Caring for a urinary problem or injury
Starting home treatment at the first minor signs of a bladder infection may prevent the problem from getting worse, clear up your infection, and prevent complications. Here are some things you can do.
- Drink more fluids.
Start drinking extra fluids as soon as you notice the symptoms and for the next 24 hours. This will help dilute the urine, flush bacteria out of the bladder, and decrease irritation. But if a medical condition such as a kidney or heart problem prevents you from drinking more fluids, just make sure to drink your usual amount of fluids.
- Urinate when you feel the urge.
Don't wait until a more convenient time.
- Don't drink alcohol, caffeine, or fizzy drinks.
They can irritate the bladder.
- Take a warm bath.
A bath may help relieve pain and itching. Avoid using bubble bath. It may cause more irritation.
- Use gentle soaps, such as hypoallergenic ones.
Avoid deodorant soaps. Use as little soap as you can. Don't use perfumes or feminine hygiene sprays on the genital area.
- Apply a heating pad over your genital area to help relieve the pain.
Set the heating pad temperature on low. Never go to sleep with a heating pad in place.
- Examine your genital area.
Increased redness may mean skin irritation.
- Wear loose clothing and soft cotton underwear.
- Avoid intercourse until symptoms improve.
Don't use a diaphragm or spermicidal cream, foam, or gel. A diaphragm may put pressure on your urethra. This pressure may slow down or prevent your bladder from emptying completely. Spermicides can cause genital skin irritation.
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