Drink plenty of water daily
Don’t hold urine for long periods
Urinate soon after sexual activity
Wash genitals with mild, unscented soap; avoid harsh cleansers and douching
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
Keep the genital area dry; change out of damp underwear promptly
Wear breathable underwear (e.g., cotton) and avoid tight-fitting pants
Avoid using spermicides and diaphragms if you get UTIs frequently
Consider cranberry products if they help you (choose products with evidence-based dosing)
Consider vaginal estrogen if you are postmenopausal and your clinician recommends it
Manage constipation to reduce bladder pressure
Maintain good hygiene during menstruation; change pads/tampons regularly
Avoid bladder irritants if they trigger symptoms (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods)
If you have recurrent UTIs, ask a clinician about preventive antibiotics or other targeted strategies