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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of your urinary system such as your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections arise in the lower urinary tract which are the bladder and the urethra.1
In general, girls are more susceptible to UTIs than boys, because their urethras are very short and germs from the bowel can easily pass along this route to the bladder. To minimize the risk of infection, girls should always wipe from front to back after bowel movements. Studies show that cranberry and blueberry juices contain substances that make the urine more acidic and stop bacteria from growing. However, drinking plenty of plain water to flush out the bladder may be just as effective.2
Other helpful measures are:
- Wear cotton underpants.
- Avoid very tight-fitting jeans and other pants.
- Avoid bubble baths, perfumed soaps, and other substances that can irritate the genitals and urethra.
- After swimming, change into dry clothes instead of sitting around in a wet suit.
Dr. Ahmed Maher Bodon
Pediatrician
