Hygiene for Lowered Risk

Hygiene breaks down to a few very simple rules to minimize the opportunity for bad bacteria to get into the urethra and cause a bladder infection.

Most of the hygiene notes on this page are primarily of concern to female anatomy, although the Sexual Contact section and Dampness section may have equal relevance for men.

1. Women should wipe from front to back, never back to front, when using the toilet.
2. Change soiled undergarments promptly and wash the area with soap and rinse properly.
3. Replace damp clothing with dry clothing promptly when sweating or swimming.
4. Do not use irritating soaps, deodorants, or perfumes.
5. Move your bowels before use the toilet to defecate before bathing, not afterwards.
6. Urinate after sexual contact.

E.coli bacteria that enter the urethra and reach the bladder cause the majority of urinary infections, and the primary source of bacteria is fecal material. Hygiene strategies are designed to prevent bacteria from getting close to the opening of your urethra.

Wiping

Fecal material is greasy. When wiping, use flat, not scrunched, toilet paper, once, wiping from the front of your body towards the back. This method keeps you from dragging bacteria closer to the opening of the urethra. You can't do this maneuver properly if your hand is between your legs. Your must reach around from behind with buttocks separated, so no leaning on the toilet tank.

Undergarments

Infants, small children, and incontinent adults may soil their undergarments, which may go unnoticed for a while. The longer they need a change, the more likely the bacteria are to make their way from the back to the front and into the urethra. Remember, you can't see bacteria with your eye. Even if you can't see them, be sure to wash properly after removing contaminated undergarments (that also means with SOAP, because fecal material is greasy, and from front to back). Soaking in a tub and standing in a shower are not the best ways to wash. Soaking may actually spread bacteria. Standing may allow it to flow towards the urethral opening, although it's better than soaking. Adequate soaping and rubbing, by hand, not wash cloth, is your best way to float the bacteria into the lather, which can then be rinsed away. Adequate soaping (using both hands) will take at least as much time as it takes to sing the complete "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" song. If infections are frequent, rinsing from front to back may also be important for you.

Dampness

Bacteria like to reproduce in damp environments. Sweat or water-soaked clothing can give them a greater opportunity to spread forward towards the urethral opening. Consider breathable fabrics that wick away moisture if you have recurring infections. Even tight jeans can cause sweating. Bacteria may collect and reproduce in folds of skin, or in the vagina, so staying clean and dry is important. Men who experience infections may consider the position of their genitalia in their undergarments, and do better to position the penis up and away from instead of towards the most likely source of bacteria.

Irritants

Strong soaps, deodorants, perfumes, and shaving can irritate skin making it red and fragile, less able to act as a barrier to bacteria. Using skin irritants adds risk because bacteria may take advantage of the opportunity to hide where skin is raw and reproduce themselves, eventually spreading to the urethral opening.

Bathing Schedule

If you finish taking a shower and then you sit on the toilet for a bowel movement, there is guaranteed to be some residue that stays with you, no matter how much toilet paper you use, until you bathe again. Remember, it is greasy stuff. It is very easy to simply change the order of this routine so you use the toilet prior to bathing instead of afterwards. Then you can make good use of soap and wash away those bacteria rather than sitting with them all day. Unfortunately due to arthritis and lack of flexibility, older persons may not always be able to wash thoroughly, as often, or properly, which can be a reason a greater occurrence of urinary infections exists in the older population. Children must be taught proper hygiene to avoid the spread of bacteria, so they can stay healthy when they become responsible for themselves.

Sexual Contact

This is the most common way for fecal bacteria to be helped into the bladder, and where the term honeymoon cystitis comes from. Intercourse can easily cause local bacteria to be swept up and massaged into the urethral opening. The pummeling action can further irritate the area, bruising or damaging delicate tissues, and leaving them more susceptible to infection. Urination after sexual contact can help to flush out bacteria from the urethra before they make their way up into the bladder and cause an infection.