Ask the Provider: Anne Campbell, NP

Q: What Can I Do To Reduce My Chances of Urinary Tract Infection in Later Life?

A: Urinary tract infections are a relatively common occurrence among women as they age, but there are many things that we can do to reduce the frequency and improve quality of life for women who suffer urinary tract infections in later life.

• Be sure to drink adequate fluids and stay well hydrated! Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages are dehydrating, and can irritate the lining of the bladder significantly. Reducing intake or even eliminating caffeinated beverages completely can help tremendously.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of artificial sweeteners, as many can also irritate and inflame the bladder. Common artificial sweeteners include saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, neotame, and advantame, all of which are FDA approved for use.
• Be mindful of any constipation issues, and address concerns promptly. Did you know that having significant amounts of retained stool within the colon can put pressure on the bladder outlet, and not allow the bladder to empty properly, promoting a breeding ground for bacteria to grow and cause a UTI? A healthy diet, adding fiber, and a stool softener can help immensely, particularly in light of good fluid intake.
• Maintain good hygiene and daily skin care, which reduces bacterial growth locally.
  Avoid the use of heavily perfumed washes, body washes and body care products, all of which can irritate fragile tissue, particularly in personal areas of the body.
• Avoid heavily scented laundry soaps and softeners on underclothing, which can also irritate the skin.
  Be sure to empty the bladder after sexual activity
• Consider adding cranberry tablets once or twice a day to help make urine more acidic, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. Lemon water is a great way to hydrate and promote urine acidity!
• Probiotics can be a great addition to the daily care routine to help promote a good balance of bacteria
• Empty the bladder routinely, at least every 2 hours, and be sure not to hold urine for prolonged periods of time.
  Consider an estrogen supplement, to be applied locally to the tissue, which helps to promote better resilience of the tissues, and reduce bacterial overgrowth.
• See you gynecologist for a thorough gynecological exam! Common conditions, such as uterine prolapse, can put pressure on the bladder neck, and not allow the bladder to empty completely, posing an increased risk of infection!
• See a urologically provider for a thorough exam! We can help to rule out other causes of frequent urinary tract infections such as urethral narrowing, kidney stones, cystocele, and other abnormalities that may put you at increased risk of developing infection.

Most importantly, there is no need to suffer in silence, or to accept that recurrent urinary tract infections are ‘just a part of life’! You, along with your urological provider, can work together to determine a course of treatment that is right for you, and fits your needs!

Learn more about our Urology practice here.