Advice I received from an ob/gyn regarding UTIs

I don't know if UTIs are more common for those of us with fibromyalgia, but there have been occasional posts here on UTIs, so I thought I'd share a little info which I received from an ob/gyn.

She said females, especially, often have "issues" because they prefer to "hover" rather than sit, especially in public restrooms (you likely know what I'm referring to, especially if you're female and yes, I'm guilty of doing that, too!)

She also said it's important to completely empty the bladder, not leaving even a small amount of urine. Taking your time and relaxing in a (complete) sitting position is a must for evacuating the bladder entirely. Also, visit the bathroom when you need to--don't hold urine too long.

As for washing, use water only--no soaps of any kind. Avoid perfumed powders, sprays, etc.

Always wipe front to back.

I told her that I either took cranberry tablets or eat a few cranberries a day to ward of UTIs. But she warned me that cranberries can cause urinary urgency. I'd never heard that before--I always thought they were "the" remedy to UTI issues!

I drink LOTS of water daily (and thanks for that tip a while back, Sherrine!). After I visit the bathroom, I immediately head to the kitchen for another half glass or so of water. I do find, though, that I need a cut-off time in the evening or there are too many overnight trips! But even if I do need a bathroom visit overnight, I follow it up by a few sips of water. We sleep for hours, so I think a little hydration is good.

And incidentally, if you think you may have a UTI and have seen the doctor, only to find that it's come back negative, you may want to get a culture, just to be sure.

This info may not be news to some of you, but just thought I'd pass it along.