Accepted Answer

Thanks for your reply.

 

Bladder infections are caused by bacteria getting inside the bladder and overgrowing there. Bacteria can be introduced from the rectum or after sexual intercourse. Also, if the bladder doesn't empty out urine well and urine accumulates in the bladder, bacteria starts to grow in it.

 

The most important way to prevent bladder infections is good personal hygiene. After having a bowel movement, always wipe front to back. There are disposable anti-bacterial wet wipes which you can purchase, use and flush down the toilet.

 

Other important tips:

1. Washing off after intercourse is also important.

2. Empty the bladder as soon as possible after you have an urge to urinate

3. Cranberry supplement or cranberry juice - even though cranberry is not used to treat bladder infection, it is believed to decrease a risk by not allowing bacteria to stick to

the walls of the bladder

4. Vitamin C 500 mg twice daily has been useful is some women

 

I hope this was helpful.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

 

Julia

Expert:	Julia Kizhner
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/28/2009

Physician Assistant

7 years experience working in Primary Care as well as Gastroenterology, Sleep Medicine & Weight Loss