How do I prevent recurring UTIs?

Bottom linePrevent recurring UTIs by staying well hydrated, not holding your pee, peeing after sex, wiping front to back, avoiding perfumed genital products, and wearing breathable cotton underwear; vaginal estrogen can help after menopause and cranberry evidence is mixed, so see a clinician if you get several UTIs a year to discuss preventive options, and seek prompt care for fever, back pain, or blood in your urine.

Urinary tract infections that keep coming back are common and frustrating. Several self-care habits reduce the risk, and a clinician can help if they're frequent.

Everyday habits that help

• Stay well hydrated so you pass urine regularly and flush bacteria
• Don't hold your pee - go when you need to
• Pee after sex to help clear bacteria
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet
• Avoid perfumed products around the genitals, and wash only with water or a plain product
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid staying in damp clothing

Other measures

• If you get UTIs linked to sex, peeing afterward and good lubrication can help
• After menopause, vaginal estrogen can reduce recurrent UTIs for some people
• Evidence for cranberry products is mixed - they may help some people but aren't a guaranteed fix

When to see a clinician

See a doctor if you get frequent UTIs (for example several a year) - they can confirm the pattern, check for causes, and discuss options like a standby or preventive antibiotic plan. Seek prompt care for fever, back or side pain, or blood in your urine, which can mean a kidney infection.

See UTI vs vaginal infection to tell them apart.

Femora helps you track urinary symptoms so you can see how often UTIs recur and what tends to trigger them.