Because UTIs are a universal health problem and since antibiotic resistance is increasing at an uncontrolled rate, vaccines are currently being developed to treat this infection. The clinical trial of the first vaccine, SolcoUrovac, has shown promise in women with recurrent UTIs. However, more long term follow up is required to document any side effects or complications. Unlike vaccines in children, this vaccine is administered as a vaginal suppository. Other research is being conducted on potential vaccines that can prevent the attachment of the bacteria to the lining of the bladder.
Maintaining good hygiene goes a long way in the prevention of UTIs. The following are some suggestions for decreasing UTIs:
- Always wipe from front to back after urinating.
- Cleanse the genital and urinary areas from front to back with soap and water after each bowel movement.
- Rinse the genital area with water regularly throughout the day.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes since they cause friction in the genitals and move bacteria into the urinary area.
- Showers instead of baths are recommended for individuals with recurrent UTIs.
- Urinate frequently, especially as soon as the urge arises.
- Drink a lot of fluid to flush the bacteria out.
- All sanitary products should be changed after each urination.
- Maintain good hygiene before and after intercourse.
- Urinate before and after intercourse.
- The use of condoms has been associated with a decrease in UTIs.
- Avoid sex with multiple partners – this is not only a high risk factor for UTIs but also sexually transmitted diseases.
- For those with recurrent UTIs, daily supplements of vitamin C and cranberry juice may be helpful.
Dietary Recommendations to Treat UTIs
In all individuals who have high blood sugar such as diabetics, the frequency of UTIs is much higher. High sugar levels in the body are known to interfere with the immune system and thus lead to a proliferation of bacteria. Therefore, control of blood sugar is essential in the treatment and prevention of UTIs. Other chemicals also known to depress the immune system include excessive alcohol and saturated fat. Like blood sugar, alcohol intake, chocolate, eggs, oranges, carbonated beverages, meat products and red wine should be curtailed and the amount of fat eaten decreased to prevent recurrent UTIs.
To flush the bladder of the infectious bacteria, all females with a UTI are encouraged to drink fluids and empty the bladder frequently. However, coffee and alcohol should be avoided as they seem to worsen the symptoms of a UTI. To increase acidity of the urine and decrease the growth of bacteria, one should eat more vegetables. Spinach, potatoes, green beans, avocado, onion, grapes, broccoli, zucchini, yams and mustard greens are all recommended. Vegetables, overall, are good for health and also help to control the level of blood sugars.
For more than 2 decades it has been known that cranberry can prevent UTIs. Studies have shown that cranberry in the form of a liquid or as a supplement pill, are equally effective in decreasing the frequency of UTIs. Cranberry juice works by preventing the attachment of E coli (this is the most common bacteria known to cause UTIs) to the bladder and urethral wall. Cranberry juice however, is not effective once an infection has already occurred, since the bacteria are already attached to the bladder wall. Thus most doctors do not recommend cranberry juice for acute attacks; it is only recommended to prevent future/recurrent infections. Cranberry juice must be ingested daily either as liquid or a tablet to work effectively.
