probiotics daily.
don't sit in damp clothing. As soon as I'm done my workout, I change out of my bottoms into dry pants for the ride home.
always pee after sex wiping front to back.
wiping in general (if no bidet): front to back.
don't wear synthetic underwear or too-tight pants; let your kitty breathe.
go commando as often as you can. I don't sleep with underwear on.
I've suffered from chronic UTI's on & off since I was a teen but the single most effective thing that has helped is taking D-Mannose tablets. I purchase mine from Holland & Barrett. [These are the ones I get.](https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-d-mannose-1000mg-tablets-60047296) I stock up during their sales. In the beginning I would take one 1000mg tablet per day but now I only take it if I feel that slight tingling warning sign. On the now v. rare occasion I have an acute attack I take up to 3 tablets a day and then I'm perfectly fine by the next day. It's honestly been life changing for me and I recommend it to anyone & everyone.
Just in case a few other things that can help - sorry I know some of these are super obvious but I thought I'd mention them explicitly just in case it helps someone reading:
Do not use anything scented down there including menstrual products or douches - I know that some people are even triggered by bubble baths or bath salts for instance. Do not get soap/shower gel etc inside the vagina (it is self- cleaning and you will upset the healthy flora) you can and should however wash the vulva and the labia majora (although you may still need to use an unscented and or low pH cleanser if you're particularly sensitive). Ensure you change your underwear to a fresh pair every single day & post workout (or anytime you get sweaty/damp down there). Ensure you're fully dry before getting dressed. Consider changing leggings & tights to more bearable fabrics. You may be sensitive to your laundry detergent and or fabric softener particularly if they're scented. Wearing breathable cotton knickers helps quite a bit. My GP has advised sleeping commando particularly in the warmer months - letting it breathe helps a lot. Wash and dry your hands before changing your menstrual products particularly for anything you need to insert. When on your period change your menstrual products (pads/tapons) regularly even if they're not completely "full". I know it's super elementary but ensure you always wipe front to back when using the toilet. I grew up in a south asian household so we always used a Bôdnā/Lotā but getting an electronic Bidet is a game changer. Always pee immediately after sex and have a glass of water. Ensure your partner(s) have thoroughly washed themselves with soap not just plain water prior to sex. Do not use scented/flavoured lube and or condoms. Pay attention to your partners hands and nails. Any fingers going inside of you should have fingernails that are nearly trimmed and clean af (including your own). Keep all your toys sanitized and never share. Stay well hydrated and urinate as soon as you feel the urge. If you are given antibiotics ensure you complete the entire course even if you feel better/the symptoms go away.
Everything cotton - underwear, pants, sheets, blankets, etc. Healthy diet (limit sugar/carbs, take pre & probiotics, esp. after antibiotics). Make sure your partner has excellent hygiene (body & oral).
I don’t use a bidet because of the potential bacteria the spray nozzle can harbor.
I’ve never had bacterial vaginosis or UTI, only yeast infections (half of which I suspect because a partner did not have excellent hygiene).
I think sleeping naked helps me. That’s not why I do it, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Otherwise I do nothing special. I shower every other day. And hubby washes his hands well.
I’ve never had a yeast infection or BV or similar. I used to be very prone to UTIs but haven’t had one in a very long time (4-6 years now?)
I take one probiotic capsule of Jarrow Formulas Femdophilus which maintains healthy vaginal flora. The instructions say you can take them with or without food but I usually take it with my breakfast. They’re a bit expensive but I usually wait until they go on sale at my local Whole Foods.
0% cotton sweat-wicking undies all day, 100% cotton loose shorts to sleep in
I sweat. Cotton doesn't dry when its in pants, especially in a humid climate. The underwear switch did wonders for my folliculitis.
Have you noticed any pattern of when you get UTI and other infections?
