How to Prevent Cystitis: 8 Tips for Cystitis Prevention
Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) which can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and painful. While it’s usually nothing to worry about and often clears up on its own, that doesn’t stop it from being a nuisance or stopping you from doing the things you love. It also makes you feel a persistent need to urinate even when your bladder is empty, which can be frustrating.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of cystitis, and there’s no surefire way to prevent it. Fortunately, there are several things you can try to keep it at bay.
So, if you’re wondering how to prevent cystitis, join us as we explore 8 top tips to help stop the infection from occurring.
What Causes Cystitis
Before discussing how to prevent cystitis, it’s essential to understand its potential causes. Cystitis is thought to be caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). As bacteria enter the urethra (the tube through which urine is expelled), they travel up and into the bladder, causing irritation and inflammation. Along with these uncomfortable symptoms, you may also feel generally unwell as your body fights the infection.
A woman's urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. This means that bacteria from the anus can more easily enter the urethra, leading to a UTI. This is why women are more prone to cystitis than men. That being said, cystitis in men can be a sign of an underlying medical problem with their kidneys, bladder or prostate. For this reason, it is essential that men consult their doctor if they suspect or receive a positive test result for the condition.
Common Causes of Cystitis
There are a number of things you could be doing that, without realising it, may be heightening your risk of getting cystitis. These include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Contraceptive diaphragm
- Wiping back to front, instead of front to back
All of these are potential causes of cystitis, as they can allow bacteria to enter the urethra.
Meanwhile, several other potential causes include:
- Pregnancy (as a result of hormonal changes)
- Diabetes (higher sugar levels in urine mean bacteria can breed more easily there)
- Age (younger than 1, older than 75)
- Urinary catheter
- Weakened immune system
- Menopause
- Obstruction or damage to the urethra
How to Prevent Cystitis: 8 Top Tips
The NHS recommends several measures that can help prevent cystitis. These procedures mostly involve washing, or "flushing out," the bacteria from around the urethra. Potential methods to prevent cytisis include showering, avoiding soaps and deodorant sprays, and staying well hydrated.
Here are our 8 recommendations to stop cystitis from occurring:
1. Try Showering Rather than Bathing
Baths can create an environment where bacteria from your bowel area sit in warm water around your urethra, potentially making their way into your bladder. Showers are a safer option as the water runs off rather than pooling around your genital area. If you do prefer baths, avoid adding bubble bath, bath oils, or other products that might irritate your urinary tract.
Another reason why showering is good for cystitis prevention is that the constant flow of water helps wash away potential irritants, preventing them from lingering on the skin and causing irritation.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Studies show that staying well-hydrated is one of the most effective ways to prevent cystitis. Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily, as this helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract before they can multiply and cause infection. Women who increased their water intake experienced 1.5 fewer cystitis episodes per year.
Drinking more water also dilutes the urine in your system, making it less likely to irritate the lining of the bladder. More concentrated urine could create an environment where cystitis-causing bacteria can thrive.
3. Don't Put Off Using the Toilet
Urinating is actually the body’s natural mechanism for cleansing potentially harmful bacteria and preventing them from causing an infection. When you hold your urine for long periods, bacteria have more time to multiply in your bladder.
Try to urinate regularly throughout the day – typically every 3-4 hours – and always go when you first feel the urge. Holding it in also stretches your bladder, which can weaken the muscles over time and make complete emptying more difficult.
4. Change Your Toilet Habits
Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This simple habit prevents E. coli bacteria from your bowel area being transferred to your urethra. It's especially important after bowel movements, but it's a good practice every time you use the toilet.
Studies have shown that wiping from the front between the legs (wiping from back to front) was significantly associated with causing a UTI in women between the ages of 40-59, suggesting that they should change their habits and go from front to back.
It’s also recommended to avoid using scented toilet paper. Like other fragranced items, this may upset your body’s pH balance and cause an infection.
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5. Change the Material of Your Underwear
Wear loose, comfortable underwear made of breathable fabric such as cotton, so that your intimate areas are not confined or irritated by harsh or tight materials. Underwear made from synthetic fibres can irritate your sensitive areas and allow bacteria to build up. This is because they can trap moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Tight underwear can also cause chafing and irritate the skin around the urethra, creating a more hospitable environment for bacteria. If your underwear becomes damp, for example, after the gym or exercise, it’s important to change them as soon as possible.
6. Avoid Soaps When Washing Genitals
Another recommendation in our guide on how to prevent cystitis is to avoid using soaps when washing your intimate areas. This is because your genital area has a natural pH balance that helps protect against infection.
Soaps, shower gels, and feminine hygiene products can disrupt this balance and irritate the delicate tissues around your urethra. Wash your genital area with warm water only. This is all you need to stay clean and fresh.
Overwashing with soap can also disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, a naturally protective layer that helps keep out potentially harmful bacteria, thereby potentially increasing the risk of infection.
