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Contact: Crossing Rivers Communications

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common- affecting more than three million people each year. The infection occurs more often in women, but can affect men as well. If you are among the unlucky few who get UTIs frequently, you dread the first tingle alerting you to yet another infection.

What can you do to avoid getting UTIs? The board-certified urologists at Crossing Rivers Health Center for Specialty Care offer these three simple, everyday changes you can help with recurring urinary tract infections.

1. Drink plenty of fluids. While drinking a lot of water probably won’t do much to cure a UTI if you already have one, staying hydrated is always a good idea. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps your kidneys and bladder functioning properly, it keeps your entire body running smoothly.
2. Incorporate cranberry products into your diet. “There’s conflicting evidence on the efficacy of cranberry in preventing UTIs,” said Dr. Logan Hoxie, Urologist with Crossing Rivers Health. “While it is by no means a silver bullet, it’s worth trying if you have recurrent infections.” Dr. Hoxie reminds patients, however, not to drink sweetened cranberry cocktail drinks, which have very little or none of the active ingredient and are high in sugar. Taking cranberry extract supplements may also help.
3. Watch your pH. Changes in vaginal pH, caused by menopause or frequent sexual activity (especially with multiple partners), can cause less good bacteria, leading to colonization by bad bacteria. “Women with menopause can try topical estrogen replacement to help restore vaginal pH levels, however, those treatments do come with side effects,” Dr. Hoxie cautioned. “Sexually active women should try to include probiotics into their diet, through fermented foods or supplements. However, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so it’s a good idea to get your doctor’s help in choosing the best one for you.”

Dr. Logan Hoxie, and his colleagues Dr. Steven Mindrup, Dr. Thomas Richardson, and Dr. Jonathan Rippentrop, are urologists with Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien. They have combined experience of over 60 years specializing in disorders and diseases affecting the adult male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs. To schedule an appointment with one of the urology specialists, call Crossing Rivers Health Center for Specialty Care at 608-357-2525 or visit crossingrivers.org.