Since over 90% of U.T.I.s occur in girls, I'll assume we're talking about your daughter. Also, I'll assume your doctor has confirmed this diagnosis. Recurring Urinary Tract Infections are usually caused by some misunderstanding regarding genital hygiene. To prevent U.T.I.s: • First, don't use bubble bath. It's very irritating to the vulva area and removes the secretions that normally protect the urethra. So does shampoo or soapy water. Wash your daughter's genital area only with water--no soap until she reaches puberty. Shampoo her hair at the end of the bath. • Second, have your child urinate immediately following baths. • Third, encourage her to drink adequate fluids each day. This will increase the amount of urine produced and the extra urine washes out the bladder. • Fourth, encourage her to empty her bladder every three or four hours during the day. Holding back the urine causes normal bacteria to multiply. In summary, prior to puberty, protect the female genital area against all types of soap.
|
