Prevention

Cranberry juice or tablets containing proanthocyanidin are often recommended to help reduce the risk of recurrent bladder infections for some women. But research in this area is conflicting. Some smaller studies demonstrated a slight benefit, but larger studies found no significant benefit.

As a home remedy, avoid cranberry juice if you're taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin (Coumadin). Possible interactions between cranberry juice and warfarin can lead to bleeding.

Although these preventive self-care measures aren't well-studied, doctors sometimes recommend the following for repeated bladder infections:

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking lots of fluids is especially important if you're getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy, particularly on treatment days.
• Urinate frequently. If you feel the urge to urinate, don't delay using the toilet.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. This prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
• Take showers rather than tub baths. If you're susceptible to infections, showering rather than bathing may help prevent them.
• Gently wash the skin around the vagina and anus. Do this daily, but don't use harsh soaps or wash too vigorously. The delicate skin around these areas can become irritated.
• Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
• Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products in the genital area. These products can irritate the urethra and bladder.