By Paul J. Watkins
A bladder infection can be a most painful and disruptive experience for a woman. Prevention is the ideal goal. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about keeping your bladder healthy.
1. True or False: Wearing cotton underwear is better than wearing nylon underwear.
The answer is true. Cotton underwear allows for better air circulation, keeping your urethra drier. Synthetic materials can trap moisture, creating an environment where bacteria can grow. If you wear pantyhose, choose ones with cotton crotches.
2. True or False: Besides wearing the cotton undergarments, there’s no other way to prevent bladder infections.
The answer is false. There are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of infection. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, which is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, here are some easy tips to follow:
- Drink plenty of water every day
- Urinate when you feel the need; don't resist the urge
- Wipe from front to back
- Take showers instead of baths
- Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches, which may irritate the urethra
3. True or False: Drinking cranberry juice may bring on a bladder infection.
The answer is false. According to a letter published in The New England Journal of Medicine, drinking cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs. Because it's naturally very tart, most bottled cranberry juices add sugar or artificial sweetners to soften the taste. Cranberry extract tablets are available so the benefits of cranberries can be enjoyed without the calories. Some studies suggest that regularly drinking cranberry may pose increased risk of developing kidney stones, so experts recommend speak with your doctor before making cranberry juice a normal part of part of your diet.
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