Which practice helps decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Which practice helps decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

• A. Use a lubricant and a condom during sexual intercourse.
• B. Drink orange juice daily.
• C. Do not wear cotton underpants.
• D. Treat vaginal yeast disorders promptly.

Answer: (A)

During intercourse, bacteria can be introduced toward the urethra, increasing the risk of a bladder infection. Using a water-based lubricant reduces friction and microtrauma to the urethral opening, helping maintain the natural barrier against bacterial entry. A condom adds a protective barrier between partners, limiting the transfer of bacteria toward the urethral meatus. Together, these practices lower the chance that bacteria will ascend into the urinary tract after sex, decreasing UTIs. The other options don’t offer the same direct protection against bacteria entering the urethra during sex: daily orange juice isn’t a proven preventive measure; avoiding cotton underpants would not reduce moisture and bacterial growth; treating vaginal yeast infections promptly helps comfort but doesn’t specifically prevent bacteria from reaching the urethra during intercourse.

During intercourse, bacteria can be introduced toward the urethra, increasing the risk of a bladder infection. Using a water-based lubricant reduces friction and microtrauma to the urethral opening, helping maintain the natural barrier against bacterial entry. A condom adds a protective barrier between partners, limiting the transfer of bacteria toward the urethral meatus. Together, these practices lower the chance that bacteria will ascend into the urinary tract after sex, decreasing UTIs. The other options don’t offer the same direct protection against bacteria entering the urethra during sex: daily orange juice isn’t a proven preventive measure; avoiding cotton underpants would not reduce moisture and bacterial growth; treating vaginal yeast infections promptly helps comfort but doesn’t specifically prevent bacteria from reaching the urethra during intercourse.