7. Urinate After Having Sex
Sexual intercourse is one of the strongest risk factors for cystitis because it can push bacteria into your urethra. Urinating within 30 minutes after sex helps flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced. Some women find it helpful to drink a glass of water before sex so they'll need to urinate afterwards.
8. Consider Changing Contraceptives
Spermicides and diaphragms can increase your risk of cystitis. Spermicides can kill the protective bacteria in your vagina, while diaphragms can press against your bladder and prevent complete emptying.
If you're experiencing recurrent infections and use these methods, speak with your doctor about alternative contraception options like condoms without spermicide or hormonal methods.
When to Consult Your Doctor About Cystitis
If you’re unsure whether you have cystitis, have not had it before, or suffer from recurring episodes, it’s essential to consult your doctor or a clinician. They will be able to assess your situation and provide specialist guidance and treatment options if necessary.
How to Stop Cystitis: Frequently Asked Questions
If you're dealing with cystitis, you probably have questions about how to manage and prevent it. Below, we've answered some of the most common queries we hear from people struggling with recurrent bladder infections.
Is Cranberry Juice Good for Cystitis?
The evidence on cranberry juice is mixed. Research suggests that cranberry products may help prevent UTIs in women with recurrent infections and in children, but they're less effective for elderly people, pregnant women, and those with bladder emptying problems.
Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs) that may stop bacteria from sticking to your bladder wall. However, cranberries won't cure an active infection – you'll still need antibiotics for that. If you want to try cranberries for prevention, look for products with at least 36mg of PACs daily. Bear in mind that many shop-bought cranberry juices contain high amounts of sugar, which could actually feed bacteria.
What to Avoid with Cystitis?
When you have cystitis, certain foods and drinks can irritate your bladder and worsen symptoms. Avoid caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) as it increases urine production and irritates the bladder. Alcohol disrupts bladder signals and worsens inflammation. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus juices, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages, can increase urine acidity and worsen irritation.
Spicy foods containing compounds like capsaicin can trigger bladder discomfort, and artificial sweeteners may increase urinary problems. Sugary foods and drinks can promote bacterial growth. It's also wise to avoid spermicides and diaphragms for contraception, as these increase infection risk. Instead, focus on drinking plenty of water, eating bland foods, and wearing loose cotton underwear while you recover.
How to Prevent Cystitis After Sex?
Post-sex cystitis is frustratingly common because sexual activity can push bacteria into your urethra. Try to urinate within 30 minutes after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced. Drinking a glass of water before sex can help ensure you will need to go afterwards.
Using adequate lubrication during intercourse reduces friction and irritation. Avoid spermicides, which kill protective bacteria, and consider switching from diaphragms to other contraceptive methods if you get frequent post-sex infections.
If infections keep happening after sex despite these measures, your doctor might prescribe a single antibiotic dose to take within two hours of intercourse.
How to Avoid Cystitis
Prevention is about creating an environment where bacteria struggle to cause infection. Drink at least 2 litres of water daily to flush your urinary tract. Urinate regularly – don't hold it in – and always go when you first feel the urge. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria transfer from your bowel.
Take showers rather than baths, as sitting in bathwater can expose your urethra to bacteria. If you do bathe, avoid bubble baths and scented products. Wear cotton underwear that allows airflow and avoid tight-fitting trousers.
Don't use perfumed soaps or feminine hygiene products on your genital area – warm water is all you need. For postmenopausal women, vaginal oestrogen therapy can help restore protective bacteria and reduce infection risk significantly.
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Effective Cystitis Treatment from Prescription Doctor
While having a solid understanding of how to prevent cystitis is, of course, useful for keeping yourself free of infection, we understand that the condition can still arise despite your best efforts. That’s why we’re here to help by providing effective medication to treat your symptoms and get you back to feeling yourself.
We offer clinically proven treatments such as Nitrofurantoin and Trimethoprim, which are suitable for treating the condition in women and men. You can also obtain CanesOasis sachets to relieve the discomfort associated with cystitis; however, this medication is only suitable for women.
We can even help if you need your medication quickly and discreetly. All orders approved by our experienced clinicians are dispatched in plain packaging that does not reveal their contents. Anything approved by 3pm on a weekday is also eligible for next-day delivery, so you can get your treatment as quickly as possible.
Need reliable support for cystitis? Start a consultation with Prescription Doctor today and discover how we can help take the hassle out of your healthcare.
Sources
- NHS: Cystitis.
- StatPearls (2023): Acute Cystitis.
- Cureus (2024): Post-Toilet Wiping Style Is Associated With the Risk of Urinary Tract Infection in Women.
- PubMed (2025): The Skin Acid Mantle: An Update on Skin pH.
- PubMed (2023): Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections.
- PubMed (2011): Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of recurrent urinary tract infection in women.
Authored By
Sam Jeans
Medical Content WriterPublished on: 22/08/2019 Re-Published on: 26/11/2025
Reviewed By
Mohamed Imran Lakhi
MPharm - Lead PharmacistReviewed on: 26/11/2025
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