My doc's tip to prevent urinary tract infections: Unscented soap

Hi, @ainsleigh -- that is very helpful, indeed, as other members have faced challenges with urinary tract infections (UTIs). I wanted to call attention to the tips you posted to prevent these infections to some members who've mentioned UTIs like @pizon @victoryohvictory @smartchick43 @mpeters @upartist @victoryohvictory and see what thoughts they may have on them. @hopeful33250 may have some thoughts on this, too.

Have you missed the scented soaps and baths since taking these suggestions, @ainsleigh?

No I have not-it is just great not to be having UTIs!!

@ainsleigh

I'm happy that you found such an easy answer to the UTI problems and I especially appreciate your sharing your experience.

At Mayo Connect we all learn from each other and this is another good example of that ongoing education.

Teresa

Thanks so much. I switched to Dove soap a long time ago due to allergies. However, taking showers only is a new behavior for me and I appreciate your validation that baths are no longer on the menu for me.

A couple of you had talked about taking some measures to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in this discussion. We've had a number of members mention UTIs in other Connect discussions, like @shoregal45 @contentandwell @smith818 @picster @victoryohvictory @rosemarya @safetyshield @boredsilly @huffman1835 and @renarikiw, and I thought they might be interested in how things have gone for you and may have some input of their own on how they've managed UTIs.

@mpeters - has it worked okay for you to only take showers now?

@ainsleigh - have you had any more infections since moving to the unscented soap and showers only?

I have used un scented products for a long time, on the advice of my Mayo allergist. I learned about showers only, on this site. I can’t believe how simple this is, and that no one in the medical fields told me about it. Also, I feel silly for not knowing it myself. Since changing to showers I have been uti free. I went through all the urology tests and aside from a little muscle weakness, I am fine. In fact there was a caveat on that finding because there are no age norms for the test. The urologist recommended double voiding. To add to my feeling of being a little lacking in common sense, the doctor was not sure that I actually had that many uti’s since I was diagnosed during travel at urgent care centers, on the basis of symptoms and urine tests, with no physical exam. I may have had just a yeast infection, but a new type I had never had before. Wishing all of you best of luck with your issues, and hoping the upcoming holidays are bright and happy.

Have not had even one UTI since moving to unscented soap and showers only!
Ainsleigh

@lisalucier Actually I am not 100% sure that I have had a UTI. When I first had episodes of confusion (HE), one of the possible causes mentioned was UTIs and I tested very low but was put on an antibiotic regardless. Of course now we know that UTIs were not the cause, and also I have learned that a very low number generally does not mean you have a UTI. The old thinking was that urine was sterile. That is no longer considered to be true.
Now, due to my immunosuppressants, I tend to be very careful about hot tubs. I don't want to tempt fate. I have used the one at my health club a few times when I have been in the pool for an hour or so and noticed that no one had been in the hot tub during that time. I assume that in an hour any germs in there would be killed by the chlorine. My transplant surgeon, when I told him that and asked him if it was OK, said he would leave it up to my discretion.
JK

@ainsleigh What's old is new again. My urologist told me this 48 years ago. He also added to wear cotton underwear, no fancy silky lingerie, and no skintight slacks like leggings. He also said no hot tubs, no warmed leather seats. He said use perfume behind the ear or on the wrist for fragrance. He explained that taking a bath is sitting in water that has germs, bacteria, and dirt, and you wash yourself with dirty water. So I have not had a bath in 48 years and won't for the rest of my life. I have followed his directions and never missed it knowing I was preventing UTI's. He also was a great believer in cranberry juice, so that has been my morning juice since. I have had UTI's, but that's from teaching and not going to the restroom as needed. Can't leave 30 kids alone so just have to hold it and that is not healthy.
Carol

@contentandwell- I'm just finding this and nothing irritates me more than a doctor telling me that I probably have a UTI because it's most common in older women.