there are lots of things you can do every day to help your body fight these infections or stop them from getting started. basic hygiene works. washing hands before and after going to the bathroom will help as will washing your genital area with mild soap each day. women should always wipe from front to back after voiding and especially after a bowel movement to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina and urethra. drinking enough fluids (6 eight-once glasses each day) and drinking some cranberry juice every day can prevent bacteria from multiplying and causing problems. empty your bladder soon after you feel the urge to go and go at least 4 or 5 times a day. you can make sure your bladder is empty by using your hand to press lightly on the area over your bladder. avoid wearing tight pants and non-cotton underwear. don't use perfumed soaps bubble bath talcum powder or colored toilet paper. know the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and call your doctor or nurse if you start to have any of these symptoms: increased urinary urgency or frequency urinating small amounts sudden unwanted urine leakage feeling that your bladder is not completely empty after voiding any pain or unusual sensation when you void bad-smelling urine fever or chills see blood in your urine or the color of your urine is pink or red.
how can i prevent a urinary tract infection (uti)?