Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect millions of people every year, with women being at a higher risk than men. UTIs can be caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and causing an infection.

The symptoms can be uncomfortable and even painful, including burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy urine. While UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics, prevention is always better than cure. Here are six steps you can take to prevent UTIs:.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining good health and one of the easiest ways to prevent UTIs. When you drink more water, it helps to flush out any bacteria that may be present in your urinary tract.

Experts recommend drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. If you don’t like the taste of water, you can try adding a slice of lemon or lime, or infuse your water with berries or herbs.

2. Urinate Frequently

One of the most important things you can do to prevent UTIs is to urinate frequently. This helps to flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. It’s also important to make sure that you empty your bladder completely when you urinate.

Don’t hold it in when you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, as this can increase your risk of developing UTIs.

3. Wipe from Front to Back

When it comes to wiping after using the toilet, it’s important to wipe from front to back. This helps to prevent bacteria from your anus from getting into your urinary tract.

Bacteria from the anus can easily travel up to the urethra and cause an infection. So, to reduce your risk of developing a UTI, always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

4. Wear Breathable Clothing

Tight clothes and underwear can create a warm and moist environment, which can promote the growth of bacteria. This is especially true for women who wear tight-fitting yoga pants or leggings.

To reduce your risk of developing UTIs, wear loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Also, avoid wearing underwear made from synthetic materials.

5. Practice Good Hygiene

Practicing good hygiene is important for preventing UTIs. This means showering regularly and keeping your genital area clean and dry. After you shower, make sure to dry your genital area thoroughly.

Bacteria thrive in damp environments, so keeping the area dry can help to prevent UTIs.

6. Take Supplements

There are several supplements that can help to prevent UTIs. Some of the most popular supplements include cranberry supplements, D-mannose, and probiotics.

Cranberry supplements and D-mannose help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract, while probiotics help to maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Before taking any supplements, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure they are safe for you to use.

UTIs can be a pain to deal with, but with these six steps, you can take proactive measures to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Staying hydrated, urinating frequently, wiping from front to back, wearing breathable clothing, practicing good hygiene, and taking supplements can all help to reduce your risk of developing UTIs.