A Gallon of Water a Day Keeps the UTIs Away

With summer in full swing, it’s essential to stay hydrated as the temperatures continue to climb in the coming weeks. Whatever the activity, drinking plenty of water will keep you cool and healthy as you enjoy some fun in the sun. There are more advantages to staying hydrated than meets the eye. It turns out, drinking plenty of water can help prevent urinary tract infections. 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that most commonly occur in the urethra and bladder. Symptoms can differ depending on the location in the urinary tract where the infection is present, but common symptoms include frequent urination, a burning sensation while urinating, and urine that is cloudy or has a distinct odor. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, though in some cases a UTI is a result of a virus or fungus, requiring antiviral or antifungal medication to treat it.

According to a 2018 randomized clinical trial conducted by JAMA Internal Medicine over a 12-month period, the researchers concluded that premenopausal women who consume more than 1.5 liters of water (about 51 ounces) per day can significantly lower their chances of developing a UTI. In fact, by drinking more water, women can decrease their frequency of infections by almost 50 percent!

Simply put, drinking more water dilutes the urine, resulting in higher urine output. While these frequent bathroom breaks may be an inconvenience to some, the end result is a swift and efficient purging of the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections.

Look no further than your smartphone or smartwatch for a variety of apps and settings that can help you keep track of your fluid intake and remind you to take a water breakthrough notification alerts. Most importantly, make a habit of bringing a water bottle or refillable container with you throughout the day so you’re ready to hydrate when thirst strikes.

If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain when you urinate, it could be a UTI. Contact Alabama UROGYN to schedule an appointment.

If you’re suffering from symptoms of a UTI, give us a call or request an appointment online.