How to Prevent UTIs: Evidence-Based Tips

If you have experienced recurrent UTIs, you are not alone. Certain preventive strategies may help reduce your risk, though individual effectiveness can vary. Evidence-based prevention strategies include staying well-hydrated (drinking adequate water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract), urinating after sexual intercourse (this is commonly recommended by physicians, though evidence is mixed), wiping front to back after using the washroom, and avoiding douches and scented products near the genital area. Some research suggests that cranberry products may help prevent UTIs in some women, though Health Canada has not made specific therapeutic claims. A 2023 Cochrane review found modest benefits for cranberry supplements in women with recurrent UTIs. For women with frequent recurrences (three or more UTIs per year), a physician may recommend low-dose prophylactic antibiotics (taken daily or after certain triggers), vaginal estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women, or further testing to rule out structural urinary tract abnormalities. Do not self-treat suspected UTIs with leftover antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, and the wrong antibiotic - or an incomplete course - can make future infections harder to treat. A physician can develop a personalized prevention plan based on your history. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.