Although a urinary tract infection is rarely life threatening, it can feel terribly uncomfortable. When you have a urinary tract infection, you may feel intense itching and the need to urinate all the time. Luckily, you can do several things to avoid contracting this infection. Here are five helpful tips for preventing urinary tract infections.

Stay Hydrated

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of a urinary tract infection in the future is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Try to drink eight glasses of water each day. Water will help flush out all of the bacteria in your system, lessening your chances of an infection. If you are not at risk of kidney stones, you can also drink cranberry juice. Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they can irritate your bladder.

Do not Hold Your Urine

When you are busy at work or with a project around the house, you may try to hold your urine in. However, waiting to go to the bathroom can be harmful to your bladder. When you have the urge to urinate, you should go to the bathroom right away.

Take More Showers Than Baths

A warm bath might be very relaxing, but taking too many can actually increase your risk of a urinary tract infection. When you are sitting in a bathtub, bacteria can easily get into your urethra. It is much safer to take showers regularly. 

Be Careful With Your Lower Back

When you develop stress or pain in your lower back, you are more likely to suffer from a urinary tract infection. Lower back stress can actually affect urination flow, increasing your chances of an infection. To protect your lower back, practice good posture, avoid lifting heavy items too frequently and maintain good form while lifting weights.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Another way you can reduce your risk of a urinary tract infection is to wear loose-fitting clothing. When you wear tight pants or underwear, you are not allowing your vaginal area to stay completely dry, which can attract bacteria. 

The idea of contracting a urinary tract infection can be quite scary, but it can be avoided. If you follow these helpful tips, you will be a lot less likely to develop a urinary tract infection. However, if you do get an infection, you should make an appointment to see a physician like Mount Laurel Primary Care Physicians as soon as possible.