Preventing
recurrent UTIs

How to avoid UTIs?

The following may help to reduce the risk of UTIs.

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids to flush the urinary system
• Treat vaginal infections (for example, thrush) quickly
• Avoid using spermicide-containing products
• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, rather than holding on
• Wipe yourself from front to back (urethra to anus) after going to the toilet
• Empty your bladder after sex
• Avoid constipation
• See your health professional if symptoms persist

To prevent recurrent UTIs

• Antibiotics – If you experience recurrent UTIs, your doctor may consider antibiotics to help prevent the next UTI. However, they may consider other options as frequent use of antibiotics has the potential to make bacteria resistant, so alternatives for preventing recurrent UTIs are becoming important.

• Cranberry and natural remedies – There is some research that shows cranberry-containing products may help to prevent UTIs by lowering the ability of E. coli to stick to the urinary tract lining.¹ However only a small potential benefit has been demonstrated and the current clinical trial evidence does not support the use of cranberry-containing products for the prevention of UTIs.²

• Antibacterials – Hiprex is an antibacterial that is used to prevent recurrent UTIs. This means it helps create an environment that prevents the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Hiprex should be started after successful treatment of a UTI.