<strong>Tips on how to avoid urinary tract infections.<a href="http://www.southcountyurological.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cranberries.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-248" alt="cranberries" src="http://www.southcountyurological.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cranberries.jpg" width="320" height="213" /></a></strong>

Some self-help measures you can do to help avoid a UTI include drinking plenty of fluids — especially water — and urinating when you have the urge. Don’t hold urine. It can stretch your bladder over time causing it to retain urine, which can cause a UTI. Also urinate after sexual intercourse to flush away bacteria. Wipe your crotch from front to back when using toilet paper.

Cranberry products are especially helpful for women who have recurrent UTIs, says a study published in the <i>Archives of Internal Medicine</i>. Researchers think that certain compounds attach to the urinary tract and prevent infections.

Before embarking on a daily dose of cranberries, make sure it doesn’t interact with any of your medications.

(<a href="http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1213845" target="_blank">http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1213845</a>)