What to do if you have a urinary tract infection after childbirth

Some women will suffer from urinary tract infection after giving birth. It is recommended that such people should drink more water, eat less spicy and irritating food, and also do a good job of daily vulva cleaning. If the condition does not improve, you will need to go to a regular hospital for treatment. It is best for mothers to stop breastfeeding when taking medication to avoid affecting the health of their children.

1. Causes of postpartum urinary tract infection

1. Causes of urinary tract infection

Pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections than the general population, and after childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles may be damaged or traumatized, resulting in an inability to excrete urine normally. Or the bladder loses its normal state, which can easily lead to urinary tract infection.

2. Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Common symptoms of a UTI include burning sensation when urinating, inflammation of the bladder and urethra, pain in the pelvic area and abdomen, foul-smelling urine, body aches, fever and fatigue.

3. Treatment of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be given. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, and fever reducers depending on your condition.

2. How to avoid postpartum urinary tract infection

1. Plenty of drinking water

Water helps flush bacteria out of your excretory system. When you drink more water, it helps you urinate more frequently, which can reduce the risk of bacterial growth in your urinary tract.

2. Drink cranberry juice

Cranberry juice has been shown to treat as well as prevent urinary tract infections naturally. Its main way of working is to make it difficult for microorganisms to colonize and grow on the urethral walls.

3. Eat more vitamin C

Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, can make urine more acidic. This helps the body destroy and reduce the number of bacteria that have already invaded the urinary system.

4. Avoid skin care products

Avoid using scented products, creams, or gels around your genitals, as they can greatly increase your risk of a UTI. These products can irritate the lining of your urethra and make you more susceptible to infection.

5. Wear loose clothing

Wearing loose-fitting clothing can keep your genitals dry and prevent the growth of bacteria that may have entered your body's urinary system. Clothing that is too tight can easily cause sweat and moisture in the private parts, making it easy for bacteria to grow.

6. Be cautious about sex

Sexual activity can increase the risk of bacteria entering the urinary system. Therefore, it is best to urinate immediately after sexual intercourse to help reduce the amount of bacteria reaching the urethra. Washing your private parts after sex can also help.

7. Good hygiene habits

Basic toilet hygiene can prevent urinary tract infections. After a bowel movement, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra and causing infection. If you are already menstruating, you should also change sanitary napkins frequently.