Urinary tract infections are not pleasant to experience. However, you’re not the only one suffering. UTIs are the second most common infection in the body accounting for more than eight million doctor’s visits a year.

So while not every UTI is avoidable, there are some ways to help prevent a UTI from taking hold:

1. Stay Hydrated: UTIs do not occur when bacteria gets into the bladder, they occur when it does not get out.  Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day promotes regular urination which helps flush out bacteria in one’s urinary tract.
2. Protect Your Back: Lower back stress can affect the flow of urine, which can lead to abnormal voiding (urination) and UTIs.  If you suspect a back problem may be contributing to your UTIs, ask your doctor for a “uroflow” exam to assess whether or not you are voiding effectively.
3. Take a Vitamin C Supplement: Take about 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C throughout the day to help inhibit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine.
4. Avoid Feminine Hygiene Sprays and Scented Douches: They can irritate the urethra causing an inflammation that can promote urinary bacteria
5. Respond to “Nature’s Call”: Urinate as soon as you feel the need to in order to eliminate unwanted bacteria. While “holding it in” does not directly cause an infection, it can cause overdistension that can damage the lining of the bladder, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.
6. Wear Cotton Undies: Opt for panties with a cotton crotch since cotton fabric allows moisture to escape while other fabrics trap moisture (which bacteria thrives on).
7. Wipe From Front to Back: After a bowel movement or voiding, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
8. Take Showers Instead of Baths: Avoid exposing your urethra to stagnant water which predisposes you to a urinary tract infection.
9. Proper Washing: Wash your genital area before and after sexual intercourse to help prevent transferring bacteria to the urethra or vaginal area which can create a breeding ground for a UTI.
10. Take an Antibacterial: Women who have recurrent UTIs might consider taking Cystex® as a preventative as it contains methenamine, an antibacterial agent that helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.  Cystex® can be taken before activities or situations that you believe have contributed to urinary tract infections. Speak to your physician.

For more information on UTIs and other useful tips on preventing one, Check out the Cystex Web site at www.cystex.com

At last, you’ve arrived at your vacation destination only to be welcomed by a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although there’s never an ideal time to have a painful and annoying UTI, vacation time is at the top of the list, since its symptoms – painful urination and frequency – among others – is sure to put a damper on your fun in the sun.

Have no fear and listen up! The Cystex Experts are here with a few tips to help minimize your risk of getting a UTI while you’re away and guide you through this common infection, should you get one:

• When packing your bikini and sunscreen, make sure to also pack vitamin C, which  helps acidify the urine and inhibit the growth of some UTI-causing bacteria. Take 1,000 mg. daily while on vacation.
• In between sipping frozen cocktails on the beach, make sure to drink plenty of water and limit your consumption of alcohol to keep from becoming dehydrated. Eight glasses of water a day isn’t necessary for everyone: the amount of water you need depends on what makes you feel comfortable, your level of activity, your diet and the climate. On average, 32 ounces of fluid a day is enough to remove bacteria out of the bladder. Also, urinate regularly and empty your bladder completely (each time) to eliminate any unwanted bacteria.
• Unfortunately, while you’re away from home, you’ll have to use public restrooms more frequently than you might like,   so before you leave home, check out The Bathroom Diaries at Cystex.com, which rates and reviews public restrooms, including hours of availability, details about cleanliness, and safety from a personal perspective. If you follow this advice and still get a UTI while you’re away, try Cystex®, the over-the-counter urinary pain relief and prevention product that will help with the pain of a UTI and also slow the progression of the infection with an extra ingredient –  methenamine — that helps stop bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. (Other UTI products sold over-the-counter do not have this bacteria-fighting ingredient,) When used as a preventative treatment, Cystex® should be taken before any situation or activity that might cause the infection. Always follow the instructions on the package.

Welcome to the Ladies Room blog, designed by Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets as a resource for the millions of women who suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) – whether just once a year, or more frequently with recurring UTIs.

Anyone who’s had a UTI knows what it feels like – the constant urge to urinate (with just a few drops coming out at a time), burning pain when you pee, aching in the lower back/abdomen, etc. The Cystex® Ladies Room blog was designed to help you get the information you need about UTIs, common misconceptions on causes and surprising triggers, as well as how to manage the infection (from getting worse) while you wait for a doctor’s appointment (since UTIs require prescription antibiotics to completely cure the infection, we urge you to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and prescription medication).

Our noted medical advisors will also answer your questions and even offer some lifestyle changes that you can do to help prevent your next urinary tract infection (UTI).

The Cystex® Ladies Room blog can be your resource for the latest news and information regarding UTIs, as well as an outlet for you to chat about your struggles with UTIs, etc.

The Cystex® Web site – www.cystex.com – was also re-launched with a new design and
updated information. We will be providing site visitors with monthly giveaways and other interactive items, so please take the time to visit our new site and offer us your comments on what should be added or expanded.

Thanks, again, for visiting the Cystex® Ladies Room.

Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets Stop the Pain and Progression of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Physician and pharmacist-recommended Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets is the only over-the-counter (OTC) medication that has a dual-action formula to help manage urinary tract infections (UTIs) while waiting to see a doctor. Unlike other drug store medicines, Cystex® helps to relieve the pain and burning associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI) while also inhibiting the progression of the infection with an antibacterial. It is the only OTC urinary pain relief medicine to combine a key pain-fighting analgesic, sodium salicylate, with an effective antibacterial agent, methenamine. Additionally, Cystex® will not change the color of the urine like other OTC medications will.

Not only is Cystex® used to help treat the pain, burning and progression of an existing urinary tract infection (UTI), but some doctors believe it can also be an excellent preventative therapy for those who suffer from recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recurrent infection sufferers should speak to their healthcare providers to determine if Cystex®, when taken as a preventative, is right for them.

Cystex® is not meant to replace the care of a doctor, since urinary tract infections (UTIs) require prescription medication to completely cure the infection. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect a urinary tract infection (UTI). Use Cystex® as directed on the package or by your physician.

Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets is available at drug stores nationwide and via online retailers. For a list of places to buy Cystex® or to purchase Cystex® online, click here.