How can I prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

There are a number of simple UTI prevention strategies in which patients can adopt to prevent recurrent UTIs. Drinking lots of fluids, particularly water is perhaps the simplest step to take. Avoiding the use of spermicides, voiding immediately post sexual intercourse, wiping from front to back after urination may also be beneficial. Cranberry products, which are available in tablet form as well as juice, may have some benefit as it appears to reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to urinary tract cells. In some cases, low dose antibiotic prophylaxis over a period of 3 to 6 months may be required to help stop the cycle of recurrent UTIs.