July 21, 2025—A long day at the beach, not enough water and limited restroom access—it's the kind of summer combo that can set you up for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Higher temperatures and humidity create an ideal environment for germs to grow.
The good news? These six tips, based on advice from the American Medical Association and the National Kidney Foundation, can help lower your risk all season long.
1. Stay hydrated. One of the best things you can do to prevent a UTI is to drink more water. Staying well-hydrated helps flush out bacteria by diluting your urine. It also encourages more frequent bathroom trips, which keeps bacteria from hanging around and multiplying. Most people should aim for about eight glasses a day.
2. Don't hold it in. Holding in urine gives bacteria time to grow in your bladder. Make it a point to go to the bathroom when you feel the urge, and don't rush when you do!
3. Practice proper hygiene. Always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from the rectal area from entering the urethra. This is especially important for women, who are more likely to get UTIs.
4. Urinate after sex. Bacteria can be introduced into the urinary tract during sex. Urinating may help flush it out and lower the risk of infection.
5. Consider cranberry juice. Cranberry juice may make it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder wall. Some people may benefit from drinking cranberry juice as a preventive measure. If you often get UTIs, it may be worth trying, as long as you don't have any health conditions—like diabetes—that require you to watch your sugar intake.
6. Talk to your healthcare provider. If you get UTIs often—three or more in a year—talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest changes to your routine or medications to help reduce how often infections occur.
Don't wait if you think you have a UTI
While most UTIs are mild and treatable, they can lead to serious problems if ignored. See a doctor if you notice UTI symptoms, such as:
- A burning sensation during urination.
- Discomfort, pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Cloudy urine.
- Needing to go frequently.
- Urine that has a strong odor.
In serious cases, UTIs can also cause:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Nausea or vomiting.
It's better to treat a UTI early than wait for it to get worse.
Explore more
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Sources
- American Medical Association. "What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About UTI Prevention." https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-uti-prevention.
- National Kidney Foundation. "Urinary Tract Infections." https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/urinary-tract-infections.
- Urology Care Foundation. "Avoid UTIs and Manage OAB This Summer!" https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/care-blog/2022/avoid-utis-and-manage-oab-this-summer.