swimming in public pools, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI can be caused by various bacteria, hence the need for caution to prevent contracting an infection. Here are some tips to prevent UTIs when swimming.

1. Stay Hydrated

The key to preventing UTI is staying hydrated. When you go swimming, ensure that you drink enough water to keep your body hydrated.

Research has proven that dehydration leads to the buildup of bacteria in the bladder, which paves the way for UTI infection to occur. Ensuring you drink enough fluids helps to flush out bacteria from the bladder before they cause harm.

2. Pee Before and After Swimming

Another useful tip to prevent UTI is to pee before and after swimming. When you urinate before you jump into water, you make sure that the bladder is empty, which reduces the risk of bacterial buildup.

Similarly, urinating immediately after swimming flushes out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra or the bladder.

3. Wear Appropriate Swimwear

The type of swimwear you wear can also affect your predisposition to UTI. Tight-fitting underwear and swimsuits can trap dampness in your genital area, making it difficult for this area to breathe.

This creates a favorable environment that encourages bacteria build up. Therefore, the recommended swimwear to use when swimming is a loose-fitting swimsuit that allows for air circulation around the groin area.

4. Avoid Spending Too Much Time in Wet Swimwear

It’s advisable to avoid spending too much time in wet swimwear to prevent UTI. Staying in a wet swimsuit or underwear can lead to a damp and warm environment that promotes bacterial growth.

After swimming, it’s best to change into a dry swimsuit, or better still, take a shower and change into a fresh set of clothing.

5. Avoid Public Pools After Rain

Heavy rain can cause a significant increase in bacteria levels found in public swimming pools.

It’s important to avoid going swimming immediately after a downpour, as the rain could wash dirt, animal waste, or other forms of pollutants into the pool. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait a while for the water to get cleaned before using public swimming pools after a heavy downpour.

6. Use Antibacterial Soap and Wipes

Using antibacterial soap before and after swimming is another effective way to prevent UTI. You can also use antibacterial wipes to clean your swimwear and genital area before going swimming.

This helps to eliminate any existing bacteria in the area, lowering the risk of getting an infection.

7. Stay away from Fragranced Products

Substances like fragranced soaps, deodorants, and toilet papers can trigger irritation and inflammation in the sensitive genital area. This, in turn, increases the risk of bacterial infection.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid using fragranced products in this area before and after swimming.

8. Limit Your Time in Jacuzzis

While a dip in a hot tub or spa can be excellent therapy, overexposure to these settings can lead to the development of bacteria. The high temperature of these settings encourages the growth of bacteria, including those linked to UTI.

Therefore, it’s best to limit your time in these environments to lower the risk of contracting UTI.

9. Keep Your hands Clean

Cleanliness should be an integral part of your UTI prevention routine. Before and after swimming, make sure to wash your hands adequately. When your hands are dirtied, they can harbor various health hazards, including bacteria, that can cause UTI.

10. Observe Good Personal Hygiene

Following good personal hygiene practices can go a long way in preventing UTI. Ensure that you wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Doing this prevents any bacteria from the anal region from getting into the urethra.

Also, avoid using douches and sprays as they can irritate the genital area and increase the risk of bacterial infection.

By observing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting UTI during or after swimming. It’s crucial to put these tips into practice, especially when using public pools or any other shared water body.

In addition to the measures mentioned above, make sure to seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as burning sensation, pain, or frequent urination that persist even after adopting preventive measures.