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What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

Science-backed advice on how to lower your chances of getting another UTI

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

Published October 13, 2025

illustration of two women drinking cranberry juice

James Yates

I get frequent urinary tract infections. How can I lower my risk of getting another UTI?

Let’s be honest: Few things disrupt our daily life quite like a urinary tract infection. Whether it’s the sudden urgency to pee, the burning sensation or the nagging discomfort during intimacy, a UTI can knock you off your routine fast. If you’ve had one before, it’s no wonder you want to avoid going through it again.

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But UTIs are incredibly common, especially as we age. In fact, UTIs are among the most diagnosed infections in adults 65 and older.

Women are more frequently affected, but men aren’t off the hook. What’s tricky is that as we age, the symptoms can be different from what we expect. Younger folks might notice burning, urgency or cloudy urine, but in older adults, the first sign might be confusion, or a noticeable change in mental sharpness.

I’ve had family members call my office worried their parent was showing signs of dementia, and it turned out to be a UTI. So if you or a loved one suddenly seems off, check it out. It might be something as treatable as a bladder infection.

Now, let’s talk prevention.

Keeping the area dry and clean is your frontline defense. After sweating, swimming or exercise, wash the area, dry off completely and put on something fresh and clean. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, and wet or damp clothing, like gym outfits or bathing suits, give them an open invitation.

For women, wiping from front to back is sound advice. It helps prevent bacteria from the rectum, especially E. coli, from making its way to the urethra. And while moist wipes can help, skip anything scented or chemical-heavy. Those all-over deodorants and washes, for instance, may promise freshness, but they can irritate delicate skin and actually raise your risk of infection.

It’s a good idea to urinate after sex. That goes for both men and women. Sex can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, and peeing afterward helps flush it out. Can’t go? At least rinse off gently with warm water.

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If sex has become uncomfortable due to dryness, try using a water-based lubricant. It reduces irritation, which means less inflammation and fewer chances for bacteria to settle in.

If you’re postmenopausal, the risk of UTIs increases because the body produces less estrogen. This leads to thinning of the urethral and vaginal tissues, which makes it easier for infections to develop. A vaginal estrogen cream prescribed by your doctor can help restore that natural barrier and change the environment in a way that is less welcoming to bacteria.

You’ll also want to hydrate. You don’t need to be drinking gallons of water, especially if nighttime bathroom trips are a concern. But pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow or clear. If it’s consistently dark or cloudy, that’s a sign you need more fluids. Just don’t overdo it. Balance is key.

Speaking of fluids, consider drinking cranberry juice regularly. More than a dozen studies show a lower rate of UTIs with cranberry juice consumption than no treatment. Choose unsweetened rather than the so-called “cocktail” versions; you want to avoid added sugars. If cranberry juice is too sour for you, some research also shows a benefit from cranberry supplements.

If you’ve tried these remedies and are still getting frequent infections, it’s time for a deeper conversation with your health care provider. Don’t assume it’s just age or bad luck. A urine culture can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, and imaging or other tests might find a structural issue.

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You might also consider seeing a urologist, a medical doctor who specializes in the urinary tract for both sexes. A urologist can help you find long-term solutions for recurring infections.

Some patients benefit from low-dose antibiotics, especially if their UTIs tend to pop up after sex. But you don’t want to overuse antibiotics, because it can lead to resistance. That’s why I’m so glad you asked about prevention rather than a quick fix.

UTIs may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep suffering through them. A few simple changes — better hygiene, mindful hydration, postmenopausal care and smarter bathroom habits — can go a long way toward preventing the next one.

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