Prevention

Women and girls should wipe from front to back (not back to front) after going to the bathroom. This helps prevent bacteria from the anus entering the urethra.

Empty your bladder regularly and completely, especially after sexual intercourse.

Drink plenty of fluids. Cranberry juice, especially, has been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections. There is evidence that cranberries reduce the risk of the bacteria's adhesion to bladder cells.