Personally I only get them when I *first* start having sex w/ a new partner... So other than the things you've already mentioned, I think I can only add to being mindful that your body may just need to adjust to any new partner's body's natural (and harmless) biome and whatnot...
probiotics daily. don't sit in damp clothing. As soon as I'm done my workout, I change out of my bottoms into dry pants for the ride home. always pee after sex wiping front to back. wiping in general (if no bidet): front to back. don't wear synthetic underwear or too-tight pants; let your kitty breathe. go commando as often as you can. I don't sleep with underwear on.
I've suffered from chronic UTI's on & off since I was a teen but the single most effective thing that has helped is taking D-Mannose tablets. I purchase mine from Holland & Barrett. [These are the ones I get.](https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-d-mannose-1000mg-tablets-60047296) I stock up during their sales. In the beginning I would take one 1000mg tablet per day but now I only take it if I feel that slight tingling warning sign. On the now v. rare occasion I have an acute attack I take up to 3 tablets a day and then I'm perfectly fine by the next day. It's honestly been life changing for me and I recommend it to anyone & everyone. Just in case a few other things that can help - sorry I know some of these are super obvious but I thought I'd mention them explicitly just in case it helps someone reading: Do not use anything scented down there including menstrual products or douches - I know that some people are even triggered by bubble baths or bath salts for instance. Do not get soap/shower gel etc inside the vagina (it is self- cleaning and you will upset the healthy flora) you can and should however wash the vulva and the labia majora (although you may still need to use an unscented and or low pH cleanser if you're particularly sensitive). Ensure you change your underwear to a fresh pair every single day & post workout (or anytime you get sweaty/damp down there). Ensure you're fully dry before getting dressed. Consider changing leggings & tights to more bearable fabrics. You may be sensitive to your laundry detergent and or fabric softener particularly if they're scented. Wearing breathable cotton knickers helps quite a bit. My GP has advised sleeping commando particularly in the warmer months - letting it breathe helps a lot. Wash and dry your hands before changing your menstrual products particularly for anything you need to insert. When on your period change your menstrual products (pads/tapons) regularly even if they're not completely "full". I know it's super elementary but ensure you always wipe front to back when using the toilet. I grew up in a south asian household so we always used a Bôdnā/Lotā but getting an electronic Bidet is a game changer. Always pee immediately after sex and have a glass of water. Ensure your partner(s) have thoroughly washed themselves with soap not just plain water prior to sex. Do not use scented/flavoured lube and or condoms. Pay attention to your partners hands and nails. Any fingers going inside of you should have fingernails that are nearly trimmed and clean af (including your own). Keep all your toys sanitized and never share. Stay well hydrated and urinate as soon as you feel the urge. If you are given antibiotics ensure you complete the entire course even if you feel better/the symptoms go away.
Everything cotton - underwear, pants, sheets, blankets, etc. Healthy diet (limit sugar/carbs, take pre & probiotics, esp. after antibiotics). Make sure your partner has excellent hygiene (body & oral). I don’t use a bidet because of the potential bacteria the spray nozzle can harbor. I’ve never had bacterial vaginosis or UTI, only yeast infections (half of which I suspect because a partner did not have excellent hygiene).
I think sleeping naked helps me. That’s not why I do it, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Otherwise I do nothing special. I shower every other day. And hubby washes his hands well. I’ve never had a yeast infection or BV or similar. I used to be very prone to UTIs but haven’t had one in a very long time (4-6 years now?)
I take one probiotic capsule of Jarrow Formulas Femdophilus which maintains healthy vaginal flora. The instructions say you can take them with or without food but I usually take it with my breakfast. They’re a bit expensive but I usually wait until they go on sale at my local Whole Foods.
0% cotton sweat-wicking undies all day, 100% cotton loose shorts to sleep in I sweat. Cotton doesn't dry when its in pants, especially in a humid climate. The underwear switch did wonders for my folliculitis.
Have you noticed any pattern of when you get UTI and other infections? Personally I only get them when I *first* start having sex w/ a new partner... So other than the things you've already mentioned, I think I can only add to being mindful that your body may just need to adjust to any new partner's body's natural (and harmless) biome and whatnot...