How to Prevent UTIs While Using Condoms

Even while wearing condoms, sexually active people often worry about contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI). Condoms are great for preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies, but they have been linked to an increase in the incidence of UTIs. The good news is that condom use can help you avoid getting a urinary tract infection.

Here, we’ll go over some of the best practices for avoiding urinary tract infections (UTIs) when using condoms. These guidelines will assist you in preventing UTIs through better cleanliness and lubricant selection.

How to Prevent UTIs While Using Condoms

Maintaining Good Hygiene Habits

Whether you choose to use condoms or not, practicing good hygiene is crucial for avoiding urinary tract infections. Nonetheless, excellent cleanliness is crucial at any time, but it’s especially crucial when wearing condoms.

Always use mild soap and water to clean your genitalia before and after sexual activity. Harsh soaps can upset the delicate vaginal bacterial balance, which can lead to an infection. To avoid bacteria entering the urethra, you should also wipe from front to back after using the restroom.

Take a Pee Before and After You Go Naked

The elimination of any bacteria in the urinary tract might be aided by urinating both before and after sexual activity. Eliminating potentially bacterial urine from the bladder is one benefit of urination. This can reduce the likelihood of a bacterial infection developing in the urinary tract.

Using the Appropriate Lubricant

You can increase or decrease your chance of acquiring a UTI depending on the lubricant you use. Certain lubricants, especially those with glycerin or sugar, can increase the risk of infection by encouraging the growth of germs in the vaginal area.

Lubricants containing glycerin and sugar should be avoided to reduce the risk of genital tract infections (UTIs). Infections are less likely to develop when using these lubricants since they do not foster bacterial development.

Keep yourself hydrated

UTIs can be avoided by drinking enough water, which helps to flush bacteria out of the urinary system. Regular urination helps keep the urinary tract free of bacteria, and staying hydrated makes that more likely to happen.

Properly Applying Condoms

Proper condom use is essential for avoiding urinary tract infections. Improper condom use raises the risk of infection since the device is more likely to slide or break. Follow the package’s instructions to the letter, and always wear a fresh condom whenever you engage in sexual activity.

The correct size of condom should also be used. The risk of the condom breaking or slipping increases if it is too tight or too loose. To avoid these complications, it’s important to use a condom that fits properly.

Try Some Cranberry Vitamins

UTIs can be avoided with the use of cranberry tablets. Cranberries’ antibacterial properties come from chemicals that work by preventing germs from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.

Although additional study is needed to determine the efficacy of cranberry supplements for avoiding UTIs, including them in a daily regimen may be beneficial.

Spermicidal condoms are to be avoided

Condoms impregnated with a spermicide are designed to prevent pregnancy. Although spermicidal condoms offer reliable protection against pregnancy, they have been linked to an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

Irritation to the vaginal area from spermicide use can increase the risk of infection. It is recommended that non-spermicidal condoms be used to prevent UTIs rather than spermicidal condoms.

Try Some More Condoms Than Latex

An increased risk of acquiring a urinary tract infection (UTI) due to a latex allergy. Use polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms instead of latex ones if you have a latex allergy. These condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections and prevent unwanted pregnancies with minimal discomfort to the user.

Consult Your Physician

If you have a history of UTIs or are prone to getting them, discussing prophylactic steps with your doctor is a must. To prevent UTIs, your doctor may advise you to take antibiotics either before or after you have sex.

Pelvic floor exercises and dietary adjustments are two more measures your doctor may suggest for avoiding UTIs.

Conclusion

Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be unpleasant and sometimes painful, they are often avoidable. You can lower your chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) by using condoms properly, maintaining clean personal hygiene, and picking a decent lubricant.

Condoms raise the risk of UTIs, but they prevent sexually transmitted infections and prevent unintended pregnancies. You can continue to reap the benefits of condom use while limiting the hazards associated with it by taking precautions to avoid UTIs.

See your doctor if you have questions or concerns about preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). They may provide you with individualized advice on how to avoid getting UTIs and keep your sexual health in top shape.