Some women are just prone to getting urine infections. It can also be more common in a certain group of women, for example, if you have gone through the menopause, when oestrogen levels are low, the pH of the vagina increases and there are less friendly bacteria to protect the urethra. This leaves you more susceptible to bladder infections. Some develop symptoms of a urine infection after sex which over time can contribute to a negative sexual experience or avoidance, while some may have symptoms after a period or even when they use tampons.
The first thing to mention is that there is no evidence to show that recurring urine infections has anything to do with your standard of hygiene. We do advise that you speak to your doctor If you have had 3 or more urine infections in the last 12 months or 2 or more urine infections in the last 6 months.
If you are prone to getting urine infections, the following measures may help:
- Drink plenty of water, 5-6 glasses a day
- Pass urine immediately after sex
- Wipe front-to-back after passing stools
- Avoid tight-fitting underwear
- Avoid douching
Speak to your doctor about a trial of treatment with:
- Local oestrogen if you have been through the menopause
- An anti-infective agent called, Methenamine Hippurate (or ‘hiprex’) can be used in combination with vitamin C
- Low dose of an antibiotic taken daily for 3 to 6 months
- Low dose of an antibiotic taken immediately after the aggravating event, for example, sex or after a period
- D-mannose preparation taken daily for 3 to 6 months
D-what? Yes! D-mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that may stop bacteria from latching onto the inner lining of the bladder. This can be purchased ‘over-the-counter’ from your local pharmacy or any health- food shop.
It contains a lot of sugar! It is not recommended in pregnancy or patients with diabetes Please speak to your doctor before purchasing this.
