Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it also brings an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can cause discomfort and disrupt your plans, but fortunately, there are several ways to prevent UTIs during the summer months. This guide offers practical advice on hydration, hygiene, diet, and more to help you stay healthy and UTI-free.
Understanding urine infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria get into the urinary system, causing symptoms like pain, a burning sensation when urinating, and the need to urinate frequently. Women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra. The risk of urine infections increases in summer because higher temperatures can lead to dehydration, which concentrates urine and fosters bacterial growth [1]. Outdoor activities and swimming can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough fluids is one of the best ways to prevent UTIs. Hydration helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract before they cause an infection.
How much water is enough?
Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you're active or spending time in the sun, you might need more. Check your urine colour – light yellow is a good sign of proper hydration. Besides water, you can drink herbal teas and eat fruits like watermelon to stay hydrated [2].
Don’t hold your bladder
Make sure to urinate when you feel the urge and don’t hold it for too long. Holding urine allows bacteria to multiply in the bladder, increasing the risk of a urine infection. While the evidence on the benefits of frequent urination is unclear, urinating every 2-3 hours can help flush out bacteria before they cause an infection. Post-coital voiding (passing urine after sexual intercourse) is particularly helpful in reducing the risk of UTIs by flushing out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra [3]
Practice good hygiene
Good hygiene is crucial for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in the summer when sweat and outdoor activities increase the risk of bacterial growth. Enteric organisms, such as E. coli, Proteus, and Klebsiella, are the primary culprits behind UTIs. These gut bacteria can travel up the urethra, leading to bladder infections (cystitis).
If left untreated, these infections can ascend to the kidneys, causing more serious conditions like pyelonephritis. Therefore, treating bladder infections with antibiotics is essential to prevent these complications. Maintaining good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of UTIs and their progression to more severe infections.
Daily hygiene tips
- Wipe correctly: Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to stop bacteria from spreading [4].
- Wear breathable fabrics: Choose cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep the genital area dry [5].
Urinate after sex
Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Urinate within 30 minutes after intercourse to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra [2].
Wear loose clothing
Tight clothing and non-breathable fabrics can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of urine infections. Choose loose, breathable underwear and clothing during the summer months [5].
Avoid irritants
Certain products like douches, deodorant sprays, and spermicidal lubricants can irritate the urinary tract and facilitate bacterial growth. Avoid using these products [4].
Avoid constipation
Avoiding constipation is equally important, as constipation can exert pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, potentially leading to incomplete emptying of the bladder and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Dietary considerations for UTI prevention
What you eat can affect your risk of getting a UTI.
Beneficial foods and drinks
- Cranberries and cranberry juice: Cranberries contain compounds that stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements may help reduce UTI risk [3].
- Probiotics: Foods like yoghurt and kefir promote healthy bacteria in your gut and urinary tract [5].
- Garlic: Garlic is high in allicin, a compound with potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Consuming raw garlic may help prevent UTI recurrence [3].
- High-fibre foods: Foods like beans, lentils, berries, and whole grains promote regular bowel movements and remove bacteria from the body [1].
- Vitamin C-rich foods: Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and berries make urine more acidic, helping prevent bacterial growth in the urinary tract [5].
- Hydrating foods: Water-rich foods like cucumbers, melons, and citrus fruits help flush bacteria from the urinary tract through frequent urination [3].
Recognising urine infection symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of a urine infection can help you catch it early and get treatment before it worsens. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Cloudy, dark, or strange-smelling urine
- Blood in urine (haematuria)
- Pelvic pain, especially in women [2]
How to get rid of a UTI
If you suspect you have a UTI, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. UTIs can lead to more serious infections if not treated promptly. To get rid of a UTI, follow your doctor’s advice, which may include antibiotics and drinking plenty of fluids [1].
When to seek immediate help
- Severe pain in your lower abdomen or back
- Fever, chills, or nausea
- Blood in your urine [4]
How HealthHero can help
At HealthHero, we offer expert medical advice and consultations to help you manage a urine infection. Visit our Cystitis online prescription page or use our online GP service. Our specialists can help you choose the right treatment options.
